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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels September 30, 2004 A Talent man treks from sea to shining sea By Claire Krulikowski For the Tidings When 63-year old Robert Burnett of Talent set off for Calais, Maine from Port Orford on his bicycle, the experienced cyclist was keeping a promise to himself that neither ill health, hospital bills, busted tires nor a broken trailer hitch was going to stop. Robert Burnett of Talent shows off the glued and taped boots he wore out on his bike trip across the country. Denise Baratta Ashland Daily Tidings He tented most evenings along the journey, he says, and saw pretty scenery, attended the annual Lions Convention in Detroit, and enjoyed the kindness of strangers wherever he went. The gifts of friendship started immediately. Surprising twists "I left on March 15th from Talent to the Oregon coast on two pieces of bum tires. I was sure I'd be able to make it to Klamath Falls, but I ended up not able to leaved Port Orford." Burnett didn't have cash for parts. "I called my bike shop in Ashland, Siskiyou Cyclery, and explained my trip and problem. They talked with the hardware man and arranged to pay my bill themselves, so I now have a chit I owe to Siskiyou Cyclery. They did me a big favor." Burnett's journey was regularly supplemented with surprises. "I decided I'd ride into Washington and take Highway 2 into western Michigan, because on the map it looked like the straightest road in America, but," and his tale is interrupted by a long, soft laugh, "highway 2 is not a straight road. There is probably not one single mile in that entire road that's straight!" Burnett's been riding a bike since he was 35. It's how he gets around. He bikes to and from his job at Associated Fruit in Phoenix. A devoted 30-year member of the Lions, Burnett biked to almost all the chapters in District 36E at one time, and to several national conventions, and held the president's title in District 36E. He'd desired to join an organization that served the community, explaining, "I used to be a part-time drunk, so I figured this was my way to pay back." Committing to his dream When Burnett leaves on long trips he hauls a 2-wheeled trailer hitch behind his bike and wears regular clothes and work boots, eschewing stylish biking attire. Three years ago he'd cycled to the Lions Minneapolis Convention, which inspired him. "I thought, 'If I can make it from Talent to Minneapolis, I should be able to get to Maine.'" A hospitalization ended Burnett's hopes to make the ride last year. The hospital bill could also have shattered plans again, but, "I explained to them I was not adverse to paying the bill, but I couldn't afford to pay it all now. I explained the ride was a promise I'd made to me. I'll never be traveling that same route again." A hospital rep spoke with Burnett, his family, and researched his employment. His bill was reduced and a reasonable payment plan set up. Burnett was still taking medication - and mailing payments - during his 3700 plus-mile ride to Maine. The kindness of strangers Burnett's pre-trip preparation included mailing letters to the Lions International or chapters and to law enforcement agencies that along his route so they'll know he's going to be making the ride in their area. "I've never solicited for money to help support any of my rides," Burnett says, "though, I never turn down assistance." This time though, someone else had "posted a notice on the Web saying 'support Bob on this ride.' That changed the factor for this trip," Most nights Burnett pitched a tent. Sometimes he'd stay at inexpensive hotels. Kindness followed right alongside him. "People heard about me, though I don't know how," he says. "I'd find money tied to my bike when I went back to it. $1, $3, or $5. I found a dollar under a rock on the road I'd announced I'd be passing along on that very day. People offered bottled water, and, even if I had plenty, I accepted." A hitch breakdown stopped him in Utah, but he says, "A guy took me to an address of someone who did a fine job of welding the connection. I'd been pulling it the last 100 miles by cord, rope, anything!" Burnett finally arrived in Calais, Maine in early August. He was on the trip's last leg when, he says, "A bearded fellow in a pick-up truck pulled alongside and asked me where I was going. I told him Calais. I explained I was on a bike ride from Port Orford, Oregon, and he told me 'I'll pick you up,' so I got a lift the last 65 miles." That Good Samaritan then drove Burnett from hotel to hotel seeking inexpensive rates. Greyhound returned Burnett to the Rogue Valley Aug. 24. True to luggage misadventures, his sizable bike and trailer got lost in transit for an additional week. Burnett's job at Associated Fruit was waiting for him. When asked what was so special about this trip for him personally. Burnett's smile exploded spontaneously wide and full, and he laughed, repeating, "Freedom. Freedom. Freedom!" DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams