Textkills - Dr. Bob Okerblom's Ride Across America

[channlluv]

He's doing this to bring attention to the texting-while-driving problem. His teenage son was riding his bike in a rural area of San Diego here and a classmate of his, a girl he'd been in school with since Kindergarten and a patient of his father's, ran over him while she was texting and driving.

Here's the video from our local news: http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=5610995&autostart=true

And a newspaper story:
http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/...cc4c03286.html

It's a heartbreaking story, and he left San Diego a couple of days ago. I don't know what his route is, but he's heading for St. Augustine. Keep an eye out for him.

I don't know if he's going to do a blog, but I would think so. I'll watch for a link.

Roxy

[LilBolt]

I found his blog.

I know someone who did this route going east to west. Hopefully this ride will make a few people think about what they do behind the wheel.

[Bike Chick]

How sad. I hope he finds some healing out on the road and that he convinces people to put their phones away while they are driving.

[channlluv]

I notice in the photo of his bike that he's not carrying much. He must be planning to stay at hotels all the way. No camping gear.

It's a heart-wrenching story, to be sure.

Roxy (gritting her teeth at the "Your Beyond Hope" sign. Oy.)

[Tri Girl]

wow- that made me cry in sadness for his family. How tragic, and yet just one of a thousand examples of people being killed by distracted drivers. It's becoming too commonplace...

I hope he finds peace and healing on his journey. The first book I ever read on touring was by a father who had lost his son in a plane crash (his son played basketball at OK State U and was killed upon returning from a game in Denver). The thoughts/emotions/wrestling with feelings that he encountered on his trip are surely some of the same that Dr.Bob will go through. I wish him well on his journey and will be following his blog..
So tragic...

[marni]

sounds like he is riding the route I rode two years ago. I have fond memories of the stretch around Hope Arizona where the "your beyond hope" sign is. Aslo Salome (where she danced) which had two bar/roadhouses, a "psycho" type motel where we stayed and about 15 miles from there an excellent and surprsingly quirky cafe/ coffee store.

3,000 miles of happy memories. I hope his memories help his healing.