Ian Hibbel killed by a car in Greece

September 4, 2008

There are names from the past and names from the past, and to anybody who grew up with bikes in the '70s and paid attention at all, Ian Hibbel is one of the latter. He was probably the most travelled bike rider of all time. If there were a Bicycling Hall of Fame and it was Limited to Ten People, he'd be right in there with Sheldon Brown and Lon Haldeman (who is still living, by the way).

 I'm not qualified to write his biography, even a part of it, but in a nutshell, this incredible nut quit his job in 1963 and has never stopped riding since. He may have discovered several new countries on his trips--that's how far and wide he pedaled. Google him, note the spelling, although I think you will see his last name spelled a few different ways.

His bike was a lugged steel English brand, Argos. It was custom-made for him, with an integral rear rack stout enough to carry the hundreds upon hundreds of pounds of water he needed to pedal across the thousands upon thousands of miles of deserts he pedaled across. His bike was burley for its time of manufacture, but by today's standard--except for that rack--looks frail. I like the look, myself.  Here it is.

I've thought about Ian Hibbel a lot in the past 20 years. He'd have made a good interview. He has been interviewed, many times, and better than I'd have done it.

Ian Hibbel was a little-ish guy, and a monster-giant bicycle rider. His passing should be huge news. I wish I knew more details. I've read about his trips, I know his story, but I don't know enough details to string anything together. Still, I have to note his passing, and I am so, so sorry to hear of it.

--Grant