Family finds closeness and kindness on bicycle

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By Kristina Nelson, KCBY News

Story Published: Apr 23, 2010 at 5:17 PM PDT

BANDON, Ore. - Setting out on an adventure with just 300 dollars in their pockets, a Kentucky family is living their dream of seeing the country, by bicycle.

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The Harrison family rode through Bandon Friday, on their way up the coast.

They've been on the road riding a five person tandem bicycle, since August of 2009, when they left their home in Mount Vernon, Kentucky.

Since August Bill, his wife Amarins, and their three daughters, Cheyenne, Jasmine and Robin, have made their way up and down the East Coast, across the Gulf Coast, into the desert Southwest, into California and now the Pacific Northwest.

"We want to prove that you don't have to be rich to live your dreams and we want to talk to people about living simple and living their dreams, there's nothing more than that," remarked Bill. "No hidden agendas, no secret shows, just blue collar people that want to see the country."

One of the reasons they're staying on the South Coast is because of area residents like Bill Leslie, who heard their story and wanted to help.

But it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Harrison says they've hit some speed bumps along the way, like flat tires, and broken bike chains, but he says without the hospitality of strangers, they wouldn't be able to do it.

"We were pretty close anyway, but living together 24/7 for 8 1/2 months, literally on a bike and in a tent, it gives new meaning to closeness."

Thanks to the hospitality of the community the Harrison's are being put up in a fifth wheel by Gib's RV and are getting a wheel fixed at Moe's Bike Shop.

The Harrison's hope to make it to their final destination, Fairbanks, Alaska, by the end of August.

To follow their journey, log onto www.pedouins.org.

Next article Stolen car with stolen plates leads police on 100 mph chase

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