Cross-Country Biker Wants To Encourage Conversation On World Trade Center Collapse

"If I look tired, don't take it personal," Rena Patty said as she rested by her bicycle Monday near Civic Center Park. "In slang terms, this ride is kicking my butt."

Patty started biking July 25 from San Juan Islands, Wash., and had already traveled 3,300 miles across the country.

She averages about 50 miles per day and only breaks on Sundays so she can go to church.

Along the way, she has stopped at sheriff's offices and police and fire departments so she can hand out copies of a documentary, 9/11: Explosive Evidence, Experts Speak Out.

The documentary was created by a group called Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth. They believe the destruction of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, was caused by more than the two planes that crashed into the towers. They believe explosives were also necessary to cause the damage that toppled the towers.

Patty said the documentary compiles interviews and evidence from civil, structural, electrical  and fire forensic engineers, metallurgists, psychologists and firefighters.

Despite the controversial nature of her message, Patty said that most people have been willing to hear her out. Of her more than 800 stops across the country, she said only 21 people flatly refused to talk with her.

"I would say people have been respectful, thoughtful and willing to take a DVD," she said.

Patty, whose degree is in environmental toxicology, was an associate editor on the documentary.

She said her goal is not political and that the group's intentions "transcend politics."

"My goal is to open honest discussion about the forensic evidence from the World Trade Center," she said.

She added that the group's ultimate goal is for there to be an independent investigation of the forensic evidence from the World Trade Center.

Patty did not stay in Mentor long. She biked to and camped in Geneva State Park Monday night. Her goal is to bike another 700 miles and reach the World Trade Center site by Oct. 25.

"I'm feeling contentment and peace in my heart for doing what I feel I need to do," she said.

People can follow Patty's journey on her blog.