Pastor takes once in a lifetime bicycle trip
Pastor George Head said his adventure was a once in a lifetime opportunity because he wouldn't want to do it again.
By Alan Shoemaker
sshoe@mindspring.com

Rev. George Head explains his coast-to-coast bicycle trip to the St. Andrews Rotary Club

This past summer, George Head, past president of the St. Andrews Rotary Club and senior pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, took on a challenge he had wanted to master all his life. He rode a bicycle across America which was no easy task.

Rev. Head joined a group of 40 like-minded enthusiasts in Seattle, WA, on June 21 and headed east. Right away they had to face the Cascade Mountains before going down hill to flatter land. Ultimately Rev. Head reached the Potomac River near Washington, DC, on August 8 after 48 days of non-stop biking. With an average travel day of 82 miles, this sport was not for everyone. Of the 40 cyclists who started in June, 38 crossed the finish line.

Such an adventure is also one that requires careful planning. Head's Cannondale 27-speed bike endured 12 flat tires, including four in one day. While crossing Montana and South Dakota, temperatures soared to 116 degrees.

Perhaps worst of all, one member of the team was struck by a motorist before getting across Washington and died. Two more were slightly injured in the same fashion. Such are the perils of long distance bike riding. A traveling campground provided them with shelter and food at night.

Upon returning to Columbia, Head's best observation was one that declared this adventure to be a once in a lifetime opportunity because he wouldn't want to do it again anytime soon.