New Yorker Bob Barnes is using his time, muscle and determination to support blood donation in all 50 states. The 52-year-old from Syracuse, N.Y., is on a mission to bicycle across the country three times to visit each of the 50 state capitals.

On this adventure, which he’s dubbed the Great American Triple Switchback, Barnes is donating blood products in capital cities to inspire others to also give the gift of life. Blood donation is a singular, no-cost way to help others countrywide, he said, joking that his  blood type is B+, which became his slogan of “Be Positive.”

On June 24, Barnes donated at the Red Cross Donor Center in Boise after a night of camping near the Snake River. Boise marks capital number 46 for Barnes.

“I can’t donate money, but I have blood to give,” he said.

So far weather has been his biggest obstacle,

especially in Wyoming where he had to battle “harsh
October winter weather.”

Montana’s early summer provided a great backdrop.

“Of all my travel, Montana is the prettiest state by far,” he said.

After Boise, Barnes will head to Olympia, Wash.; Juneau, Alaska, and, finally, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Follow Barnes on his travels at https://www.facebook.com/Bibbery-Travels-2052995791691095. And don’t forget to make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood at RedCrossBlood.org.