How many of us would walk 21 miles to work like this man?

[Beemerguy53]

This is an amazing story...and I am so glad folks have stepped forward to help this man. Wouldn't we all love to have employees or co-workers who are this dedicated?

This Detroit man walks 21 miles in his daily commute. So the Internet is trying to help. - The Washington Post

 

[GatorFarmer]

He ought get paid to endorse whatever brand of shoes he is wearing. More seriously, he should be in a commercial about American industry.

 

[scooter123]

I live in the area and rather doubt he was walking the entire 21 miles, he was probably riding available buses for most of that distance. However, the bus system coverage in this area isn't great so I would not be the least bit surprised if he were actually walking 3 to 5 miles a day.

BTW, when my sister was a lot younger she lived in Arlington, VA and worked in Washington DC. To get to work she had a 3/4 mile walk to the nearest metro station and a 1/2 mile walk from the metro to where she worked. So, she was walking 2 1/2 miles every single day and didn't mind it a bit.

A common feature to relying on any public transit system is that there will be a walk involved. How much of a walk depends on the system and the distances to available stops. IMO this whole story was blown just a bit out of proportion. However, I will admit the transit system in the greater Detroit area has lousy coverage so anyone using that system will be doing a lot more walking than someone in DC or New York.

 

[JSR III]

According to the story, he does take public transportation but still walks 21 miles round trip each day. Although like many of these stories, a fund was started and has already raised $67,000 and an offer of a used car.

One has to wonder how stories like this would end up if Al Gore had not invented the internet?

 

[islamoradamark]

well at least it is warm out with all that globle warming

 

[Biginge]

I admire his drive immensely. I would rather sit down and visit with this gentleman than any athlete on earth. A real hero in my book.

 

[M29since14]

This morning the televisor said that the fund is now over $100,000. His 21-mile commute is mainly by public transportation but he does walk more than 5-miles because of a hole in the net. It takes him 4-hours. That was NBC's spin, anyway.

Obviously, this gentleman needs a place to live closer to his job or something, but whatever his reasons - yes, absolutely, he is to be commended. May God bless him and keep him!

 

[Arik]

A little off topic

Don't even get me started on showing up to work on time. I'm at work everyday an hour and a half early. This way I get my coffee and morning news out of the way and by the time 9 am rolls around I'm ready. We open at 9 am and as of right now (9:31am) I'm the only person here. These people complain of traffic. ..yeah well wakeup earlier! Duh! When I say that they look at me like I just told them they should kick a puppy

 

[30-30remchester]

A book written about a man named Frank Glaser called Alaskan Wolf Man details the life of a man that hunted wolf for the government. He kept detailed diary entries and was an educated man. He would often walk 20 to 30 miles a day on snowshoes often breaking trail for dog teams. And this was done at temperatures of 10 to 60 below zero and at night quite often. They built tougher men back in the day.

 

[snubbyfan]

Many years ago, I used to make it a point to ride my bicycle to work at least twice a week. As long as the weather was reasonable.
I had panniers on the back of my bike that I kept my layers and work clothes in. There were bike trails that I could follow most of the way and I'd spend minimal time on the streets.
It was quite pleasant, I'd start out right before dawn. The sun'd come up, morning mist'd burn away, birds'd start singing and it'd start getting warmer. If there was anyone else on the trails I'd greet them with a smile.
There was a bench within 5 miles of my destination and I'd stop for a power bar breakfast.
By the time I got to work, I was all mellowed out. Stress was a lot easier to handle when ya start out mellow instead of stressed out by traffic.
On my way home it'd get dark and I'd switch on my bike mounted headlight. The stress of the day'd roll away with the miles.
Not counting side trips, my ride was 24 miles one way.
When my car was in the shop. I'd just take my bike everywhere. Grocery shopping, I'd just wear a backpack.
I used to be in pretty good shape.
My bike ain't no lightweight either.

 

[GaryS]

They were tough because they had no choice. I have little doubt that Mr. Glaser would have been very happy to jump on a snow mobile or in a Tucker Terra Groomer if someone gave him the opportunity.

A book written about a man named Frank Glaser called Alaskan Wolf Man details the life of a man that hunted wolf for the government. He kept detailed diary entries and was an educated man. He would often walk 20 to 30 miles a day on snowshoes often breaking trail for dog teams. And this was done at temperatures of 10 to 60 below zero and at night quite often. They built tougher men back in the day.

 

[Protected One]

Once all the "attention" has washed over I think I'm going to contact him and see if he'll let me buy him and his girlfriend dinner. Would love to hear some stories about those years of walking.

 

[Budasac]

I saw this story last week and, while I commend him for his dedication, I have a lot questions. He said it was hard to find a job, which is why he took one so far away in the first place but, he's had the job for 10 years now. He never thought to move closer in all that time? No coworkers live in that direction that he can carpool with? Never thought about getting a bike or moped if he couldn't afford a car? In ten years, a job closer to home hasn't become available?
Good for him for being on time every day but, what the hell????

 

[Rick_A]

This bicycle was my sole transportation for years and over a few winters while in WNY.

Hard miles means a lot of adjustments, chains, chain wheels, sprockets, and bearings to replace. One of those fancy shocks died on me, too. It currently has a broken fork and needs a hub.

The step-FIL always talks about how it was in his day and I don't know hardship and what not. I bite my tongue but that does burn me a bit. Me and my young brothers were walking and riding all over creation from a young age. I just don't make a thing of it.

I've been riding a sportbike daily for the past 13+ years, but she's gettin' a bit tired as well. The weather can get rough, but it beats driving, I guess.

When I lived seven or eight miles from work I tried walking a few times. I found jogging resulted in less wear and tear on my body for some reason. I'll always prefer two wheels.

This monstrosity was the family vehicle for nearly two years as the wife's vehicle failed catastrophically. It was less than ideal but we got by.

 

[Bkreutz]

Given the apparent "advanced age" of most of the members here, I think the question should be "How many of us could walk 21 miles to work?

 

[sheepdawg]

When does this guy have time for sleeping?

 

[vt_shooter]

The gofundme account for him is now $350,001. Pretty nice tax-free cache of cash. I hope he spends and manages the money wisely.

http://www.gofundme.com/l7girc

 

[jackvs1]

I do it everyday, up the hill; in rain or snow. I love my job. Signed Brian Williams

 

[Wyatt p. Tato]

I walked to work for many years. I found it was relaxing and stress releaving. But cars are not expensive under $200.00 a month.