(Scroll down to bottom of article to see where Jonny B. and Kitty Kat are now!)
Many people dream of leaving it all behind, hitting the open road, and just going where life takes them, but few actually follow through. Emir John Bjelajac (BEE-LIE-ES), better known as "Jonny B.", has done just that. He is riding an adult-sized red tricycle across the United States to bring recognition to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and United States Veterans. His only steady company during his trip is his trusty black and white pit terrier, "Kitty Kat".
Jonny B. paid $50 for a used bike about 2 1/2 years ago, and began riding it around his home base of Flagler Beach (just north of Daytona). He decided to ride on over to Cocoa Beach, and then began to set his aspirations a little higher. He spruced up his trike, adding several gear boxes on back and a basket on the front, eventually turning it into what he now calls his "RV". Three months ago he and Kitty Kat set out for the ride of their lives, and according to Jonny B., they are loving every minute of it.
"We headed up the coastline to Mayport, then took a ferry over to Fernandina Beach," he said. "We rode on to Highway 90 and started heading this way."
I spoke to Jonny B. in the town of Panacea this past Satuday, December 29, at the home of local Bob Wandphlug, where he had been staying for a few days. He met Bob at a local watering hole in Crawfordville, where he had stopped off upon coming into town. "I am always amazed at the kindness of strangers," said Jonny B. "After being in town for just a few hours, I had three bags of food and a place to rest up for a few days before heading out again."
Jonny B. said he decided to make St. Jude's his cause because he had fond memories of the organization from his childhood. "I remember when Danny Thomas used to come on television asking for help for the children, and I decided I wanted to continue his message." Jonny B. does not collect money for St. Jude's; he simply talks about the organization and tries to make people aware of their needs. "There is no greater high than a smile on a child's face," he says.
An Air Force veteran, Jonny B. also tries to bring awareness to the needs of United States veterans when he is stopped by people to chat. "I receive a pension of $900 a month from the Veteran's Administration, and that, along with the kindness of total strangers, gets me through each month," said Jonny B. "The friendship of strangers, the idea that 'my home is your home', is the purest, simplest
form of what it means to be a good human being." Jonny B. says he buys cheap clothes whenever he needs them, and tries to keep his expenses at a minimum. "I really need new tires for the trike; these are about to fall off, but I can't really afford it right now."
Jonny B.'s rig weighs about 200 lbs. alone, and about 400 lbs. when he and Kitty Kat are on it. It's powered by leg power and two batteries, and contains a small stereo with speakers that play behind his back. He has a small canopy to keep the sun off his and Kitty Kat's heads, and a basket with a small cooler strapped onto the handlebars. He carries basic camping gear in one of his trunks, including, among other things, an air mattress, a Coleman stove, a tiny television, linens, and supplies for Kitty Kat. He also carries a flat, rectangular storage box, strapped on the underside of the sun canopy, full of handmade, wooden roses that he offers to people in exchange for their kindness. As I talk to him, he puts together several bouquets for myself, my daughter, and a friend who came along with us. The rig is also adorned with an American flag. Jonny B. says there were originally two flags, but someone "helped themselves to one of them" along the way.
"I chose the color red for the rig because it's the "heart" color," said Jonny B. Kitty Kat's perch has the words "St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital" in letters cut out of flourescent tape on its side. "Some people I met along the way put those letters on the side of my rig for me," said Jonny B. Jonny B. says he really needs 2 more batteries to help power the rig. "I usually have to push it up hills, because two batteries just aren't enough for that," he says. He's hoping to bring enough recognition to his trip that the popular MTV show "Pimp My Ride" will hear about him and take him on as a client. "I'd love to have my ride "pimped" by the guys on MTV," he says. "I think they could really do something amazing with my rig."
Jonny B. says he is seen by 1,000 to 5,000 people each day during his travels, and says his favorite part of the trip is "meeting America." "I love it when people want to come up and pet Kitty Kat, and many want to take our picture," said Jonny B. "Kitty Kat is really a big part of this experience; she draws a lot of attention." Kitty Kat rides on a box behind Jonny B., and usually rests her head and paws on his left shoulder as they ride. "She likes to give me kisses every now and then." Jonny B. says she really planted the seed for making the trip, and it just blossomed from there.
Jonny B. and Kitty Kat plan to ride all the way to California, and will then head on to Oregon. After that, he says they will continue to ride until the end of their days. "I want to continue meeting new people until I die," he said. "I can't think of a better way to do that." He ultimately wants to meet the president, and seems to think it will happen. "I'm guessing it will take us two to three years to make it all the way to California, but we're not in a big rush, so it really doesn't matter how long it takes."
Jonny B., who will only say he is "50-something", was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He joined the Air Force after high school, and served in Communications from 1973 to 1976. After leaving the military, he returned to Pittsburgh for a year or so, and then he and a buddy decided to sell everything and move to Florida, a place he had never been before. "I remember coming into Miami, and I just walked straight out into the water," said Jonny B. He has been in Florida ever since.
When asked where he was headed next, Jonny B. said he would be heading back into Tallahassee on the 2nd of January to try to see Congressman Boyd. "I need to discuss some problems I'm having with my VA benefits," he said. After that, he plans to head to Carrabelle, then Panama City, and then on over to Mobile, Alabama. "But first, I'm going to be made an official member of the Moose Lodge in Panacea tonight," said Jonny B.
Jonny B. has become somewhat of a celebrity during the past few months, with several articles appearing in local papers along the way. He shared some of them with me as he talked, and it was obvious he was proud of the reaction people have had to he and Kitty Kat. "We seem to bring out the best in people as we make our way," said Jonny B, "and that's what it's really all about."
Publisher's Note:I received a call from Jonny B. on January 3, and he has decided to stay over a few days more before continuing his journey. He is still having some problems with his VA benefits, and will be riding up to Tallahassee again this Saturday to meet with several local TV stations on the steps of the Capitol. He plans to keep in touch with us by phone to let us know how his trip is going along the way. To reach Jonny B. by phone, dial (352)257-3579.
- Mary Katherine Westmark, Publisher, Wakulla.com
This article originally published on January 4, 2008.
February 17, 2008 Update on Jonny B. and Kitty Kat written by Mary Katherine Westmark , February 17, 2008
Well, I heard from Jonny B. today (Sunday, February 17) and he is now in Gulf Breeze, FL. Kitty Kat had 10 puppies yesterday, so he is a proud Papa. He is renting a trailer from the brother-in-law of a couple he met there in Gulf Breeze, and will be renting for at least two months before he moves on. He wants to make sure Kitty Kat is going to be alright, and he wants to find homes for all the puppies (except one, which he will keep). He has already had many local folks asking for the puppies, so he feels very optimistic about finding good homes for them.
He is doing well, and sounds good. Greg Grodhaus got his business cards to him a few weeks ago, so now he has something to pass out to the people he meets. He is continuing to try to bring recognition to St. Jude's whereever he goes, and is currently trying to locate an old laptop he can use to communicate with the towns before he arrives.
As I mentioned above, he plans to stay in Gulf Breeze at least until about mid April or so, and will then continue on his way to Mobile, AL and then Biloxi, MS.
January 24th Jonny B. and Kitty Kat Sighting written by Mary Katherine Westmark , January 29, 2008
Greg Grodhaus of Grove, Oklahoma, met Jonny B. while he was in the Port St. Joe area. Greg took an interest in his adventure, and has taken steps to try to help Jonny B. and Kitty Kat along the way.
He had "business cards" printed up for Jonny B., and this is how they read:
Front of Card:
Johnny-B & Kitty-Kat
Tri-cycling across the USA exposing the goodness of the American people & focusing attention on St. Judes Children’s Hospital
Donations gratefully accepted – we appreciate your kind support. Please make your checks to, and send them to:
Friends of Johnny-B C/O Bank of Grove 201 E. 18 th St. Grove, OK 74344
Greg also opened a trust account for Johnny B. at his bank – Bank of Grove in Grove OK. This way, if people want to donate something to them – it doesn’t have to be cash. Greg was worried about Jonny B. having too much cash while on the road.
Greg has also contacted the marketing departments of the 2-largest tri-cycle companies. He is trying to interest them in “sponsoring” Johnny B. and Kitty Kat in providing proper equipment – new tricycle – and maintenance as they cross the USA. He is also talking with a couple of motel chains (Motel-6, Quality Inns). His idea is to have their names placed on Johnny B.'s trailer – similar to the sponsor's ads on NASCAR.
"You never know unless you try," said Greg. "Regardless, we’re all trying to assist Johnny B. and Kitty Kat, which in itself is a noble cause."
Greg last saw Jonny B. and Kitty Kat in Panama City Beach last Thursday, January 24. "A nice guy named Tom was letting them stay with him for a couple days while it was so cold," said Greg.
Jonny B. left Port St. Joe on Tuesday morning, January 15th, and made it to Mexico Beach by that evening. He stayed at the Buena Vista Motel in Mexico Beach, and will be staying there again tonight, the 16th. He plans to begin making his way to Panama City Beach tomorrow, January 17th, weather permitting. He would like to thank Greg Grodhaus for helping him make his way from Apalachicola to Port St. Joe. He is doing well, and will take Kitty Kat to the vet when he reaches the next town for a check-up. He is currently looking for some new parts for his trike.
Jonny B. and Kitty Kat made it to Apalachicola on Saturday, January 12. I received a call from Jonny B. at around 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and he was doing well and spending the night with a kind stranger there in Apalach. He is hoping to be able to update us regularly through a blog here on the site, if he can get to a computer every now and then on his trip. (He currently does not have his own.)
Comment on Johnny B and Kitty Kat written by Mary Darnell , January 10, 2008
Monday I watched WCTV at 7:00 and saw Johnny B and Kitty Kat on the news. I didnt think much of it at the time other than hey thats is a cool thing he is doing. Later that afternoon around lunch I drove up Crawfordville Highway towards Tallahassee and saw the pair at the abandoned gas station I beleive formally known as Glendas. I thought to my self I will go make my deposit and stop in to the fast food chain and grab two sandwiches to give to them when I come back through. I picked them up lunch and drove back but they had already left and kept towards Crawfordville and seen them resting again on LL Wallace Rd. I pulled over ( which many people said I was nuts!) but I felt led to do this...dont know why but I did. I pulled over and Johnny B approached the truck and started to cry. He said I thank you very much and I stated that the good Lord just led me to come see you and bring you and your dog this lunch to carry you through a bit further. He then said something that blew my mind! He has been here in Tallahassee with his lawyers seeking HELP for VA medicine from a spinal injury and is in a lot of pain. That VA cut his benefits off....I dont really remember the entire story just because I didnt understand what he was talking about not familiar with VA benefits other than home loans. But he couldn't stop crying about how bad he hurts and how he needs medical help. I couldnt help him but I said to keep the faith because I know the Lord is listening. So I saw another car pull up probably to to chat with him as well, but even though me meeting him and his adorable pooch was brief I felt thankful for what I have. He is doing a great deed to society by attracting awareness to the cause but underneath the cause is a greater need that he is seeking and that is VA medical care. Happy New Year and God Bless...Mary Darnell
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Local News 
Jonny B. said he decided to make St. Jude's his cause because he had fond memories of the organization from his childhood. "I remember when Danny Thomas used to come on television asking for help for the children, and I decided I wanted to continue his message." Jonny B. does not collect money for St. Jude's; he simply talks about the organization and tries to make people aware of their needs. "There is no greater high than a smile on a child's face," he says.
Jonny B.'s rig weighs about 200 lbs. alone, and about 400 lbs. when he and Kitty Kat are on it. It's powered by leg power and two batteries, and contains a small stereo with speakers that play behind his back. He has a small canopy to keep the sun off his and Kitty Kat's heads, and a basket with a small cooler strapped onto the handlebars. He carries basic camping gear in one of his trunks, including, among other things, an air mattress, a Coleman stove, a tiny television, linens, and supplies for Kitty Kat. He also carries a flat, rectangular storage box, strapped on the underside of the sun canopy, full of handmade, wooden roses that he offers to people in exchange for their kindness. As I talk to him, he puts together several bouquets for myself, my daughter, and a friend who came along with us. The rig is also adorned with an American flag. Jonny B. says there were originally two flags, but someone "helped themselves to one of them" along the way.
Jonny B. says he is seen by 1,000 to 5,000 people each day during his travels, and says his favorite part of the trip is "meeting America." "I love it when people want to come up and pet Kitty Kat, and many want to take our picture," said Jonny B. "Kitty Kat is really a big part of this experience; she draws a lot of attention." Kitty Kat rides on a box behind Jonny B., and usually rests her head and paws on his left shoulder as they ride. "She likes to give me kisses every now and then." Jonny B. says she really planted the seed for making the trip, and it just blossomed from there.
Jonny B., who will only say he is "50-something", was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He joined the Air Force after high school, and served in Communications from 1973 to 1976. After leaving the military, he returned to Pittsburgh for a year or so, and then he and a buddy decided to sell everything and move to Florida, a place he had never been before. "I remember coming into Miami, and I just walked straight out into the water," said Jonny B. He has been in Florida ever since.
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He is doing well, and sounds good. Greg Grodhaus got his business cards to him a few weeks ago, so now he has something to pass out to the people he meets. He is continuing to try to bring recognition to St. Jude's whereever he goes, and is currently trying to locate an old laptop he can use to communicate with the towns before he arrives.
As I mentioned above, he plans to stay in Gulf Breeze at least until about mid April or so, and will then continue on his way to Mobile, AL and then Biloxi, MS.