Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
In a tragic end to their fascinating bicycle odyssey around the world, Peter Root and Mary Thompson from the “Two On Four Wheels” bicycle blog were killed in Thailand Wednesday after being struck by a pickup truck.
Root and Thompson, both 34, had left Britain in July 2011 to set forth on their epic world journey. They had pedalled across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and China before the tragedy occurred last Wednesday.
As reported by CBC News:
The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the couple, who met in art school and spent six years saving money and planning their journey, Peter’s father Jerry Root told the Associated Press in an interview.
“They were both inspirational,” Jerry Root said. “They didn’t just talk about it, they did it. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
He said they were both experienced cyclists who knew the rigours and risks of extended bicycle travel.
“They were camping wild, as they called it,” he said. “What helps me is to think of how happy they were with each other. They were leading the life they wanted to. It was the happiest, the most fruitful of lives.”
The driver has been charged and was released on bail, telling police the collision occurred after he reached down to pick up a cap off the floor.
Our sincerest condolences go out to the families of Root and Thompson for their tragic loss. May their fascinating lives and experiences be forever remembered.
To help remember these remarkable people, below are a few photos that Root and Thompson had posted to their blog while on their journey.
A friend of ours was listening to the following song while looking through photos of Root and Thompson’s fascinating journey, so we thought we would post it here. Perhaps this is the song that Peter is singing to Mary right now, wherever they are.
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
Two On Four Wheels blog photos from world journey – Courtesy of Two On Four Wheels
James D. Schwartz is the Editor of The Urban Country and is based in Toronto, Canada. You can contact James at james.schwartz@theurbancountry.com or follow him on Twitter.
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Rest in Peace dear Bro & Sister cyclist. You’ve lived your Dreams. Deepest condolences.
So Sad
I was really sad to hear this news. Such a heart warming journey sadly ended in tragedy. RIP Peter and Mary.
It was a trip of a lifetime, if they knew it would be their last trip, would they have taken it? Only they can answer this question. Because they were on the trip, we can only guess they knew the risks (and i promised myself i would not say this) but knowing the risks they saw the possibilities and the adventure ahead and they experienced the world. Together in life and death. Mary and Peter, although your ride on earth is over but your ride through the heavens with the angels is ahead. I wish for you two to find a place with a most wonderful view, joys beyond belief and happiness together. From one cyclist who would trade places with you because you were willing to give your life for what you believe in. My deepest regrets to the families. Please try to name a bike path after them, in their home town so others will know what they have done, please.
sad, sad news. 🙁
Rip may the bike gods and Madonna di Ghisallo look over you…
To strike a balance between a long life and a full life… who’s to say which is more prefered. One never knows when it all may come to an end, so striving to live life to the fullest will provide a reward greater than any one may hope for at the end of a long empty life.
RIP
My daughter met the couple while she was biking in Cambodia about a week ago. She just left Thailand and told us the traffic was horrible there and she was skeptical about her trip. But she said meeting them was inspirational. She told us about this great couple and their biking adventures and it put her at ease. We are all sad about this news.
So very sad. The looked so happy. I’m glad they found each other and were living their dream.
It’s sad! losses of the two wonderful human beings! precisely what is missing for us. Siguam the path of Eternal Light.
I’m so sad thai traffic keeps claiming more lives of two-wheelers.
My deepest condolances.
So sad; they dared to live life to the fullest; not many have the courage to do this. Please do name a bike path after them!
Very inspiring journey…..RIP bro n sist
So sorry to hear this..A real tragedy…Condolences to the families!! May their memories always be blessed. B”H.
RIP.. COndolences.
I was immediately drawn to the article about in my hometown newspaper about Peter and Mary’s death. My wife and I did a 14 month “Round-the -World” bike tour on our tandem in 2005/06. We were hit by a car once (fortunately no injuries). We relished every moment we were on tour. Looking at Peter and Mary’s picture and their blog I have a great sense as to how fulfilling their life’s journey together had become. My condolences to their families and friends. They were living their dreams. We should all aspire to live life with that in mind.
I have tried to look at there blog but keep getting the 404 error. So sad. They were on an epic journey!
Rest in Peace guys
RIP – as a fellow world traveller and blogger I am saddenned to hear this news. My thoughts are with their friends and family. Jonny
So sad. At least they died together, doing what they loved. Keep those pedals turning.
Your home isn’t here. God made you for a better time and a better place — a heavenly one. RIP
I’ve only just discovered this news! I spent an amazing few days with Pete ans Mary in Vietnam!!! Shocked is not a strong enough word!!!
That’s a remarkable journey..
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