SKOWHEGAN, Maine — Normally, if you saw a giant globe rolling along the side of U.S. Route 2, you might want to call your eye doctor to schedule an appointment.
For the next week, however, you can put down the phone and relax: You’ve just seen the world guy.
Erik Bendl is the man behind the big blue and green orb. Determined to raise awareness about the benefits an active lifestyle can have for people with diabetes, the 48-year-old Kentucky man has been walking since April 22 and has plans to stop only when he reaches the ocean.
Inspired by the diabetes-related death of his mother, former Kentucky state Rep. Gerta Bendl, he has been walking every summer since 2008 with his globe and faithful canine companion, Nice. While his mother eventually succumbed to her disease, Bendl points to his uncle as evidence of the life-extending benefits regular activity can have for a diabetic.
“He’s my example for leading a healthy lifestyle with diabetes,” Bendl said of his 84-year-old uncle.
While not officially sponsored by the organization, Bendl’s venture supports the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association. A link from his blog about the journey leads to the organization’s website, where users can find information about being active with diabetes and networking with other individuals coping with the disease.
Bendl entered Maine on Route 2 close to Bethel in the White Mountain National Forest and plans to conclude his walk at Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. As of Friday afternoon, he was in Skowhegan at the bridge where Route 104 meets Route 201. From there, he plans to follow Route 2 into Bangor, a 52-mile walk that he expects will take him approximately five days.
“I walk anywhere from five to 15 miles a day, averaging about 10,” Bendl said.
Ten miles may seem a short distance, but considering the added energy required to push the 60-pound ball, Bendl feels he is making a decent pace. He recently has been slowed a bit by an Achilles tendon injury he suffered while walking down a steep hill in Havre de Grace, Md.
“I began my charge and stepped in an unfilled hole they had dug for a post, and down I went,” Bendl said. “I’m just walking slower right now, using other muscles.”
To fund his walkabouts, Bendl works as a carpenter during the winter and saves as much money as he can. A large part of his success, he said, comes from the kindness of strangers he meets along the road who give him food and shelter as well as drive his supply van from point A to B each day.
On Friday in Skowhegan, his dog was experiencing the compassion that makes the trip possible.
“He’s already had roast beef today,” Bendl said, adding, “he’s getting hand-fed milk right now, right from the bottle.”
To track Bendl’s progress along his route to the coast, follow him on his blog at www.worldguy.org.