Collegiate Times

"It's a very key human interest story," said Emily Flohre, associate producer of the Martha Stewart Show. "They're young, and we love doing stories about the environment."

Gardner said that his nerves kept him up all night after he got the call about the show.

"I was just laying in bed thinking of every embarrassing thing I could say," Gardner said.

Gardner said he usually finds himself fine talking in front of an audience, which will be about 200 for the show. The cameras, however, will present the problem.

"As long as I block the cameras out, I'll be fine," Gardner said. "I'm just worried about that first walk-in."

Although the show won't air until Arbor Day on April 25, the filming will take place on April 16. Gardner said he is uncertain of whether being away from the Tech campus will be beneficial for him on the shooting's anniversary.

"I was really thinking altogether that I kind of just wanted to get away from the chaos that will occur on the campus," Gardner said. "I go back and forth. I really wanted to be here to be involved, but I think it might be nice as far as my mental health goes."

In regard to the students' physical health, they know they will need a full and balanced diet to complete the trek. Although Gardner's father will give him $100 a week for food, a lot of donations will be needed. So far, the two have collected $10,000 in donations.

"A lot of the costs would go significantly down if we would just find people who would be nice," Gardner said.

As of now, the bikers plan to be camping at stops, but they contacted hotels to ask for donated rooms or even a conference room and a couple cots.

In order to raise money and awareness, the two created a Web site -- plantingamerica.org. Depending on the success of the bike journey, they may keep the company going after their trip.

"Hopefully we might be able to do something philanthropic after the trip is over," Cortina said.

In response to suspicions about the practicality of their goal, Gardner said they are very positive they can complete it, but it's not the most important aspect of the trip.

"In the end, the whole thing is about inspiration," Gardner said. "Even if the project quit now, I would consider it a complete success."

Continue Reading:  « Previous12