The picket sneakers on the again of the trailer hooked up to the electrical bicycle are greater than footwear – they symbolize the house nation of the rider.

And the clogs are making a 3,400-mile trek with him.

Gregory Maassen, a local of the Netherlands, is using an e-bike from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, Calif. to boost cash for Chicago-based Basis for Peripheral Neuropathy. It’s a non-profit that gives analysis and consciousness on the neurologic situation that impacts 30 million individuals within the U.S.

As of Wednesday afternoon, he has raised $20,000.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by who I’ve met to this point,” Maassen stated as he ate a Primanti Bros. sandwich on Monday. “Once I inform them why I’m doing this, they share that they’ve it, or they know somebody who has it. Individuals have donated to me proper there after they hear my story.”

The story started when Maassen, who lives in Washington, D.C., grew to become unwell working in Africa.

He has labored in multimedia, strategic digital advertising and marketing and video. He had a job on the IFC/World Financial institution and most lately as an implementing companion of the USA Company for Worldwide Improvement touring to Armenia, Southern Africa, Afghanistan, Russia, Iraq, Macedonia and Jordan.

He was recognized in 2019 with peripheral neuropathy and was unable to maintain a full-time job.

He used train as a option to handle his signs and never must be on medicine, and it additionally made him really feel higher bodily and mentally.

“This journey is form of like a mid-life disaster,” stated the 54-year-old who has been coaching for a yr. “Some guys purchase bikes, I purchased an e-bike.”

He bought a Riese & Muller mannequin made in Germany. Maassen started his journey on April 2. He’s believed to be the primary particular person to trip an e-bike 3,400 miles solo throughout the U.S. alongside the Lincoln Freeway.

The journey is split into 10 segments with greater than 60 stops.

He estimates that it’s going to take about 4 months.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Overview

Gregory Maassen waves goodbye as he will get on the Nice Allegheny Passage on the Waterfont in Homestead on April 11. He stopped in Pittsburgh on his option to San Francisco, Calif. from Washington, D.C, a visit of three,400 miles.

He left Pittsburgh for Monaca, Beaver County. He departed from there on Tuesday.

Maassen pedals when attainable to protect bike energy. He has two batteries. He and the bike weigh 416 kilos collectively. It has tires much like these on motor autos. He’s outfitted with sealant to patch them.

He can attain speeds of 5 miles per hour on the inclines and 35-40 mph on stage surfaces.

“I do know I’m biking solo, however I’m not biking alone,” he stated. “I’ve all these individuals who I’m biking for who’re with me. I’m out right here supporting everybody preventing this battle on daily basis. All of them have a narrative to inform.”

Lou Mazawey, president of the inspiration, stated by way of electronic mail that Maassen evokes everybody together with his dedication to deliver consciousness to this situation that’s typically misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. It’s troublesome to deal with and has no treatment, Mazawey stated.

“Gregory’s unprecedented e-bike tour is spreading consciousness of peripheral neuropathy throughout the nation, and the necessity for elevated analysis funding for this disabling situation,” Mazawey stated.

Maassen created the course he’s touring, which incorporates largely trails and nation roads.

“I need to keep on quiet roads,” he stated. “This isn’t a race.”

He burns a mean of 4,500 energy every day. He often rides 55 miles a day for 7 to 7.5 hours. He has built-in relaxation days and carries two smartphones.

The bike seat is product of leather-based. He modifies his layers of clothes every day, carrying waterproof gadgets from L.L. Bean and The North Face and Adidas sneakers.

He has been staying on campgrounds, mattress and breakfasts and homes the place individuals host him.

Maassen drinks by a blue tube hooked up to a CamelBak, which he refills alongside the best way.

He selected the path to honor President Eisenhower, who oversaw the liberation of the Netherlands throughout WWII. The trip is a tribute to the friendship between the Dutch and the People.

He’s recording highlights from the journey for a future documentary about his travels. Seeing America is an additional advantage to the cross-country trek.

“This takes lots of self-discipline,” he stated. “I’m avoiding any help as a result of I’ve a code of honor to trip each mile.”

He stated he likes to trip in the dead of night as a result of individuals can see him extra simply. He has an orange flag and orange storage bin — the nationwide shade of the Netherlands.

He plans to get a job as soon as he’s executed with the journey. He hasn’t thought of how he’ll get dwelling. His spouse, Janet, who’s supportive of his journey, met up with him final weekend.

When he left Primanti’s on Monday, he carried a pizza to go – the waitress steered it.

Maassen stated he plans to go to Pittsburgh once more. He tucked the pizza right into a bag on his bike.

He made certain the picket sneakers had been safe.

“A good friend steered I deliver them, and I believe I might trip all the journey in these sneakers if it wouldn’t rain as a result of after they get moist they slip off the pedals,” Maassen stated. “However I simply may put on them on for the ultimate 20 miles heading into San Francisco.”

Individuals can donate right here.