Pictured are Dr. Joe Tedesco, left, and Dr. Grant Stephenson, both of whom have been riding bicycles across the country to support brain cancer research at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Submitted photo

Since April 30, two retired physicians have been traveling by bicycle across the United States.

Grant Stephenson, a retired doctor from Westfield, and his companion, Joe Tedesco, another retired physician who used to live in Erie, Pa., but now resides in Arizona, began the trip to raise funds for the Ivy Brain Tumor Center in Phoenix, Ariz. It was there where Tedesco’s friend, Nate Tomlin, was treated for brain cancer after being diagnosed seven years ago.

“This is a trip I’ve always wanted to do,” Tedesco said. “I never had the opportunity until now. My friend, Nate, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer gave me the opportunity because we were able to link it with the place he is being treated and get a fundraiser set up. I’ve known Nate for 30 years, and he’s only 35 years old.

He was very excited about this and helped get the ride linked to the fundraiser and we got the foundation to set it up.”

Stephenson and Tedesco did not know each other before setting out together.

“I happened to know his brother,” Stephenson said. “He mentioned one day that (Tedesco) was doing this, and I thought I would like to come along for part of it. My wife, Amy, told me that if I was going to do it I should do the whole thing. So, we met for the first time on April 29 and we left on April 30.”

The pair left Santa Monica, Calif., on April 30, and together will be riding for about eight weeks. When speaking with The Post Journal, they were stopped in Wooster, Ohio, the 10th of 15 states the two planned to travel through.

Neither Stephenson or Tedesco have undertaken a ride like this before; both have enjoyed meeting new people along the way.

“One of our favorite things is to get up, ride for like 20 or 30 miles and then find a cafe to stop at for breakfast,” Stephenson said. “We’ve met many interesting people that way, and we get to hear their stories.”

Stephenson noted when they stopped one morning for breakfast in Ohio, the particular cafe did not serve breakfast, so they called another nearby place to see if they were still open.

“We just thought it was funny that they actually did that for us,” Stephenson said. “It’s been great to meet people along the way and hear their stories. It’s been very entertaining and a terrific experience.”

Tedesco agreed that the experience has been worth it.

“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Tedesco said. “I would say to people, if you have dreams, go out and make them happen.”

The pair of riders will be ending their ride at Crane Beach, Mass., and were expected to return to Westfield this past Saturday.

To learn more of their journey, or to make a donation, visit whereisjoesbike.com/