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About The Hood River news. (Hood River, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2015)
A12 Hood River News, Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Kiters and barge in a river drama Sam Grotte of White Salmon en- joys taking scenic photos and his close-ups of hummingbirds are true micro-examinations of the world around us. But on June 24 Grotte’s camera captured something farther away, and with a drama of its own, when he heard five blasts from a barge late in the afternoon. He looked from his window overlooking the river. “A kiteboarder had fallen into the river and was struggling but proba- bly was too exhausted to get back on the board,” Grotte said. “The tug had already started a left turn to avoid a collision and the dis- tance to the downed kiter was less than 100 yards,’ Grotte said. “Not much time since they were headed downstream.” He said it was “cer- tainly not enough time to actually stop the tug and barge.” Then another kiter came to help. He was close enough to make a dash in the hopes of helping his fellow kiter. Then another kiter came along. “The first kiter made an effort to boost the stricken kite into the air, while the second seed to be trying to mark the position for the barge pilot,” said Grotte, who watched the action for about 10 minutes. “It all worked, and the barge slid past the kiters to continue on his way down the Columbia, all of them a bit wiser.” — Kirby Neumann-Rea Photo by Sam Grotte Cyclist rolls through Hood River on cancer-fighting ‘Victory Tour’ By PATRICK MULVIHILL News staff writer A New Orleans man pedaled through the Gorge last Friday — part of a 7,200-mile cross-country bike ride across the United States honoring his wife’s battle with pan- creatic cancer. Eric McIntyre, 58, completed the Oregon leg of his journey over the weekend. The ride took him from Klamath Falls to Port- land, then from Government Camp to Hood River, where he arrived Friday morning. From there, he headed east to The Dalles and shot north to Spokane. Next up are the “dog days,” as McIntyre described them, the long slog east across the entire Midwest. Liz was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in fall of 2012. “When Liz was diagnosed … it was a gut punch but we very quickly went into com- munal and spiritual fighting mode and de- cided we would do whatever we could, whatever seemed right in our eyes as peo- ple of faith,” said McIntyre. McIntyre said he and Liz and participat- ed in a couple marathon events in the past for charity, but he was never a professional athlete until now. “I was not a cyclist. I was not an endurance athlete.” However, he knew he wanted to do “some- thing big” to raise support for his wife and other cancer patients. So he decided to go an epic bike ride, one of such proportions that it “sounded crazy.” The original concept for the tour was to ride around the entire perimeter of the United States over six months, but his plans ultimately “crystallized” into a three month loop that started at McIntyre’s home base of New Orleans then took in as much of the United States as was possible in 7,200 miles. He’s dubbed the adventure the “Pancreat- ic Cancer Victory Tour,” and has teamed up with many sponsors, most notably the Lazarex Cancer Foundation. A non-profit foundation, Lazarex matches end-stage can- cer patients by connecting them with FDA- approved clinical trials, and covers the cost of travel for each patient. Eric McIntyre said the clinical trial Liz is enrolled in at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C., has slowed the progression of the disease, and her basic health is “very good.” “Her journey has been amazing. Other than that initial pain, she never had disease symptoms.” Liz has even accompanied Eric on por- tions of the journey from the tour van — but separation is still a harsh factor on pieces of the three-month tour. “That’s been very difficult sometimes,” said McIntyre. “But we believe that our marriage can handle the separation.” The couple has been married for 20 years. McIntyre is a grandfather, with a school age granddaughter in New Orleans. For the last portion of his tour, McIntyre has journeyed with his media teammate, Tod Hillman of Hollywood Media Services ! W E N based in Los Angeles. Hillman has man- aged social media, photography and video for McIntyre so he can focus on the road ahead of him. Hillman described the tour as an exciting one. “The people we meet along the way are a reason to keep going,” said Hillman. “We’re meeting so many supportive, loving and caring people that it gives wind to our sails.” For more information about McIntyre’s journey and the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, visit www.lazarex.org/events/pancreatic- cancer-victory-tour or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Pancreaticcancervictor yfoundation. Sports Barre Workout Strive to build better posture, core strength and enhanced mobility! Classes Start late July Non-member discounts! Call 541-386-3230 HOOD RIVER Sports Club Photo by Patrick Mulvihill “HEROIC CYCLIST” Eric McIntyre, 58, made a stop in Hood River June 26 as part of a 7,200-mile cross-country bike ride to honor his wife Liz’s ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer. 1330 Brookside Drive, Hood River 541-386-3230 www.hrsportsclub.com F IRST F RIDAY Please join us for First Friday BLUENAMI RHYTHM & BLUES Hood River Hotel July 3rd • 6pm 102 Oak Street, Hood River We will be having a Labor Day Sale through Monday 30-70% OFF Free Drinks! www.parts-labour.com 311 Oak St • Hood River 541-387-2787 5 4 1 - 3 8 6 - 1 9 0 0 Follow Your Feet to Footwise for First Friday Open Late for First Friday! 0BL 4U t %PXOUPXO )PPE 3JWFS t .PO 4BU 4VO 0QFO MBUF GPS st 'SJEBZ t 8FSF PO 'BDFCPPL July 3 • 5-8 PM Downtown Hood River THE MOTH LOUNGE HAPPY HOUR 5-8pm July 16 BINGO for Gorge Roller Girls July 18 Alan Graham July 22 Brian Litt July 25 The FIREWEEDS July 29 VooDoo Voltage MothLounge (formerly Pint Shack) 105 4th St, Hood River r SER fo I A R D N ival FU Tank•Co tt on n r a C r k e Summ lerGirls! Dun orse and tH Rol Gorge •Sno cones a 0pm 5-7:3 Candy b u P d Houn
