Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
8:26 pm Friday, May 31, 2002

Armstrongs begin European adventure

By By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
May 31, 2002
A 1,500 mile journey has begun for Andy Armstrong, a retired history teacher from Newton, and his grandson, Eric, a Florida student. They are in the early stages of bicycling across nine European countries.
The two flew from New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon for Miami and then to Paris. They arrived safely at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris about 10 a.m. (3 a.m. Central Daylight Time) on Thursday.
Before flying out of New Orleans, they met their first obstacle when a customer service representative at American Airlines told them it would cost $150 to ship their bikes. Eric, 15, had called beforehand and been told the bikes could travel at no additional charge. The airline representative checked and it was free.
Other passengers on the plane saw their shirts, which listed the nine countries they will visit and carried the words "Biking Europe, June 2002."
On the flight over, breakfast was served at 2 a.m. When they arrived in Paris, they deplaned and went in search of an ATM machine, eventually finding one in the airport terminal.
Armstrong said they finally found someone who spoke English and was able to give them directions out of the airport.
They ended up in Goussainville, France, about 10 miles from the airport, where they found a hotel for 29 Euro, or a little more than $27.
He said they rode almost two hours, passing fields, old buildings and homes. The sun was still shining bright and the temperature was in the 60s at 5:15 p.m.
Armstrong said they plan to get up about 8 a.m. and head towards Brussels, Belgium. He said they still have to get their bodies used to the different time zone.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *