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Cyclists following historic route of the Underground Railroad
Along with the group of 18 riders, the trek Norman Peterson and Cheryl Hummon are traveling marks the official opening of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. The route is made up of mostly rural roads that connect historical landmarks related to the legendary network of safe houses used to offer refuge to fugitive slaves. The trail the bikers are following was laid out by Adventure Cycling. In its 31st year, tours are divided into three categories - self contained tours, supported tours and education courses. Its nonprofit mapping, outreach and advocacy programs are designed to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. The group's trip will take about seven weeks to complete and will take them through the Deep South, Midwest and along the edge of Lake Eerie before crossing the border into Canada. For Peterson, a nurse at the University of Pittsburgh's St. Margaret's Hospital, the trip is a way for him to spread his dual message of living healthier and encouraging African-American males to choose professions in the health care field. "We each have a theme or message, if you will, to spread along the trail," he said. "Mine is to raise awareness to the higher percentage of diseases such as hypertension and heart disease among minorities, as well as the fight against obesity, which transcends all socio-economic classes." At age 39, Peterson has been cycling for 24 years and was a bicycle racer in his younger days. "This trip is special to me, not just for its historical significance, but it's inspirational as well," he said. "The things Harriet Tubman and the other people on the Underground Railroad were able to accomplish is truly amazing." Hummon, who is from Portland, Ore., is employed by the national nonprofit organization Defenders of Wildlife, based in Washington D.C. In her 40s, she and Peterson are two of the youngest participating in the ride. The group's average age is 60, with the oldest rider being 77. "This is an unsupported trip," said Hummon, "which means we camp along the way, carry our own gear and do our own cooking." She pulls a small trailer behind her bike with gear and food in it. It is her and Peterson's responsibility to do the food shopping for the group along the trail. The cyclists average riding between 35-50 miles each day and rendevous at a chosen campsite for the evening. "We take a day off once every seven days, just to rest and recoup a little," said Hummon, who rides 30 miles each day when she is at home, regardless of the weather conditions. Peterson said he has always commuted to school and work on his bicycle. "I just bought my first car this year," he said. While Hummon has taken part in other unsupported trail rides, this is the first for Peterson. "It's definitely different and certainly a challenge," he said. "We have to make sure we carry plenty of snacks with us, because we are constantly eating to keep our energy levels up." Hummon is one of only four women on the trip. "These rides are usually predominately male," she explained. "We have a diverse group too. There's a Japanese man in the group and a Japanese-American woman as well." Peterson said the hardest part for many cyclists is that their jobs do not allow them to take such trips. "Many people can't afford to take off from work for that long," he said. "We are lucky that our employers allowed us to do this." Both riders said so far they have encountered nothing but hospitality along their trek, which began Sunday, with a kickoff ceremony the day before at Mobile's Africatown Welcome Center in the Plateau community. "Everyone has been so nice and accepting of us," said Hummon. "Some even have offered us meals and a place to sleep for the night." Peterson said this is his first time visiting the Deep South. "It's definitely different than Pittsburgh," he said. "I have enjoyed it so far."
The group is scheduled to arrive in Owen Sound, Ontario on May 29.
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