Elana Whorton of Marysville will have a big story to tell when she starts seventh grade this fall.
The Marysville girl gained a sentimental memory that few can say they’ve shared with a loved one. She rode with her grandfather in the 2008 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic.
William Higley Sr. of Everett — 56 going on 12, he said — was hospitalized with a heart attack 11 years ago. As he left the hospital, his daughter checked in to give birth to his first granddaughter.
“It turns out her first of three daughters was born on July 12, 1997,” Higley said. “How fitting was it that on her 11th birthday, my first granddaughter joined me on my eighth (Seattle to Portland ride).”
She asked if she could ride along.
He was thrilled.
“I trained almost a year,” Elana said. “I would try to ride about 20 to 40 miles a week.”
Higley, a professional land surveyor in Engineering Services for Snohomish County Public Works, said the ride was a labor of love he hopes to share with younger grandchildren.
When they shoved off in Seattle, Elana was given words of encouragement as riders passed by.
“No matter that we were among the slower riders, this was a high point in my life,” Higley said. “I jealously protected her from harm as best I could, reminding her to keep right and pay attention to all around her.”
Almost 10,000 people participated in the event.
Her grandfather hoped they could go 25 miles that first morning. She kept giving him a thumbs up. Her mother, Siana Whorton, picked up Elana, who had stomach cramps, after about 20 miles.
“She wanted to keep going,” Higley said. “She had earned my respect.”
Elana rode again in Centralia later that day.
“We rode through the misting station and partook of orange creamsicles,” he said. “We rode on through to Chehalis where my wife and daughter got together and we decided to call it a day.”
Elana pedaled 30 miles that first day.
“My granddaughter was filled with pride. Her joy could not be hidden.”
The next day, they rode together into Longview. He was hesitant for Elana to push too far as temperatures were in the mid 90s.
“The purpose of our earlier training was not to turn her into a high-powered athlete, but for us to share an experience that would be forever ours.”
Elana joined her grandfather on the fringes of Portland.
“At this time her enthusiasm could barely be constrained,” Higley said. “It was all her pudgy old grandfather could do to keep up with her.”
The pair stood with ear-to-ear grins at the finish line. Elana told others she rode part way, and was proud of the experience.
“Did we do all we hoped?” Higley said. “The answer is ‘You bet.’ We had the time of our lives.”
The youngster said she had a ton of fun, and she could tell her grandpa did, too.
“I would do it again,” she said. “I am going to do it next year and hopefully make it through.”
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
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