Amazing bike trip: Reality TV host stops in Cedar City

For Phil Keoghan, the host of CBS's highly acclaimed reality television show The Amazing Race, Cedar City was not just another stop on his way to New York City from Los Angeles, it was a place to raise awareness for important causes.

Keoghan, who has won seven Emmy Awards for his work on The Amazing Race, began a countrywide bike tour March 28 in Los Angeles in hopes of reaching New York City by May 9, stopping in smaller towns like Cedar City in the process.

Keoghan began his Thursday morning by talking to a group of nearly 70 students and Cedar City community members at the Iron County Visitor Center about his experiences as the host of The Amazing Race and his cause for riding cross-country before continuing his trip east.

Keoghan said riding his bike across the United States was a personal goal.

"I am doing this as part of my own personal goal … my philosophy, which is no opportunity wasted," Keoghan said.

Keoghan said he began touring across the country a couple of years ago promoting The Amazing Race and decided this was the time to add other causes to his agenda, while using his legs.

"Its nice to see the places that you usually fly over," Keoghan said. "This is a great country and these are great communities."

Keoghan decided to use a coast-to-coast bike trip to promote awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that attacks the central nervous system and often leads to disability.

Keoghan said the National Multiple Sclerosis Society came to him asking for his help in promoting awareness for the disease commonly known as MS.

"I have had several offers from charities," Keoghan said. "The MS society is well organized and they have an incredible passion to find a cure for this disease. Everyone knows someone affected by MS; a cousin, brother, sister, someone."

In addition, Keoghan wanted to teach the economic and physical values of riding a bike.

"In this economic time, I thought it was great opportunity to get back to the basics," Keoghan said. "At one time 50 percent of all travel in America was done in two miles or less. Lots of people use cars because it's a want, but it's not a need. It's now somewhere like 40 percent and when you think about it, 40 percent is huge, that's less money needed to spend on gas."

Outdoor Center Director Rob Myers did not attend the event, but agreed with Keoghan's opinion on biking.

"I ride to work every day," Myers said. "People worry about the time factor, but it's not an issue. I have beaten people who drive to work every day several times. My hat's off to the people on campus for adding more areas for bike parking and making it easier for those who bike."

Keoghan said the physical value of riding a bike is also a great benefit.

"It's great for burning off calories," Keoghan said. "Of course if you're riding 100 miles a day like I have, you are going to burn off a lot of calories."

Brandon Larsen, a sophomore music education major from Castle Dale, was in attendance as a part of the SUU band to welcome Keoghan to Cedar City and send him off.

"He talked about his show and why he is riding," Larson said. "I thought it was for a great cause."

The SUU band and the Canyon View High School choir both were in attendance to play songs and sing for Keoghan and his riding crew.

Larson said Keoghan was a pleasant person when he got a chance to meet him.

"He seemed really personable and fun and he was a nice guy," Larson said. "When he came out to support the band he made sure he got to talk to everybody. He just expressed his appreciation for us."

Keoghan said he appreciated the support he has gotten in the short amount of time that his project has received from communities like Cedar City and from the people that have kept track from his Web site.

"It's just amazing the amount of e-mails I have gotten and the support I have gotten in person," Keoghan said. "Just a bunch of 'thank yous' from people happy about what I'm doing."

Keoghan finished by signing autographs, urging people to follow his progress at his Web site, www.philridesacrossamerica.com, and encouraging donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Keoghan said he will never regret his decision make his cross-country trip.

"When I am on the bike and I look up and see the people on the sidelines directly affected by MS supporting us, it's just a moment where I treasure the movement I have, that's taken away from them," Keoghan said. "It's extremely (heartwarming) to see them cheering for you."