Cyclist's van stolen, but she's pedaling
8/3/04
After pedaling more than 3,000 miles across the United States, concert pianist Patricia
Starr isn't about to let thieves keep her from completing a cross-country bicycle ride to
raise money for music scholarships at Santa Barbara City College.
Since she and about 40 other America By Bicycle riders departed Astoria, Ore., on June
21, her husband, Gabriel Gonzales, had followed behind the 67-year-old bicyclist in the
family's blue van for 3,022 miles to Brantford, Canada. But on Sunday morning, he
discovered it had been stolen -- along with most of the possessions the couple had brought
for the trip, according to a Web site tracking their 50-day journey. Fortunately, her
bicycle and riding gear, a laptop computer and digital camera were safe inside a hotel.
Brantford is about 55 miles west of Niagara Falls, N.Y., where the couple was scheduled
to spend the day Monday. They could not be reached for comment.
Although understandably "disappointed and upset" by the theft, they were
undaunted in their determination to complete the rest of the 3,622-mile odyssey, according
to the Web site. They still plan to reach Portsmouth, N.H., next week, but now with both
Ms. Starr and her 46-year-old husband riding bicycles the remaining 545 miles.
"Not finishing is not even a consideration," said their Web site,
www.sbstarrsview.com.
A founder of the Santa Barbara School of Music and music director at St. Raphael's
Catholic Church, Ms. Starr started the Patricia Starr Endowment Fund for Music
Scholarships at Santa Barbara City College. To raise money for it, she encouraged people
to pledge money for every mile she pedals on her trip.
"So now we must cheer on Gabriel, as well," the Web site said. "I'm sure
he'll do well."
-- Chuck Schultz |
