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Memories of a Hero and Cross-Country Cyclist, 3 decades later

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Memories of a Hero and Cross-Country Cyclist, 3 decades later

Old 03-20-17, 02:11 PM
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Memories of a Hero and Cross-Country Cyclist, 3 decades later

A short time after I graduated from college in 2011, I took a job at a physical therapy clinic in Altoona, PA. While employed there I built a rapport, and later a friendship, with one of the patients; Kathy Steel, who has given me permission to share this story. During our treatment sessions, she would tell me tales of her late husband (Ken Steel) and his many cross-country cycling adventures. (I had shared that I had an interest in cycling). Ken, as I had learned, was a fireman for the city for approximately 17 years, when he met an untimely death while fighting a fire on January 20, 1987:

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The reason this is C&V related:
As we chatted more and more about Ken, and cycling in general, Kathy told me that she wanted me to have Ken's 1974 Schwinn Paramount:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...paramount.html

Today, I received a bunch of articles and photos in the mail from Kathy, and was absolutely intrigued by them. This man, Ken, was an absolute badass. This past january marked 3 decades since his death, and I thought that he may live on through sharing part of his story! I think the C&V community would appreciate it, as well.

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The Hagerstown (MD) Exponent: August 13, 1970

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These last 2 photos of Ken Riding from Seattle to Pennsylvania are of his 2nd cross country trip. The first trip was following his army discharge in 1962(3)?, when he purchased a Schwinn Varsity for $81.72, and rode to Altoona from San Francisco. There was a 3rd cross country tour from San Diego to Altoona. All 3 on a Schwinn VARSITY!! Estimates of 20,000m have been logged on the Varsity.

Later on, there were reports of Ken purchasing a Raleigh 753, a Touring Paramount, and a racing Paramount (the one I now own).

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Here's Ken with the Bike I've come to know. Mid 1980's.

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The Blair press, 1977

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Union Press Court, 1981

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The Schwinn Reporter, 1971 Woody Grubb

It's been a pleasure reading thru these old articles, and it's an honor to own this man's bicycle. A huge part of why C&V is so great!

I'll try and summarize some of the articles, as I didn't include all photos and it may be difficult to read them.

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Last edited by dpicare26; 03-20-17 at 03:10 PM.
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Old 03-20-17, 03:03 PM
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Very cool, thanks for sharing this. 🙂 It kinda sounds like he started riding, to forget his military experience, or at least some bad memories. He has that look, like he's seen some things he'd rather forget. 😞 I think his wife would approve of you sharing his story, and his bike.
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Old 03-20-17, 08:19 PM
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Very nice story.

Now, take some fresh photos of that bike you have!

:-)
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1959 Hilton Wrigley Connoisseur (my favorite!)
1963 Hetchins Mountain King
1971 Gitane Tour de France (original owner)
* 1971 Gitane Super Corsa (crashed)
* rebuilt as upright cruiser
1971 Gitane Super Corsa #2 (sweet replacement)
1980 Ritchey Road Touring (The Grail Bike)
1982 Tom Ritchey Everest
(replacing stolen 1981 TR Everest custom)
1982 Tom Ritchey McKinley (touring pickup truck)
1985 ALAN Record (Glued & Screwed. A gift.)
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Old 03-21-17, 03:01 PM
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