Father-Son Duo Conquer RAGBRAI on Tandem E-Bike

A father and son from Duluth, Minnesota, are making waves with their incredible cycling adventures. The duo recently completed a challenging 4,000-mile journey across the country on a tandem e-bike, taking approximately 65 days from Oregon to New York. They have also cycled 700 miles from South Dakota to their home state.

Currently, they are participating in RAGBRAI, covering over 400 miles in seven days across Iowa. For 72-year-old John Wood, these rides are more than just spending time with his son, Peter. Peter, 21, has cerebral palsy, a condition affecting his movement and coordination. John emphasizes that Peter is dependent on them for his experiences, as he cannot walk or independently travel.

John meticulously documents their trips on Instagram, sharing details about their food, the people they meet, and memorable moments. Despite the heat and humidity of an Iowa summer making RAGBRAI tougher than expected, the journey has been filled with positive encounters and camaraderie. They have been embraced by RAGBRAI teams and have been impressed by Iowa's hospitality.

The most significant takeaway for John is the creation of a shared adventure and a sense of fellowship. Peter, who has cerebral palsy, is seen as an ambassador, raising awareness for "another face of humanity" by enjoying his bike rides. Their journey, particularly crossing the George Washington Bridge, was a deeply emotional experience, signifying the magnitude of their accomplishment and inspiring those they meet, like Maria, whose nephew also has cerebral palsy.

As they continue their ride, John cherishes the "cross section of America" that RAGBRAI represents, highlighting the unifying power of human connection. Ultimately, their rides are about having fun together, with RAGBRAI being their chosen adventure.