CUMBERLAND — Although pedaling a bicycle from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean is not unique, the purpose of the Extra Mile America tour is.

Shawn Anderson of Marina del Rey, Calif., began a journey across the country July 21 and rode through Cumberland over the weekend. The motivational author and speaker has always believed that going above and beyond, doing more than what is required, and going the extra mile produces positive results. To share this message and inspire people across America, Anderson decided to pedal many extra miles — 60 a day on average — from San Francisco all the way to Boston.

Since July, he has interviewed more than 125 local heroes and representatives of nonprofit organizations, asking them, “What are you doing to go the extra mile?” By sharing the stories of those who are making a difference in their communities, he hopes to encourage people everywhere to go the extra mile in their own lives and in service of others.

At www.ExtraMileAmerica.com, you can read about people like Ted Cochran, who started My Angel Foundation to advocate for the very thing that saved his life — organ donation; or Teresa Elder, who administers critical, mid-flight medical care to patients who are being transported to a hospital by helicopter; or Jenn Gibbons, a rowing coach who started a therapeutic rowing team and support group for breast cancer survivors.

At the end of the tour, Shawn will give away $10,000 of his own money — $1,000 each to 10 people or organizations who are exceptionally inspiring. On Nov. 1, cities across America will celebrate Extra Mile Day to recognize those who work hard to improve the lives of those around them, and reinforce their own personal commitment to going the extra mile in every aspect of life.

To nominate a potential Extra Mile America cash award winner, log on to www.ExtraMileAmerica.com.