After 11,000 miles on a bike, a new impression of Americans

The Boston Globe ^ | 8/20/2007 | Andrew Ryan

[BronzePencil]

Chris Aandewiel is a Dutch man with a well-worn mountain bike who slept this past weekend at the YMCA on Huntington Avenue. He has pedaled some 11,000 miles in the last year searching for the truth about Americans.

Growing up in Rotterdam, Aandewiel had an impression of this country shared by many in the Netherlands, an image formed by Hollywood movies and the media.

"We really think of Americans as how we perceive the United States government, and that's a little arrogant and stubborn," Aandewiel said by telephone.

Or at least that was the impression the 29-year-old consumer researcher had before he embarked on a yearlong bicycle tour around the perimeter of the United States. Since September, he has passed through 35 states, spent the night in the homes of 72 strangers, and met hundreds of people in gas stations and on highways who have nudged him along on his trip.

[BronzePencil]

But I thought everyone hated Americans? That's what I reaad in the New York Times and they wouldn't lie, would they?

[jbwbubba]

How can he ride a bike with wooden shoes; I’m sure he misses his windmill. Still its a good thing to get past sterotypes.

[NYCynic]

A handful of Europeans hate Americans because they rely on judgments and preconceived notions. Which is, as Mr. Aandewiel notes “a little arrogant and stubborn.”

[Minn]

With an 11,000 mile base going for him, a guy must really feel good in the saddle.

[ican'tbelieveit]

Thanks to CNN International. I hear it is horrible to the US in Europe.

[vbmoneyspender]

"We really think of Americans as how we perceive the United States government, and that's a little arrogant and stubborn," Aandewiel said by telephone.

What's wrong with being a little arrogant and stubborn

[toddlintown]

Socialist bum.

[GovernmentShrinker]

Sounds like he had a fairly extreme case of not trusting the MSM. Good for him. And do you suppose he’s flying home on 9/11 for symboilc reasons, or because tickets are extra cheap on that date?

[ElkGroveDan]

How can he ride a bike with wooden shoes; I’m sure he misses his windmill. Still its a good thing to get past sterotypes.

Makes you wonder if he tried to plug the broken dikes in New Orleans with his arm.

[lovecraft]

How can he ride a bike with wooden shoes; I’m sure he misses his windmill. Still its a good thing to get past sterotypes.

LOL.....I don't care who you are, that's funny right there!

[james500]

“Growing up in Rotterdam, Aandewiel had an impression of this country shared by many in the Netherlands, an image formed by Hollywood movies and the media.”

Negative propaganda exists, is pervasive, and is effective, in other words?

[this is my name not yours]

"After being here, I really think that [Americans] aren't that different than the Dutch," Aandewiel said. "In fact, I really think they are friendlier -- and really more helpful than Dutch people."


Nice Americans. How strange.

[Ancient Drive]

gotta give it to the guy. he rode 11000 miles in search of the truth and found it. who else would ride a bicycle for 11000 miles to find the truth about something? cheers!

[saganite]

Now, reflecting on his trip from the YMCA, he says he has some 300 miles left to go. He plans to pedal to New York City and fly home on Sept. 11

9-11. Interesting.

[Dick Vomer]

I’m jealous. What a great trip.

[BureaucratusMaximus]

With an 11,000 mile base going for him, a guy must really feel good in the saddle.

I know, I was thinking, "Damn, 11,000 miles on a mountain bike!" That guy is hardcore.

[taxcontrol]

I’m doing a short term assignment to the Netherlands. Many folks are moving to a much more conservative stance in their politics than what I saw in the ‘80s. There military has always impressed me as being professional.

[saganite]

I’m overseas a lot and quit watching CNN International years ago. You have to wait hours sometimes for a real news update and it’s BBC wannabe anyway. Worthless.

[johnny7]

I’ve heard they also got a thing for tulips... mighty odd.

[taxcontrol]

No kidding ... talk about torture. Heck, a 3 mile ride on my street bike turns the seat into a picket fence.