Date: Fri 11-Sep-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

Chris-Benson-bicycle-trip

Full Text:

A Young Transcontinental Traveler

(with cuts)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Sandy Hook tenth-grader Chris Benson spent his summer vacation touring the

country. He was one of 11 Connecticut teenagers accompanied by four adults who

flew out to Seattle and made their way back home, by bicycle.

The students rode their bikes the whole way. The adults rode in an RV

alongside them, with camping gear and food for the group. About half the time

they camped out, and other nights they stayed in youth hostels, churches or

motels along the way.

Chris said that the first week everybody had a tough time with sore muscles,

but it got easier. The sunrises and sunsets the day before they crossed the

Rockies were an inspiration for the long trip ahead.

Then on through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Wisconsin and across

Michigan they rode.

Michigan was the most difficult state for bike riding because of the traffic.

With huge 18-wheel or even 42-wheel transport trucks whizzing by, the group

often had to ride on the gravel shoulder for safety.

Then it was on to Canada to see the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Chris said

that he found Niagara Falls the most amazing place that they visited. He

enjoyed walking the paths and seeing the falls from many vantage points.

They traveled through New York State and Massachusetts and returned to

Connecticut, arriving home the day before school started.

The students, who had become close after being together 24 hours a day for

nine weeks, have already had their first reunion. And they expect to have many

more.