Davidsville man rides GAP trail to raise awareness for Easterseals
After some consideration and research, the Davidsville resident chose to bicycle the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
'When I decided it was time to retire ... I wanted to do something that's outdoorsy and a challenge,' Honkus said.
He had heard about the GAP throughout the past 10 years, and read about the attractiveness of the trail to people around the world, which piqued his interest.
While preparing for the trip, Honkus added another level to the journey. He decided to combine his retirement adventure with another longtime passion of his, Easterseals.
He has served on the Easterseals Cambria-Somerset Division advisory council since the 1980s, and recently took a position on the Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania board.
Honkus started a fundraiser for the nonprofit titled 'Bridging the GAP for Easterseals' and set the goal at $2,500, which was quickly met.
He has kept donations open since completing the ride to raise as much money as he can for the organization, which helps children and adults with speech and hearing disabilities, autism and other developmental delays.
As of Monday, the total raised was $5,596. Contributions may be made through May 31 by visiting www.eastersealswcpa.org/pedalthegap2025.
'I'm pretty proud of where it stands now, and hopefully it will grow,' Honkus said.
His interest in Easterseals started with his late boss John Stewart, who served on the Cambria-Somerset Division council and encouraged Honkus to join.
Honkus said that he found the group's mission to be inspiring and he wanted to support it. That's why he dedicated so much time to the council, joined the board and created the fundraiser.
Honkus said the fundraiser also served as a motivator during the difficult portions of the GAP trail.
'For me, personally, riding for somebody who stepped up and supported my charity was a real incentive,' he said.
Annette Shearman, Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania division manager, said everyone is 'very grateful to Dan' for his charitable journey.
'He's an awesome guy,' she added. 'We're just really excited about it.'
Shearman said one of Easterseals' main challenges is raising awareness about what it does, which makes Honkus' advocacy so important.
According to the website, the nonprofit offers 'programs and services to ensure that people with disabilities or other special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.'
Honkus said he was glad to help, and to have a longtime friend join in. When he considered who could accompany him on the journey, former college roommate Rick Ferris made perfect sense, he said.
Honkus and Ferris met at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and have remained friends for decades since.
Honkus asked Ferris to join him earlier this year, and within a few days, the college buddy was on board.
The two had a blast riding the 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Honkus said. They started May 1 and wrapped up May 5, with a rest day at Ohiopyle in between.
The beauty of the Laurel Highlands and the solitude along the trail were remarkable, Honkus said.
'It exceeded my expectations,' he said. 'It was truly a great trip.'
Honkus gained an interest in bicycling within the past 10 years after his daughter, Jackie Honkus, purchased a trail bike. He said he found bicycling invigorating, and since he lives so close to the Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, it was a natural hobby to pick up.
The now-retired Somerset Trust Co. controller spends a lot of time at the reservoir, and described the scenic space as his 'happy place.'
For more information about Easterseals, visit www.easterseals.com/wcpenna.
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