“Old Scout” Bikes 1800 Miles for Equality

Eagle Scout Father and Solider Son Bike from Idaho to Texas in Support of Efforts
to End Discrimination in the Boy Scouts

Bikers Bring Message of Equality to America

May 3, 2013 (Idaho Falls, ID) — Today, Eagle Scout Dave McGrath and his son, Army Specialist Joe McGrath, who has just returned from serving in Kuwait, begin an incredible journey that will take them 1800 miles from their home in Idaho to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Meeting in Irving, Texas. This entire journey will be done by bicycle and with the sole purpose of demonstrating their support for ending discrimination in the Boy Scouts.

“For 25 years I was silent on this issue but this old scout promises to be silent no more,” said 48 year-old Dave McGrath. “I leave today with a purpose to see this shameful policy overturned and in support of a stronger Boy Scouts organization that is inclusive and accepting of all Scouts and Scoutmasters.”

Based on the National Geographic Channel weekly series “Are you tougher than a Boy Scout? McGrath’s response is “Are you tougher than THIS Boy Scout?” Along the way the father-son team will visit with fellow scouts and supporters and participate in a wide array of community events.

“I join my father on this journey in support of all of the amazing kids and loving parents who are not allowed to share in the scouting experience,” said Joe McGrath. “As a soldier in the US Army, I am proud that they no longer discriminate and believe that it is high time the Boy Scouts does the same.”

Following the BSA’s trademarked “Be Prepared” motto, the father and son team plans to travel unsupported – carrying their gear themselves and sleeping on the ground. Each day will be a “century ride” (100 miles or more) and six of the daily elevation gains will be greater than the “golden standard” of mountaineering elevation gain in the continental U.S. – 5,000 vertical feet – more than the summit day of climbing Mt. Rainier, or its inverse, hiking the Grand Canyon. The entire trip’s total elevation gain will be the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest…twice. All this is in support of McGrath’s message: “Are you tougher than this gay-loving Boy Scout?”

“Scouts for Equality applauds the efforts of Dave and Joe McGrath,” said Zach Wahls, Eagle Scout and Founder of Scouts for Equality. “These men represent the values that Scouting taught each of us and our organization is proud to work with them to support equality in the Boy Scouts.”

Press Information: Members of the press who wish to interview Dave or Joe McGrath should RSVP to Jamie Drogin at press@scoutsforequality.com or 212-260-8813.

Additional information is available at http://oldscoutspromise.blogspot.com.