Published: October 04, 2008 11:35 pm         

Man celebrates life by pedaling to 80

Like many octogenarians, David R. Crawford wanted to commemorate his eighth decade of life with a special event he could share with friends and family.

But Crawford’s big plan for turning 80 didn’t involve party streamers and blowing out candles. On Labor Day weekend along the Greenbrier River Trail, Crawford biked one mile for every year he’s been alive.

Crawford, who turns 80 in December, said his passion for biking began in the early 1970s when a son-in-law convinced him to participate in a 25-mile trek. Crawford fell in love with the hobby and has since ridden the Greenbrier Trail each year for the last 10 years. His longest bike ride was more than 100 miles in Sidney, Ohio.

“It’s wonderful scenery along the Greenbrier River,” Crawford said. “The trail is only 75 miles long, but we backtracked 5 miles in order to make our trip right.”

Crawford, a retired trucker who lives on Pluto Road in Raleigh County, believes “everyone should be active” regardless of their years. His wife of 54 years, Vivian, doesn’t share his enthusiasm for biking, but she and daughter Kathy drive a vehicle along different routes connected to the trail where they meet.

“The reason I talk about my biking is hopefully to inspire someone to get off their rump and get moving,” Crawford said.

The popular biking route is a Rails-to-Trails project in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties that passes through the Monongahela National Forest between Caldwell and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

Crawford said he will continue biking the river trail each year “as long as I am able to.” Could there be a possible 100-mile trek for his 100th birthday? Anything is possible, he said.

“My biggest challenge now is being able to stand up once I get off the bike,” Crawford said. “But I am in good health and I don’t see any reason why I can’t make it.”

— E-mail: cgiggenbach@register-herald.com