Generous residents in the Eugene, Oregon, are helping to put a bicycling couple from Indiana back on the road after one of their bikes and gear was stolen last weekend.
Melissa Henige and Andrew Davis had left a cafe in Eugene on Saturday when they discovered someone had cut the cable lock on their bikes and ridden off with Melissa's bike and trailer, which included clothes and camping gear.
Their initial response to throw in the towel and complete their journey to California by train was derailed when their story got out and people starting offering gear and bikes so they could continue. Andrew writes at their blog, Changing Gears:
“So offers for bikes and trailers and camping gear and help have been flooding in over the last 48 hours. It's amazing.
“This morning we got offers for 3 more bikes a couple of trailers and a bunch of other equipment (camping supplies, clothes, etc.). It's even gotten to the point where we've changed our minds on Amtrak.
“We're going to take up some people on their generous offers and take off again by bike, and we're going to make this coastal trip happen. Today we'll be figuring out exactly what we have available to us, but we're going to finish this trip in the bike saddle one way or another.”
Bike tour
The two left Indiana by bike with the intention of compiling interviews and other research for a documentary they're shooting about what some cities and individuals are doing to promote sustainable economies.
They interviewed business owners, city officials and residents across the midwestern and western states. They shot video, updated their blog and kept notes. They struggled with the everyday challenges of bicycle touring — weather, terrain, camping and traffic.
But the worst problem hit home when they walked out of that Eugene cafe and discovered the theft.
In a “Dear thief ” note posted on their blog, Melissa wrote:
“After sifting through the amazing gear that you have now acquired, I'm assuming you'll eventually read this, as you'll find our stacks of business cards with our website and information. Little did you know when you stole my bike and gear that you would disrupt an incredible journey across the country. I guess I can thank you for providing a bit more drama to our trip, though I'd prefer to just be able to get back on my bike that I got moons ago when I lived in sunny Coronado, California.”
A local TV station picked up on their story, followed by the local newspaper. Residents responded with donations of bikes and equipment; bike trailer maker Burley Design even offered to replace their stolen trailer.
Now Melissa and Andy can complete their trip by bike, the way they originally intended. Their schedule includes more interviews and a stop at Muir Woods near San Francisco on Aug. 16 where they'll exchange pre-wedding vows.
Good luck to them completing their journey.
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