Nordjyllands Radio:... And now you are going to meet a man, who, I belive, is also rather interested in the weather forecast. And now he has done it again, what he is used to doing, the man from Ellidshoej. He has found himself a destination for a bicycle trip quite out of the ordinary. On previous occasions he has ridden to North Cape and Gibraltar and to Japan, and this time Holger C. Andersen will ride the 6500 km across the USA. He will start next summer, but already now one can call Holger C. Andersen to learn what the purpose is this time. I have done so, and welcome to you Holger.
Holger C: Andersen: Thanks a lot.
NR: So you are ready for another trip:
HC: That's correct.
NR: And this time it's about USA. Why did you choose that big country
HC: It's a fascinating destination, and I have been to USA twice before. So I decided that the time has come to ride across on my bicycle to find out what exciting experiences are waiting for me there.
NR: And how are the conditions for a bicycle rider? I imagine enoooormous long roads, with a small gas station every 300 kilometres.
HC: That's definitely a possibility. I start 2nd June in Virginia and from there I move through the states Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada to California And there are mountain ranges, and there are deserts with temperatures up to 50 degrees C where there is nothing but scorching hot sand and rattle snakes and 150 kilometres between each house, so there are many experiences.
NR: This time you have 2 purposes?
HC: Yes. NR: One thing is that you are in a way, going to enlighten young people. It has got something to do with school classes?
HC: That's right. Considering the fact, that I am crossing the country I might as well do something good while ridding. Therefore it's my plan to create contact between Danish and American school classes. These classes are then supposed to describe the place they live in through web sites. I can bring greetings from The Danish classes on my way. I may also be dealing with Danish-American associations or clubs, I may be dealing with twin cities, a number of things can be interesting here, And it's possible to follow my trip through the Internet.
NR: So you are going to use the new technique?
HC: I bring a portable computer, and a digital camera as well as a mobile phone.
NR:And then you are collecting money for Boernenes Kontor in Aalborg.
HC: I will be happy to do that, just like I did on my previous ride from Aalborg to Gibraltar and back again. This time I wanted to do something funny too. So if people would like to support a good project they may give 1 oere per kilometre, which will in the end make 65 kr. Anyone can afford that.
NR: And it really has an effect?
HC:Oh yes. Last time I collected about 60.000 kr and this time I expect that as a minimum. Hopefully much, much more
NR: And I suppose it's wonderful to think of that when your legs are tired out there, that you have done your good deed for the day.
HC: Absolutely. As I told you before I am riding all the same, so why not do something sensible
NR: Yes 45 days. Are you not afraid? Now you talk about rattle snakes and all?
HC: Well: Almost every day we hear about terrible things, which takes place in our neighbourhood. Of course I must use my common sense, but apart from that I must be prepared to take what comes my way: Of course riding like that in strange parts of the world may be risky, but there is no need to think of that all the time. If you do that, you cannot go any where.
NR: And these things have no deterred you from riding? I understand you also have plans for the years to come?
HC: Oh yes, I am already working on the planning of the next trip, which will take me to South Africa, and after that New Zealand will be waiting. And, Oh well, there is this Iran business. But that's still in the future.
NR: Does that mean that we are not going to hear a lot about that now?
HC: It's ok to tell about it. I have the plans in my head, but at the moment it's a bit uncertain.
NR: And I suppose you'd better take one trip at a time?
HC: Absolutely.
NR: By the way, there is one more thing. I have heard "Night of Culture" is just around the corner in Aalborg? Next Friday?
HC: That's right. And I have been invited to join "Night of Culture" in co-operation with "Fusion bicycles" in Danmarksgade in Aalborg. People can hear a little about some of my expeditions. I have slide shows 3 times that night, 7.30, 9.30 and 10.30 p.m. People may take a look if they are interested. And maybe they would like to become sponsors for this trip across the USA which I have called" The greatest geography lesson in the world".
NR: We hope you'll succeed. It seems that you are already working on a lot of things in connection with your project, and we wish you a great trip and hope you'll succeed in co-operating with a large number of people.
HC: Thank you so much
NR: Take care
HC: You too
NR: Bye now
HC: Good bye
NR: We thank Holger C. Andersen, who next summer intends to ride 6500 km from one side of America to the other.

Tilbage til Hovedsiden.
Tilbage til USA-siden