Memories of a Hero and Cross-Country Cyclist, 3 decades later
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Location: Pennsylvania
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Bikes: '15 BMC Granfondo '11 Stevens Carbon Team CX, '74 Schwinn Paramount, '85 Trek 600, '89 Schwinn Circuit
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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:
[IMG][/IMG]
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.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
The Hagerstown (MD) Exponent: August 13, 1970
[IMG][/IMG]
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).
[IMG][/IMG]
Here's Ken with the Bike I've come to know. Mid 1980's.
[IMG][/IMG]
The Blair press, 1977
[IMG][/IMG]
Union Press Court, 1981
[IMG][/IMG]
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.
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
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.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
The Hagerstown (MD) Exponent: August 13, 1970
[IMG][/IMG]
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).
[IMG][/IMG]
Here's Ken with the Bike I've come to know. Mid 1980's.
[IMG][/IMG]
The Blair press, 1977
[IMG][/IMG]
Union Press Court, 1981
[IMG][/IMG]
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.
[IMG][/IMG]
Last edited by dpicare26; 03-20-17 at 03:10 PM.
#2
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Sunny Sacramento.
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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.
#3
Senior Member
Very nice story.
Now, take some fresh photos of that bike you have!
:-)
Now, take some fresh photos of that bike you have!
:-)
__________________
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.)
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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