If you're bicycling anywhere on the eastern half of the TransAmerica Bicycle Route over the next six weeks, keep an eye open for a cyclist wearing a yellow T-shirt that says “Tour de Frank: 1976 – 2010.”
Wave, give him a thumbs up, or even stop for a chat. That's Frank van Dijk, a fragment of bicycle touring history.
The 58-year-old Dutchman is finishing his Bikecentennial tour that he started 34 years ago.
Collision
Frank was one of thousands who took to the road in 1976 to cross the United States by bicycle to celebrate the nation's 200th anniversary. Frank set out with a group of 179 cyclists called “The Dutch Apples” who left the Pacific Coast to ride east to Yorktown, Virginia.
Unfortunately for Frank, an elderly motorist ran into him with her Buick in Eureka, Kansas. His head crashed through the windshield, and he spent several days hospitalized in a coma and with several fractures. That ended his ride.
Won't give up
These days, Frank is the proprietor of T' Bonte Paard (The Spotted Horse) in Laren, but that unfinished bicycle tour has always nagged at him. As a filmmaker writes about Frank's journey:
“You can tell a lot from Frank, but giving up does not exist in his dictionary. … Tour de Frank (My way or the highway) is an illustration of our Dutch intransigence and shows that anything is possible, but if you have set your sights on it. Even at an older age.”
So, after a year of planning, Frank and his friend Ron left their home and took off for the United States last Tuesday. Soon, Frank will roll out of Yorktown, Virginia, on his bicycle with Ron following behind in a camper.
Charity ride
Frank plans to ride his bike along 1,800 miles of the Adventure Cycling Association's TransAmerica route that he never got a chance to see 34 years ago to Eureka, Kansas.
Along the way, he'll be raising money for the Dutch charity KiKa (Kinderen Kankervrij), which translates to Children Cancerfree. In fact, he started raising money for KiKa before he left. One charity ride he promoted drew 70 cyclists and raised 1,500 euros (after his cafe matched the amount raised by the cyclists). KiKa donation page.
You might be able to check his progress at Tour de Frank website, although the translations have been spotty, or the local newpaper, Allesvan.nl. In any case, Frank plans to arrive in Eureka in early October, then head back home by Oct. 6.
Documentary
After the ride, filmmakers at Barnstormers plan to produce a documentary. Below is a short video about Frank's ride.
Let's all wish that Frank has the wind to his back and a safe trip this time.
Recent Comments