Week 1 fan:Patrick Joyce

Gail Franklin

Patrick Joyce has made the annual pilgrimage from his home near Scranton to the season opener at Penn State for decades, but unlike other fans, he doesn't get caught in traffic anymore.

Catrina Rawson

Patrick Joyce of Moosic, biked 150 miles to State College for the first Penn State home football game Saturday, September 1, 2007. This is Joyce's fifteenth year to ride his bike to State College for the home opener. CDT/Catrina Rawson

Who should be the Penn State fan of the year, as featured in the CDT?

For the past 15 years, Joyce has cycled 300 miles round trip from his home to the Nittany Lions' season opener, a feat he calls an "easy ride."

He arrived on Friday from his two-day solo trip with plenty of adrenaline leftover to cheer on the team. Joyce said he decided to combine his favorite team sport with his beloved hobby of long-distance cycling when friends bought a home in State College.

"My students think I'm off the wall," Joyce said. "They can't believe it when I tell them what I do."

FAN: Patrick Joyce, high school Spanish teacher Hometown: Moosic

Why I'm the best fan: "I kind of embody what I think athletics are supposed to be about. It's not about just watching something; it's about watching something and then doing something physical on your own. Going to these games keeps me motivated because I have to be in shape do that."

My game day attire: Football jersey, shorts and sandals.

Favorite Penn State cheer: O, O, O, Let's go State!

Favorite Penn State game: Oct. 8, 2005 Ohio State vs. Penn State at Beaver Stadium.

Why I should win the best fan contest: "There are 110,000 fans in the stadium, but I'm the only one who dedicates an entire weekend to cycling there. I am Penn State from the time I get on my bike in Scranton to the time I get back home."