This Mainer’s getting ready to bike across the country. He’s also about to turn 80.

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]Once you've reached a certain age, the big birthdays, the ones ending in fives or zeros, have a way of making you think about what you've done in life and what you still want to do.

[00:00:11]>> In Portland, there is a man who has one of those big birthdays coming up. And as it draws closer, he is definitely not looking back, he's looking ahead.

[00:00:23]In 2004, Dean Bingham and his wife started a small business making and selling high-end chocolates. That line of work was a natural for him. I had been making chocolate for a good part of my life. I used to host chocolate potlucks. The focus at Dean's Sweets is on quality, starting with the ingredients, then on how they're put together to create delectable treats.

[00:00:48]When we hire people, we always ask them, "So, how are you with repetitive tasks?"

[00:00:53]>> [laughter] >> And the reason [snorts] for that question? We do a lot of hand dipping, which most chocolate shops don't anymore. The work at the store in Portland is done with minimal equipment. Dean might hand dip 3 to 400 chocolates an hour. Hand dipping has very zen quality to it. But on the 1st of May, Dean Bingham will step aside from the tranquil work of making chocolates to tackle a daunting challenge. He plans to ride his bicycle alone across the United States from Oregon to Maine. He's done this twice before, most recently in 2017. And after that ride, he had some news for his wife. I had told Kristen quite clearly that that I didn't need to do that again.

[00:01:43]I was done with these huge rides.

[00:01:46]Um I thought that was it. Obviously, Dean changed his mind. And if he completes his journey across the US and makes it here to East End Beach in Portland, and does it solo and unsupported, that is carrying everything on his own, then he will set a record becoming, at the age of 79, the oldest person ever to accomplish that feat.

[00:02:10]What do you think is going to be the biggest physical challenge?

[00:02:15]Physical challenge in the past has been sitting on the bike seat for 6 or 8 hours a day. Your butt gets sore? Oh, absolutely. In the last few weeks, Dean has been boosting his mileage around Portland as he trains. When crossing the continent, he plans to ride about 60 miles a day.

[00:02:33]>> I'm guessing you're going to be traveling really light, not much more besides the clothing you need, the toilet articles that you need, and is that about it? Pretty much. And he's doing something else before leaving Maine, raising money. Since he's about to turn 80, he wants to raise $80,000 with this trip to fight multiple sclerosis. And in addition to raising money, he's also making extra chocolates for the 2 months he'll be out on the road.

[00:03:03]>> You talked about how one of the issues when doing long-distance bike riding is that you get a sore butt. This to me does not look like a comfortable [laughter] seat.

[00:03:14]Yeah, it seems like it'd be more comfortable sitting back here.

[00:03:17]In just over a week, Dean Bingham will dip the front wheel of his bike in the Pacific, then start riding east. The trip will cover about 3,500 miles, which, any way you figure it, will burn off more than a few chocolates.

[00:03:35]So, as we mentioned, Dean Bingham plans to start his ride on May 1st, hopes to finish by June 30th. He will turn 80 in early July, hopes to raise that money, 80 for 80.

[00:03:46]>> Love it. If you would like to make a donation to fight MS in connection with his ride, you'll find more information in the 207 section of our News Center Maine app or on our website.