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Double Amputee Veteran Cycling 5,400 Miles To Raise $1M For Veterans

By Syma Chowdhry

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Rob Jones, a decorated Marine Veteran, lost both his legs after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan three years ago.

He is determined to raise $1 million for veterans like himself, all with a push of a pedal.

"The initial reason was because I wanted to do some kind of an adventure after I was done with my physical therapy."

That adventure is a cross country bike ride and he is making a stop in Conshohoken.

His journey started last month in Maine and has been trekking an average of 30 miles a day.

He says, "This distance itself is a challenge for able bodied people."

He makes it look easy but Rob faces many challenges when he gets on a bike.

"I don't use quadricep muscles because I don't have knees. So I don't have calves as well and those are a couple of the big muscles that you use to move a bike."

Rob is riding alone but his 17-year-old brother is driving a truck behind him, watching in awe.

Rob's brother, Steve Miller says, "If you can ride a bicycle without legs than anybody can do anything."

Rob is on the way to Virginia, and then he will start heading west and end in San Diego.

He hopes his story will inspire others.

He hopes, "to set an example for people to follow and rise up to in their own lives."

Rob is staying in Conshohoken overnight and then he will continue to cover more than 5,400 miles in total.

He says it will take him about six months to complete his journey.

If you want to follow his progress or make a donation visit, Robjonesjourney.com or click here.

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