In One Ear: 'Opportunity for reflection'

Astoria visitor Terry Mattingly wrote to the Ear and mentioned fellow visitor, retired doctor John Wood, and his son, Peter, of Minnesota, who were taking a bike trip across the U.S. from Astoria to Bristol, Rhode Island.

“Fifty years ago, in 1974, I biked from Seattle to Boston,” John wrote. “It was a very memorable trip for me. I wanted to do it again.” It will be quite different this time, as Peter has cerebral palsy and other disorders, and can’t walk. But that doesn’t keep him from making friends easily, and impressing everyone “with his open, forthright approach to life.”

Peter’s physical disabilities aren’t a problem for this jaunt, either, as John got a new Hase Pino Cargo e-bike, designed for disabled riders. “Peter sits up front in a recumbent position,” John added. “He’s the first person everyone sees!”

Years ago, there were family biking adventures with Peter and his twin brother, Ben, in a Thule Chariot, until they outgrew it.

In 2017, Peter discovered the Hase bike, “and it was like a whole world of freedom and discovery opened up for our family,” he recalled. “It’s back then that I thought about this bike trip.” John’s wife, Kim, is “supportive of the trip, worried, but knows we will look out for one another.”

Between the heat and the time it takes to recharge the bike’s battery, the camping idea was nixed, and the gear was shipped home. The reduced weight makes the bike battery last longer. “So, as they say in the bike touring world,” John noted, “it’s a credit card tour, but that’s OK.”

There are several stops planned, and visits with friends and relatives. They’ve already met several new people, including Good Samaritans. “I wanted a good break from my 33 years in medicine,” the doctor added, “and thought this ride would provide a great opportunity for reflection.” (Photo: John Wood)