American, Soviet Bicyclists Roll to End of 13,000-Mile Global Trek

Two American and two Soviet bicyclists completed their round-the-world trek Monday, rolling up to the steps of the Minnesota state Capitol to the cheers and applause of dozens of well-wishers.

Brothers Dan and Steve Buettner, of the St. Paul area, and their Soviet companions, Volodya Kovalenko and Alexander Razumenko, traveled 13,000 miles in eight months. Along the way, they became the first people to bicycle across the Soviet Union, a 7,353-mile stretch that took 124 days, 22 hours and 53 minutes.

“We’ve been through hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and salmonella illnesses,” said Steve Buettner, 25, Roseville, a technician and photographer.

Dan Buettner, 30, is a writer and lecturer; Kovalenko, 32, is a physical education teacher, and Razumenko, 31, is a biologist.

During their trip across the United States, Soviet Union and parts of Europe and Asia, the four cyclists had 342 flats and wore out 72 tires. They also dined with the new leaders of Romania.