Patriotism Isn’t Partisan
Why I Celebrate America No Matter Who Is President
Wheels to Adventure, at its full expression, is about exploration—adventure travel by bike, camper, motorcycle, or whatever else gets you moving toward something new.
Freedom Ride 250 is a specific expression of that spirit: a cross-country journey celebrating America at 250 years old.
Neither project is about partisan politics or daily social debates.
They are about movement.
Discovery.
And celebrating the country through experience—not commentary.
Neither project is about partisan politics or daily social debates. They are about movement, discovery, and celebrating the country through experience—not commentary. If public policy enters the conversation, it will be because it intersects directly with travel. For example, I plan to speak with senators on both sides of the aisle about funding for rail-trail development and the balance between investing in public infrastructure and managing national debt. That discussion isn’t political theater—it’s practical.
Trails exist (or don’t) because of those decisions.
While I have a personal interest in public policy, that is not the purpose of this newsletter. However, given the current political climate and certain recent events, it feels necessary to briefly acknowledge that context—not to debate it, but to frame Freedom Ride 250 properly.
This ride is about celebrating the country itself—beyond election cycles and headlines.
When Patriotism Became an Interview Question
For context, I think it’s helpful to look back at both the Australian Open and the Winter Olympics.
At the Australian Open, Owen Lewis—a writer for The Athletic, owned by The New York Times—asked several American players how it felt, or whether it was difficult, to represent the country given the “current situation,” specifically referencing Donald Trump as president.
Most of the players declined to engage with the premise of the question.
Coco Gauff was the only one to respond in any substantive way, referencing past comments she had made expressing displeasure with certain policies of the current administration.
It was clear the reporter believed the players should feel a certain way, while most of the athletes seemed intent on avoiding controversy altogether.
The Same Questions at the Olympics
A few weeks later, similar lines of questioning appeared during coverage of the Winter Olympics.
This time, however, several prominent athletes were more willing to engage.
Hunter Hess — Freestyle Skiing
Said he had “mixed emotions” representing the U.S., adding:
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Amber Glenn — Figure Skating
Described it as a “hard time” for the LGBTQ+ community under the current administration and defended speaking out:
“Politics affects us all.”
Chris Lillis — Freestyle Skiing
Said he was “heartbroken” over recent U.S. immigration enforcement and the protests surrounding it.
The comments themselves were not the issue so much as the broader media framing. For many Americans, it did not align with the traditional image of athletes representing their country on the world stage.
It left a sour taste among a significant portion of the population.
When the Narrative Changed
That tone shifted in the second week of the Games.
When Alysa Liu won gold in figure skating…
When the women’s hockey team won gold and sang the national anthem together during the medal ceremony…
When the men’s team later won and spoke openly about how the victory was for America and for each other…
The narrative changed.
The focus returned to excellence, unity, and pride in country.
Their profiles rose not only because they won—
but because they celebrated representing the United States without qualification.
Celebrating America — All of It
Part of celebrating America is celebrating each person’s right to feel how they feel about politics or anything else for that matter.
But one of the foundations of Freedom Ride is simple:
I’m celebrating the country. All of it.
Pride in America is not about who is president.
In the hype video I made for this project, a few friends were surprised I included a clip of Barack Obama.
Their surprise was concerning to me—but not surprising.
Many avoid discussing politics with me, and therefore don’t really have a full picture of what I believe and why.
It’s one aspect of my personality they simply don’t try to understand.
But here is the point of this post.
I don’t love my country when my preferred party or candidate is in charge.
I love America regardless of who wins.
I vote for a particular type of candidate.
But my love of country isn’t conditional.
I celebrate America no matter who is in charge.
I was not a fan of President Obama’s policies, but I loved my country just as much during his presidency as I do now that Trump is president.
If Hillary Clinton had won, I would have loved America just as deeply.
I would celebrate the 250th anniversary of this great nation just as much if Kamala Harris had won.
Because patriotism isn’t partisan.
Loving a Country Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Its Flaws
Pride in your country is not reserved for Republicans or conservatives.
Nor does it mean ignoring the mistakes or injustices committed over the last 250 years.
But what I celebrate is how we have responded to those moments.
America has fought to become a more “perfect union” and to move closer to the ideals expressed in the Constitution.
One Country
During this ride, I won’t care whether the people I meet are red or blue.
I’ll care that they are Americans.
And that they are part of this country’s story.
We are among the most privileged people in the history of the world.
The Olympic athletes who feel some disdain for the country can still say that on the international stage.
Athletes in countries like China or Iran cannot.
Alysa Liu’s own family history is connected to the events surrounding Tiananmen Square—one of the most famous examples of what happens when protest is crushed by force.
Perspective matters.
The Real Goal of Freedom Ride 250
I am lucky and blessed to live in this country. I love it above party and above individuals, and the greatness of its people rises above both.
That is what I hope to show my subscribers. Let’s meet the people, see the beauty of the land, and remember that both exist in red states and blue states alike.
Because at the end of the day, we are all Americans.