Truck driver trades in rig for electric bicycle

Sunday, June 8, 2008

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electric bike, across country, gas prices

Charles Spaide rides his electric bicycle during his trip across the country.

CITRUS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A truck driver turned bicyclist is peddling across the country to show that high gas prices can be beaten.

Charles Spaide is making the trip to California on an electric bicycle after high fuel costs put him out of work.

"Gas prices got up so high, companies were just folding down on drivers," Spaide said. "I just happened to be one of them."

Spaide is riding by himself to his electric bicycle's manufacturer near Los Angeles. He wants to inspire people and show there are ways to beat high fuel prices.

"Not using any kind of gas, burning any greenhouse emissions or anything and be able to go all the way across the country -- that's very impressive," said onlooker Keith Brittingham as he admired Spaide's electric bicycle.

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At every stop Spaide takes the opportunity to explain his journey and his electric bike.

The bicycle works like a motorcycle. Once the battery is turned on, the rider can throw up the throttle and speed down the road at a blazing 16 mph.

The battery will last about 20 miles, so much of the day Spaide has to pedal.

Spaide expects the trip to California to take over a month since it's over 2,500 miles.

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