Dutch cyclist is last to finish Bikecentennial bicycle tour

The Dutch cyclist Frank van Dijk has finally completed his TransAmerica bicycle tour, 34 years after he set off from Oregon with a group of countrymen in 1976.

Here's how Frank described those last few miles to Eureka, Kansas, at his website Tour de Frank:

“With each car that you hear, you're especially careful. Eureka approaching! It is a short drive about 50km. Yet another 5 … 10 …. 3 …. more. I see the board Eureka City Limits.

No fanfare, no music …….. but a good feeling! I am here!! The champagne is chilled.”

Unfinished business

Frank is celebrating after wrapping up some unfinished business, a cross-country bicycle tour. About halfway through the trip in 1976, Frank was struck by an automobile about 4 miles west of Eureka, Kansas. He suffered a coma and broken bones, ending his cross-country Bikecentennial adventure.

He returned in late August to complete the tour, leaving Yorktown, Virginia, followed by a camper driven by his friend. He headed west along the Adventure Cycling Association's TransAmerica Bicycle Route.

Frank rode his bicycle about 100 km (62 miles) a day, quite an accomplishment for a 58-year-old man to complete the 1,800-mile journey in about four weeks.

Charity

Of course, Frank never gave up bicycling in The Netherlands. He has been raising money for the Dutch charity KiKa (Kinderen Kankervrij), which translates to Children Cancerfree, by leading charity bike rides. In fact, the bike tour to Eureka was a fund-raising venture for KiKa.

After reaching Eureka, Frank and Ron relocated their celebration to Las Vegas. They're scheduled to fly back to Kansas to pick up the camper, drive it back to Washington DC, and then head home to The Netherlands.

Celebration

Frank and his friend, Ron, may have been the only ones to celebrate in Eureka, but his exploits were followed by the patrons of his tavern back in town of Laren, The Netherlands. He received a warm send-off from T' Bonte Paard (The Spotted Horse), and I'm sure he'll receive a jubilant welcome when he returns home.

More about Frank van Dijk's plans and his journey at “Dutch cyclist nears end of TransAmerica bike tour started in 1976” and “Dutch cyclist returns to the US to finish 1976 bike tour.”

You may hear more about Frank, as the film company Barnstormers plans to produce a documentary of his quest.