https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinz_St%C3%BCcke
I was driving to Kansas City, MO yesterday westbound on Hwy 36, my usual uneventful drive, not thinking how your life changes with just one chance meeting.
There was a small bicycle with backpacks and a little man on the side of the road trying to lay down under a bridge just outside of Bevier, MO. It tugged at my heart strings. The temp outside was in the 90s it was around 12:00 and humid. He had already ridden some of the hilliest parts of Hwy 36, but there was more to come. You see, he had landed in Seattle, WA and was heading to Chicago on a fold up British made BROMPTON bicycle.
The 76 year old man was from Germany and little did I know he is a world cyclist and author of the book "Home is Elsewhere".
I was driving to Kansas City, MO yesterday westbound on Hwy 36, my usual uneventful drive, not thinking how your life changes with just one chance meeting.
There was a small bicycle with backpacks and a little man on the side of the road trying to lay down under a bridge just outside of Bevier, MO. It tugged at my heart strings. The temp outside was in the 90s it was around 12:00 and humid. He had already ridden some of the hilliest parts of Hwy 36, but there was more to come. You see, he had landed in Seattle, WA and was heading to Chicago on a fold up British made BROMPTON bicycle.
The 76 year old man was from Germany and little did I know he is a world cyclist and author of the book "Home is Elsewhere".
I stopped to see if he was doing okay and if he needed anything. I saw his water bottle was empty and I gave him all of my water, a banana and two peaches. His blue eyes were bright and filled with stories, his smile filled his face and puffed his little cheeks.
I had to smile too. He had stopped to rest from his hip hurting, out of water and needing to cool down. He made an unexpected stop under the bridge. His question to me was why the swallows were not under the bridge, because they usually keep him company.
He was all alone, no chase car, no one.
We chatted for awhile before the Macon County Deputy Sheriff arrived. He stopped to check out the many calls they had received about a man and a bicycle, under a bridge, in the heat of the day.
The Deputy and I visited with the little German man for about an hour, exchanged contact information, and once we knew this tough- as- nails cyclist was okay we both left with wonder and smiles.
This man is Heinz Stucke of Germany. He is on his way to Chicago for a book signing. Imagine that, we met an author and adventurer.
He has traveled the world by bicycle and documented his travels.
I invite you to read more about Heinz and follow your heart when you see someone in need, however be safe.
If you happen to see him ridding his Brompton on the highway, stop and say hello. It is well worth taking time from your travels to meet a new friend. Remember, traveling with friends may keep you from meeting new ones. Have a blessed day.
I had to smile too. He had stopped to rest from his hip hurting, out of water and needing to cool down. He made an unexpected stop under the bridge. His question to me was why the swallows were not under the bridge, because they usually keep him company.
He was all alone, no chase car, no one.
We chatted for awhile before the Macon County Deputy Sheriff arrived. He stopped to check out the many calls they had received about a man and a bicycle, under a bridge, in the heat of the day.
The Deputy and I visited with the little German man for about an hour, exchanged contact information, and once we knew this tough- as- nails cyclist was okay we both left with wonder and smiles.
This man is Heinz Stucke of Germany. He is on his way to Chicago for a book signing. Imagine that, we met an author and adventurer.
He has traveled the world by bicycle and documented his travels.
I invite you to read more about Heinz and follow your heart when you see someone in need, however be safe.
If you happen to see him ridding his Brompton on the highway, stop and say hello. It is well worth taking time from your travels to meet a new friend. Remember, traveling with friends may keep you from meeting new ones. Have a blessed day.
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| Heinz on Hwy 36....destination Chicago!! |
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| Heinz with Macon County Deputy Sheriff Summers. |
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| Heinz Stucke photo from heinzstucke.com |
Thank you so much for putting this on here. I really enjoyed speaking to both of you. It was definitely the highlight of my day.
ReplyDeleteThank you Deputy Summers.
ReplyDeleteHe is a very interesting little man. I am looking forward to reading his book.
I a sending a postcard from Kansas City to his home address.
He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Be safe serving your community as well.
Keep me informed if he contacts you. I would like to know how he's doing.
ReplyDelete