OCEANSIDE, Calif. — A disabled cyclist is sharing his story about riding from coast to coast across the United States. In this Zevely Zone, I headed to the Oceanside Pier where the journey began. Jeff Frey is the Forest Gump of Escondido; he was looking for something do and started pedaling.
"This is my departure from Oceanside Pier," said Jeff (67). In 2018, Jeff set out on one long trike ride. "It started out as a bucket list item," said Jeff. "I have idiopathic peripheral neuropathy." A general contractor for 40 years, nerve damage in Jeff's legs forced him to retire on disability.
"It's robbed me of the fine motor skills in my lower legs," said Jeff. "They are kind of kind of living prosthetics, ha."
Cycling works better than walking for Jeff, so he pointed his trike east and started pedaling. He showed me pictures from his trip. "That is the sun coming up in Anza Borrego," said Jeff. Then it was off to Arizona and New Mexico.
"Land of Enchantment and it is it is a beautiful land," said Jeff. Where else could you find Pie Town? "We had to stop for some pie that is on the Continental Divide," said Jeff.
Next came Oklahoma and Texas. "I am on Route 66 now," said Jeff. "This is coming into Springfield, Missouri." Then came the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee. Equipped with a horn and two mascots Jeff traveled 3,250 miles in 64 days. "There is the end that's King Neptune in Virginia Beach," said Jeff.
A few months ago, Jeff released a book about his journey. "El Camino De La Fe means the way of faith and the subtitle is An American Pilgrimage Overcoming Doubt and Fear," said Jeff. He didn't know it at the time, but he now feels the purpose of the trip was to grow closer to God. "The ride became a pilgrimage," said Jeff.
A man with two bad legs found himself on spiritual walk. "It kind of sounds cliche to say yeah I was searching for God but that's what I was doing, and he revealed himself in a very fantastic way," said Jeff. "It was an adventure I loved it."
Jeff was met at the end of his ride in Virginia Beach by his father and brother. He then flew home. For more information about his book 'El Camino De La Fe' click here.