West Seattle 11-year-old & dad finish 1,732 miles of pedaling

Gordon Prinster shares that photo and this report:

My 11-year-old son, Callum Prinster, pedalled out of our Admiral driveway with me on July 5th. On Sunday, 1732 miles and 28 campsites later, we arrived at the Mexican border. When asked what he’s going to do when he gets home today, he said “Sit on the couch, make YouTube videos … and NOT ride my bike.”

We sent Gordon a few followup questions and will add to this story if/when we receive replies!

ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: Replies!

We’ve done shorter trips the last couple years – BC’s Gulf Islands and down to Portland – but nothing like this. We initially set off for San Francisco, and we did spend a couple days there, but then we sorta just did a Forrestt Gump and kept on going. It’s probably obvious what a proud dad I am.

This was really a selfish pleasure trip, but if anybody is at all compelled we encourage them to visit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation at pbtfus.org and make a little pledge. If they do that, and let us know they did (gprinster@yahoo.com). We’ll send them a link to the dumbest videolog ever!

One More Opinion August 9, 2011 (4:51 pm)

AWESOME. What an amazing experience! Congratulations and I’m so very happy you made it safely.

Bill August 9, 2011 (6:46 pm)

Hey, Callum, can you give me some good tips? I’m thinking of doing such an adventure. I’m 66 y/o and am in pretty good condition. Did you and your dad use a single wheel trailer or did you just use panniers? What type of bikes did you use? What was your best mileage day? Your worst nightmare? Are you guys members of the Cascade Bicycle Club or any other riding club?

Caprial August 9, 2011 (7:15 pm)

I’m so proud of you, Callum! What a great memory you and your dad have. Ms. Belfor is very proud of you too!

Swamp Thing August 9, 2011 (7:56 pm)

Way to go Cal and Gordon! Your buddy O-bot is proud you are famous.

shed22 August 9, 2011 (8:18 pm)

Awesome accomplishment!! Congratulations.

Beth August 9, 2011 (8:38 pm)

A memory you two will share for the rest of your lives. So nice to see parents engage with their kids. Good job. I understand the couch deal now…my butt would be sore, too. ;) Make sure to post some videos of your trip so we can see. Great job guys!!!

DAVE GEHRING August 9, 2011 (9:07 pm)

FOR 66 YR. OLD BILL.

I would be happy to discuss with you the joys of long distance biking for seniors.

I pedaled from Seattle to New Jersey when I was 70. Not a day goes by when I DON’T think of that trip.

Dave
DGEHR5803@AOL.COM

callum August 10, 2011 (12:06 am)

Thanks everybody! It’s great to be home in West Seattle.
Hi Bill,GO FOR IT MAN!
I ride an 80’s Cannondale mountain bike and use panniers. The handlebar box was really nice. All I can really recommend is riding the amount that feels good-leave room each day for the unexpected. 70 miles felt a little hard on those hilly days, for me.