Stahr, a volunteer at Sacred Heart Community Center, is riding his bicycle from California to Washington state, then across the Midwest into New England and south to Florida in hopes of working with local nonprofits to raise hunger awareness.

He is not coming back to San Jose and has parted with all his belongings. Stahr plans to take only spare parts for bicycle maintenance that were provided by the Willow Glen bike shop. He will also tow a small basket with his belongings and a set of tools.

"Willow Glen Bicycles are one of my biggest supporters," Stahr said.

"The odds of me making a big splash are slim, and usually bicycle shops sponsor professional bicyclists."

But Stahr's limited knowledge about bicycles did not deter the shop from giving him a hand.

"Keith would come around, and we got to know him," said Tahn VonRehmer, a mechanic at the shop. "We wanted to help him out." VonRehmer showed Stahr how to work on his bike so he would know the basics about bike repair.

When Stahr first mentioned his plans, VonRehmer was a bit shocked.

"It's a long journey, but it's cool that he can do this," VonRehmer said. "A lot of people want to do similar things but don't have the audacity to do it."

The first priority for the bike shop was helping Stahr get his wheels. "I was concerned," VonRehmer said. "The bike he originally brought to us was older. So we got him another bike that was a mechanically sound vehicle."

The bicycle shop also provided Stahr with a chain, brake pads, wrenches, extra tires and tubes.

"Mechanically, he's pretty set," VonRehmer said. "At least he's got most of the parts, so he won't have to spend too much money along the way."

This is the first time since the shop changed ownership in June 2005 that it has supported someone with this type of endeavor, said owner Dick Van Der Luit.

"We took an interest in what he's going to do and made sure he had a sturdy and solid bike and some equipment to work with," Van Der Luit said.

Van Der Luit has also offered Stahr the chance to order what he needs along the way, and have the shop send it out to wherever he is.

"We wish him luck and wished we could help him more," Van Der Luit said. "We guided him on his bike and hope he will be safe."

But there are some who will be sad to see him go.

"Honestly, we value the work of all the volunteers," said Sacred Heart Community Center executive director Poncho Guevara. "Losing him concerns us as much as our excitement for him. But it's something that's important to him. He has faith in organizations like Sacred Heart."

Stahr had been volunteering at the nonprofit for the last two years.

"I find it compelling that he recognizes individuals suffering of hunger are part of the fabric of our community as well," Guevara said.

The nonprofit shares Stahr's frustrations over families who have basic needs that aren't met, Guevara said.

"Hunger is a manifestation of poverty," he added. "It's inspiring that someone who is an average guy can step up to the plate and do something so amazing. There's a lesson for us all in that kind of dedication."

For more information or to follow Stahr's journey, visit www.fatgrocer. blogspot.com.

El Camino Hospital

Janet Garvey, Real Estate Agent