Date: Fri 23-Oct-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

human-interest-biker-pets

Full Text:

Pedaler And Pets Are Arizona Bound

(with photo)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

Ken O'Brien was on his way to Arizona when he passed through Newtown last week

after a summer of work in Boston. He's on his way to the Southwest for the

winter.

Ken, who travels on his bicycle, stopped off for breakfast at Steven's Deli &

More last Friday morning. He is a wayfarer who finds adventure at every turn.

He earns money doing odd jobs along the route.

"I took a wrong turn and I ended up in Sandy Hook," he said.

Hooked to the back of Ken's bike is a trailer, which he uses to carry his

belongings. Also on board is his beloved dog, Blue, and Cat, Charlie.

The 45-year-old, who left Boston October 3, hopes to be in Tucson, Arizona by

January. He has work lined up there, and a room with cable television.

Ken spent 27 years hitchhiking across the country. Now he pedals. It can be

tough to get a ride when you have two pets along with you. Blue has been

traveling with Ken for 13 years. During that time, the dog has been to 42

states. Ken has been to 48, with only Alaska and Hawaii off his list.

Hoping to beat the cold weather, Ken is planning to head south to Georgia

before heading west. When you're traveling 3,000 miles, it's a good idea to do

it in warm weather, especially when all you've got for a tent is a small tarp.

Ken is unable to travel on the highway, so he constantly studies maps to find

the best "back road" routes. He only travels 30 miles a day. With so far to

go, he simply takes it one day at a time.

"I try not to think too far ahead. It gets tough when you think about how far

you've got to go," he said.

A sign on Ken's bike tells the curious that he is Arizona-bound and is seeking

work.