Man E-Biking Across U.S. Will Stop In Chicago Heights: Officials

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — A man who is biking from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco on an e-bike will stop in Chicago Heights Wednesday, officials said.

Cyclist Gregory Maassen, originally from the Netherlands, is biking the 3,400 mile journey to raise awareness and funds for peripheral neuropathy. Maassen left on April 2 and is anticipated to reach San Francisco by Aug. 1.

Peripheral neuropathy is a neurologic condition which stems from damaged nerve endings. Of the 30 million people who suffer from the condition, many have the most pain and weakness in their hands and feet.

A spokesperson for the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy told Patch that Maassen began e-biking while looking for a low-impact form of exercise that wouldn't hurt his skin or joints. The man will become the first person to ever bike the historic Lincoln Highway.

In a press release, Maassen wrote he chose Eisenhower-Lincoln Highway to travel in order to symbolize the president's support of Netherland liberation during World War II.

Maassen, 54, will also be stopping in Joliet and DeKalb on this third leg of the ten segment tour. As of Monday, Maassen had raised $23,500 through the foundation's "One Cent Per Mile" pledges.

For more information on the journey, visit the project's homepage.