Newton residents to bike across Europe

By Staff
ON THE ROAD AGAIN Andy Armstrong, right, and his grandson, Eric, leave today for a bicycle trip across Europe that will cover 1,500 miles in 27 days. Submitted photo
By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
May 28, 2002
Andy Armstrong will fly from New Orleans today to begin another adventure this time bicycling through nine European countries with his grandson, Eric.
Two years ago, Armstrong and his nephew, Ashley, biked from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts in the United States. This time, the Newton resident plans to travel more than 1,500 miles in 27 days.
Armstrong's grandson just finished 10th grade at East St. John's High School in LaPlace, La., where he played linebacker and kicker on the varsity football team.
Traveling from Paris, France, to Budapest, Slovakia, Armstrong said he and his grandson will face a number of challenges. Among them will be language barriers, lodging and food.
Armstrong said they will eat food from grocery stores and at unique restaurants. He also said they hope to stay in hostels and will travel mostly through rural areas.
Armstrong has been to Europe before, but not to ride a bike.
Of course, they will travel light. He will carry three changes of clothes, maps, toiletries, deodorant, a New Testament, travel cards, cameras and three pairs of glasses.
Armstrong said he hasn't prepared himself well for this trip, but he has ridden more than 90 miles the past three weeks.
Armstrong said his only fear is getting started on the trip once they reach Paris and becoming sick along the way.