Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- A tandem cyclist and documentary filmmaker has begun the third leg of a cross-country journey. At each stage, Dominic Gill will pick up a cyclist with some type of physical disability. Friday he stopped in Salt Lake City.
Dominic first came up with the idea to tandem bike cross-country so he could ride with his friend Ernie, who has cancer. But because of health conditions, Ernie couldn't go, so the journey changed direction.
"I'm riding this strange-looking contraption from L.A. to New York with 10 different companions on the front seat. They're all impaired or disabled in various ways," he says.
Dominic's semi-recumbent tandem bike allows the front rider to recline, making it more comfortable for people with physical disabilities. The bike also has an independent cycling mechanism so Dominic can be the dominant source of pedal power.
Whoever's going to ride with him is going to get the benefit of a lifetime.
–Chad Woodbury
"Because the bike lends itself to that, and I think there are a lot of inspirational stories out there waiting to be told," he says.
Friday Dominic picked up Warren Woodbury, who was born with muscular dystrophy, and together they will travel to Logan. Warren's brother, Chad, will also join the ride later on.
"I'm excited," Warren says. "I'm also a little apprehensive. I mean, I've been to Logan. I've just never had to ride a bike to Logan before."
The ride is a challenge because Warren and Chad also have sleep apnea. Dominic installed double seat belts and a bungee that fits into the pedals so if necessary, his companion could sleep on the bike.
Both Warren and Chad admire Dominic's journey.
"He's crazy enough to do it, I think," Warren says.
Warren will finish his ride in Logan, and then his brother Chad will tandem with Dominic to Rapid City, South Dakota.
Chad says, "Whoever's going to ride with him is going to get the benefit of a lifetime that you'd never have otherwise."
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
