An early pioneer in the information revolution, Hiestand began a small business developing computer program in 1962. "There were computers those days, he said ,"although it's a far cry from today."
Hiestand moved with his wife, who worked for American Airlines, to Fort Worth, Tex. and finally retired in the mid-1980s. Both moved to Cooper City two years ago.
Since then the veteran has relaxed and worked on his biking career.
Firm Friendship
Hiestand's and Coleman's eight year friendship began under unique circumstances with a magazine ad. Their friendship has been growing ever since.
Hiestand, who at 6 feet tall cuts an imposing figure, credits Coleman with being the more experienced biker. "He's biked a lot, and I've done a fair amount," Hiestand said.
The sojourn along the East Coast brought the friends closer together, Hiestand said. Coleman turned 69 during the trip, on May 24.
But the trip also posed certain challanges for the men.
For instance, Coleman suffered a fall as they headed toward the ferry stop at Orient Point, Long Island.
"It isn't a question whether you're going to fall, it's a question of when," Hiestand said. Coleman fell on his hip, but luckily was only bruised. "It turned out fine but it could have been tragic," Hiestand said.
The trip that ended last week was Hiestand's longest ever, but Coleman has biked from coast to coast twice, in 1986 and 1990.
That accomplishment is especially remarkable, Hiestand proudly noted, because of his friend's struggle against a physical handicap.
Coleman ,a native of Newark, N.J. served in the Air Force and was based in the U.S. He contracted polio when he was in his 20's, and noted that Coleman had suffered from infantile paralysis. "They said I would never walk again ," Coleman said.
But through muscle rehabilitation and physical therapy, Coleman successfully fought polio and stood on crutches at his graduation from the University of California at Los Angeles. Previously he had been wheelchair-bound.
Coleman's inspirational recovery and dedication to cycling helped to drive the pair on their East Coast journey. Besides, Hiestand couldn't wait to be reunited with his classmates, whom he remembered fondly.
And as for future bicycling trips?
"There'll be some ,"Hiestand promised.