Washington, D.C., man stops in Pittsburgh on his 3,400-mile e-bike journey to raise money for charity
The wooden shoes on the back of the trailer attached to the electric bicycle are more than footwear – they symbolize the home country of the rider.
And the clogs are making a 3,400-mile trek with him.
Gregory Maassen, a native of the Netherlands, is riding an e-bike from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, Calif. to raise money for Chicago-based Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy. It’s a non-profit that provides research and awareness on the neurologic condition that affects 30 million people in the U.S.
As of Wednesday afternoon, he has raised $20,000.
“I have been overwhelmed by who I have met so far,” Maassen said as he ate a Primanti Bros. sandwich on Monday. “When I tell them why I am doing this, they share that they have it, or they know someone who has it. People have donated to me right there when they hear my story.”
The tale began when Maassen, who lives in Washington, D.C., became ill working in Africa.
He has worked in multimedia, strategic digital marketing and video. He had a job at the IFC/World Bank and most recently as an implementing partner of the United States Agency for International Development traveling to Armenia, Southern Africa, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq, Macedonia and Jordan.
He was diagnosed in 2019 with peripheral neuropathy and was unable to keep a full-time job.
He used exercise as a way to manage his symptoms and not have to be on medication, and it also made him feel better physically and mentally.
“This trip is kind of like a mid-life crisis,” said the 54-year-old who has been training for a year. “Some guys buy motorcycles, I bought an e-bike.”
He purchased a Riese & Muller model made in Germany. Maassen began his journey on April 2. He is believed to be the first person to ride an e-bike 3,400 miles solo across the U.S. along the Lincoln Highway.
The trip is divided into 10 segments with more than 60 stops.
He estimates that it will take about four months.
He left Pittsburgh for Monaca, Beaver County. He departed from there on Tuesday.
Maassen pedals when possible to preserve bike power. He has two batteries. He and the bike weigh 416 pounds together. It has tires similar to those on motor vehicles. He’s equipped with sealant to patch them.
He can reach speeds of 5 miles per hour on the inclines and 35-40 mph on level surfaces.
“I know I am biking solo, but I am not biking alone,” he said. “I have all these people who I am biking for who are with me. I am out here supporting everyone fighting this battle every day. They all have a story to tell.”
Lou Mazawey, president of the foundation, said via email that Maassen inspires everyone with his commitment to bring awareness to this condition that is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. It is difficult to treat and has no cure, Mazawey said.
“Gregory’s unprecedented e-bike tour is spreading awareness of peripheral neuropathy across the country, and the need for increased research funding for this disabling condition,” Mazawey said.
Maassen created the course he’s traveling, which includes mostly trails and country roads.
“I want to stay on quiet roads,” he said. “This is not a race.”
He burns an average of 4,500 calories daily. He usually rides 55 miles a day for 7 to 7.5 hours. He has built-in rest days and carries two smartphones.
The bike seat is made of leather. He changes his layers of clothing daily, wearing waterproof items from L.L. Bean and The North Face and Adidas shoes.
He has been staying on campgrounds, bed and breakfasts and houses where people host him.
Maassen drinks through a blue tube attached to a CamelBak, which he refills along the way.
He chose the route to honor President Eisenhower, who oversaw the liberation of the Netherlands during WWII. The ride is a tribute to the friendship between the Dutch and the Americans.
He is recording highlights from the journey for a future documentary about his travels. Seeing America is an added benefit to the cross-country trek.
“This takes a lot of discipline,” he said. “I am avoiding any assistance because I have a code of honor to ride every mile.”
He said he likes to ride in the dark because people can see him more easily. He has an orange flag and orange storage bin — the national color of the Netherlands.
He plans to get a job once he’s done with the journey. He hasn’t thought about how he will get home. His wife, Janet, who is supportive of his trip, met up with him last weekend.
When he left Primanti’s on Monday, he carried a pizza to go – the waitress suggested it.
Maassen said he plans to visit Pittsburgh again. He tucked the pizza into a bag on his bike.
He made sure the wooden shoes were secure.
“A friend suggested I bring them, and I think I could ride the entire trip in those shoes if it wouldn’t rain because when they get wet they slip off the pedals,” Maassen said. “But I just might wear them on for the final 20 miles heading into San Francisco.”
People can donate here.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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