Headed for Alaska On a bicycle built for five

‘Pedouins’ Bill Harrison, 4-year-old Jasmine, 2-year-old Robin, Anarins, and 6-year-old Cheyenne stand beside their transportation for the long journey that lies ahead. Sherry’s Shots Ever thought of making a trip to Alaska? Maybe take a cruise, or fly, or even drive? Ever thought of riding a bicycle there? Ever thought of riding the bicycle with three little girls ages 6, 4 and 2? Well, strange as it sounds that is exactly what the Harrison family is doing.

You may have been one of the many local residents who caught a glimpse of this tiny troop as they made their way up Highway 75 to Highway 164 en route to Waco. They were unmistakable on their yellow bike with two wheels and five passengers.

Bill and Anarins Harrison are a handsome couple with three beautiful little girls and this family just happened to stop by the Lone Star Community Center on Tuesday, November 10th. They had created quite a stir when they pedaled by homes in the community on their five-person tandem bicycle. Someone had suggested they might spend the night at the Community Center so that is where they pitched their tent.

Lone Star Community Center President Earl Hill Moore opened the building for the family to take hot showers before they continued on their journey.

The Harrisons began their 7000-mile journey from Mt. Vernon, Kentucky on August 1, 2009 and hope to arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska on August 1, 2010. Not going for the direct route, they pedaled to the North Carolina coast, down to Florida then over to Texas. They will cross the lower Rockies in New Mexico and hit the Pacific Coast in San Diego. From San Diego they will ride to Van Couver Island where they will take the Marine Highway (ferry) to the Alaskan mainland and will end up in Fairbanks.

The Harrison’s plan to live in Alaska for one year with the goal of experiencing the Alaskan way of life. In the spring of 2011 they will decide their route of return, possibly by way of Canada to the east coast of the United States.

The family averages thirty to forty miles per day on their journey but expect that figure to go to twenty when they hit the mountains. They pull a trailer which holds their tent and equipment and Harrison says the entire set-up is 740 pounds, including that of the riders.

Flats, blowouts and equipment failures are the standard of the day and the couple says “you have to expect them and deal with them as they happen.”

The most obvious question is not “how” but “why”? Why would anyone or ones take off for parts unknown with three little kids? Are they afraid? How do they survive?

Bill and Anarins were very open about their adventure and why they are pedaling those many miles. First, they want to see the diversity of our country; they want to hear the stories; they want to smell the flavors; taste the foods and touch the textures; most of all they want to meet the people and experience the generosity and kindness that has made this land the place to be for people all around the world.

Both the grown Harrison’s appear to be in excellent condition and able, if anyone is, to bicycle 7000 miles. The couple has been married for seven years after meeting on a hiking expedition in the floor of the Grand Canyon. Bill had spent some time overseas and was enjoying getting reacquainted with America and Anarins had moved to the U.S. from the Netherlands and was exploring her new home.

Cheyenne, 6; Jasmine 4; and Robin 2 are as enthusiastic about the nomadic lifestyle as their parents.

Of the trip before him Harrison said “We want to turn the Puritan work ethic up-side-down and show people that there is more to life than “things”. We work our whole lives for a bigger house and a bigger car, but why? “Things” make nobody any happier. We have brought great joy and laughter to people’s lives and we are having a great time in our tent. We do not need a bigger, better house.”

The Harrison’s keep their followers up to date on the website www.pedouin.org