Determined cyclist to take one last ride

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

Regulars along Eduard Thompson's bike route probably have been wondering where he's been lately.

Eduard Thompson passed through 13 states on a cross-country ride in 1999, traveling more than 3,500 miles. Advertiser library photo • January 28, 1999

That day, he'll take one last ride from his Waikiki home to the Kalihi bike store that for nearly 20 years has helped him pursue the hobby he loves.

During the past month or so, Thompson, who has cerebral palsy, has been in a rehabilitation facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, because he no longer is able to live alone, said his good friend Richard Miano. Recently, he had to cut back from his daily rides to and from Waikiki to Hawai'i Kai to twice a week, Miano said.

"I've been getting a lot of calls from people who wanted to know what had happened because they hadn't seen him on the road," Miano said. "Saturday will be his last ride. He's just falling too much now." Attempts to reach Thompson yesterday were unsuccessful.

With his jaw set in determination and thin legs slowly pumping the pedals, Thompson, 57, was a regular sight as he rode his unique three-wheeled bike with flags that fluttered in the breeze.

"He's an incredible guy," Miano said.

Thompson's determination took him through 13 states on a cross-country ride, traveling more than 3,500 miles in 1999, when he was 52. During his trek, students from Hawai'i schools rode along on skateboards and people in wheelchairs and cyclists met up with him and followed.

The trip was designed to help raise awareness about people with disabilities and what they can accomplish, which is a goal of Abilities First, a nonprofit organization founded by Thompson, Miano and some of their friends.

"I tell him he doesn't have to ride so far, when he was slowing down, but he's amazing what his accomplishments are," Miano said.

Jayne Kim, who owns Eki Cyclery in Kalihi with her husband, Jay, said the store will keep Thompson's bike for him in hopes that he'll get stronger and be able to use it again.

"We're going to miss him," Jayne Kim said. "He's an inspiration to all of us. When you see him on the side of the road, it makes you rethink your whole life."

Thompson's three-wheel bike was specially assembled for him. Jay Kim added straps that hold Thompson's feet in place. Kim said the three-wheeler is longer than a regular bicycle and weighs about 90 pounds.

Miano and Thompson became friends years ago, when Miano owned a store in Waikiki and would see Thompson pushing his walker to his favorite restaurant for dinner. Miano suggested that he get a motorized wheelchair, but Thompson would have none of it, Miano said.

"He said no because he needed the exercise," Miano said.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.