Jul 14, 2015 2 min read

AVELLA – From their vantage point at Campbell Street and Avella Road, the employees of the Avella Uni-Mart are witness to the happenings of the small town.

They can watch the trucks from the volunteer fire department speed by and funeral processions inch along the brick road.

Tuesday, they spotted a white-haired Chinese man pushing a rickshaw up to their front door.

Chen Guan Ming, a farmer from Eastern China, stopped by the convenience store for a quick bite on his way to Pittsburgh.

“I bought him two slices of pizza,” said employee John Runyon. “We offered him water, but he wanted ice, so we filled up his thermos. Then he used the bathroom.”

“The Olympic Rickshaw Rider,” Chen is spreading the Olympic message of goodwill, taking a circuitous route through the United States before traveling south. He hopes to make it to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in time for the summer 2016 games.

According to a social media page he frequently updates, Chen began his journey in 2008. He had never strayed far from his home, but when he learned the Olympic games would take place in Beijing, he was inspired to make the trip in a rickshaw, stopping to spread his message in every major Chinese city.

“I like to travel and meet people around the world,” he posted.

In 2010, he began a two-year journey from China to London, passing through 18 countries to attend the 2012 London Olympics. There, he met friends who would help him cross the Atlantic. He landed in Canada, crossing into the United States and traveling the Pacific Coast before heading east.

Taking a break Tuesday along Route 50 in Cross Creek Township, he drank from a bottle of water before naming some of the countries he has seen.

“Pakistan, Thailand, Italy,” Chen said, smoothing his long beard. He then named the cities he planned to visit in the United States. “Pittsburgh, New York, Washington, D.C.”

Chen pointed to a tent in his rickshaw. For the foreseeable future, this is his home. If he is tired, he sets up his tent. If he is hungry, he eats from his stash, then continues on his journey.

When asked if people in the United States have been helpful, he smiled.

“Yes. Kind.”