600-mile ride one for the books

The 47-year-old educator says he plans to pedal 600 miles from Washington, D.C., to Plymouth to raise money for the Plymouth Education Foundation. He would begin this journey June 6 and is expected to return to Plymouth — and be greeted with a hero’s welcome — a week later.

“Everyone has asked me, ‘Why are you doing this — are you crazy?’ ’’ said Maestas. “I am — I am a little bit crazy.’’

Maestas says he will be riding a Specialized Robaix bicycle, a high-end ride that’s extremely lightweight and top-of-the-line, but not exactly a La-Z-Boy recliner. (“The seat’s not that comfortable,’’ said Maestas. “It’s as comfortable as I can get it.’’)

But he’s not biking for pleasure. He says he’s doing it to support the education of students in Plymouth, a district with an enrollment of 8,126 and a budget that has seen significant reductions in the past two years. (The annual budget is currently $93 million, he said.) Proceeds from Maestas’ ride will go to the nonprofit foundation, formed in 2008 to support educational programs, professional development for teachers, and student enrichment opportunities.

“I’m challenging myself a little bit here, and I want to raise funds to help the foundation make dreams come true for kids and teachers,’’ said Maestas.

For the trip this summer, Maestas says he plans to wear a sensor that tracks the speed of his bike and his heart rate, and his location will be broadcast via GPS. That information will be posted online so students — and anyone else interested — can monitor his performance and progress during the trek, which he has dubbed “DreamRide.’’

Along the way, Maestas will be accompanied by an entourage of supporters, including Plymouth teachers, students, and a school nurse.

Seth Lawrence, owner of Serious Cycles of Manomet, is training two students to serve as repair technicians — in case their superintendent needs help along the way. Maestas plans to pedal five hours per day, logging an average of 80 miles per day on a route that he has designed as an “education journey.’’ He’ll leave Washington and pass by Camden Yards in Baltimore, and continue on to Philadelphia. He also plans to ride through New York City, and will be reaching out to a local school there to get involved.

He says he will record video blogs and updates on the road, and a team of high school students will be documenting the trip and posting videos to the Internet. Teachers plan to incorporate facets of Maestas’ trip into their curriculum, and have students do calculations and hone their geography skills.

Maestas gave this example of how DreamRide would be used in class: “If Dr. Maestas leaves Aberdeen, Md., at 6 a.m. heading toward Philadelphia, averaging 16 miles per hour, what time will he arrive in Philadelphia? What time will he arrive if he stops four times for 30 minutes each stop? In addition, if his bike breaks down and it takes 25 minutes to fix, what time will he arrive?’’

“We are planning on doing a ‘Where in the world is Dr. Maestas’ map to keep the kids back in Plymouth on their toes,’’ he said.

Robert C. Betters, president and director of the Plymouth Education Foundation, said Maestas approached the foundation several months ago about doing the ride.

“The fact that he’s going to be monitored throughout the ride, and kids at school can watch and interact. . . . It’s not just a fund-raising event, it’s an educational event,’’ said Betters.

Maestas plans to raise at least $100,000 for the foundation by collecting pledged donations from individuals and landing sponsorships from organizations such as Jordan Hospital and Serious Cycles to cover the costs of the ride. A six-figure payment would be a big boost to the Plymouth Education Foundation, which currently has approximately $40,000 in its coffers.

Maestas said he hopes to set an example for students to follow their hopes and dreams: He has had to overcome his own challenges in life — he was born prematurely with underdeveloped lungs, but managed to become a top-ranked cross-country runner in high school and college.

Maestas said he took up cycling only recently, after he realized he could no longer run as he once did. “My legs don’t respond the way they used to, from all the pounding from running,’’ he said. He has been training for up to two hours daily on a stationary bike in the basement of his Marion home.

Aside from his team, he will be accompanied for part of the journey by his wife, Ruby, associate principal of the Carver Elementary School in Carver.

Peter J. Holden, president and CEO of Jordan Hospital, which has agreed to be a sponsor, plans to ride the last leg of the trip with Maestas. Hospital officials say they believe Maestas’ effort will promote health and wellness in the community.

“We are committed to working with Gary and the community to ensure that the DreamRide is a success — and I look forward to riding with him from Boston to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth,’’ said Holden in a statement.

Maestas said plans are in the works to collaborate with Jordan Hospital and hold a health and fitness fair where youngsters can get their bicycles tuned up and get fitted for helmets. It would be a perfect way to culminate the end of a successful journey and presents yet another learning opportunity.

“Kids need to get out more and exercise,’’ said Maestas. “Biking is a great option for them.’’

For information on the DreamRide, including sponsorship and volunteer information, visit www.dreamride.us, or contact DreamRide director Nicole Manfredi at 781-831-0731 or nsmanfredi@aol.com.

Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.