Mayors Across America. A 3,600 Mile Bicycle Journey Documenting the American Mayor

Newport Beach, CA – February 28, 2009 – The first time went too fast, so he did it again. When Ed Morris set out to ride his bike cross-country for the second time he did so with the idea of exploring the contrast between big city politics and small town reality. He rode in pursuit of answers to questions about government, leadership, and character; curious as to what images of community his lens would capture. The moving outcome of Ed’s journey is Mayor’s Across America, an insightful montage of the men and women who form a collective identity of our nation.

“A bike is the perfect vehicle for traveling across the country.” – Ed Morris

Over a period of 59 days in 2000, Ed and his friend Tim Hovey traversed the country, charting a course through 13 states. Camping by night and peddling over 90 pounds of gear more than 60 miles by day, their route wound them through numerous cities and towns, many of which provided an opportunity to interview the Mayor thus capturing a snapshot of civic leadership and regional psyche. They developed a heightened sense of place, absorbing their surroundings from the unique vantage point of handlebars. The book’s images reflects this intimate view, honing in on the connection between environment, economy, and community.

“The Mayor is the perfect vehicle for creating a collective portrait of the United States.” – Ed Morris

The challenges facing the mayor varied depending on the size of the city, but all of them had equal resonance with their constituency. In Washington D.C. (pop. 572, 059) Mayor Anthony Williams optimistically faced with issues endemic to a large metropolis. In Glenfield, North Dakota (pop. 134) Mayor Bob Boulvitsch spoke simply of exodus of the young, a very serious problem given the town’s tiny size. In virtually every instance, the Mayor seemed to embody the civic spokesperson, the citizen who could best rise up to the demands of their community because they were one of them.

“There is so much to see.” – Ed Morris

Mayor’s Across America is a visual journey that creates a powerful connection between people. It speaks to the hopes, dreams, challenges, and triumphs that comprise the patchwork populace of our diverse country. And it explores the quiet dignity that moves so many to become something more, the Mayor.

To learn more, please visit: www.MayorsAcrossAmerica.com

For more information please contact:
Ed Morris
949-209-8771
ed@MayorsAcrossAmerica.com