After knee surgery in 2004, my running days were largely over, and I had to find other ways to burn calories and stay fit. That effort became a lot easier on Labor Day of 2008 when, at the age of 45,  I finally quit drinking alcohol for good – not a drop in 18 years – certainly one of the best decisions of my life. With a knee replacement in 2020, I was 12 years into a regular swimming, biking, and weightlifting routine. As I edged into my early 50’s, I started thinking about riding my bike across the country. What could be more unique and physically challenging than that? So here we are, after 5 years in the Army and a 33-year working career in the financial services industry, I finally have time to pursue the Cross-Country Challenge.

While I have been cycling for exercise for many years, I started my dedicated training program in July ’25 and it has been quite the journey. I have pushed my limits and have awakened many mornings with stiff legs and body aches, but you get back on that bike and grind out another training session.  And just as my coach explained to me – progression is slow but steady and you learn the limits of your performance.  The training has been intense – but sooner or later when all the training is done and all the talking is over, it’s time to get on the road, point the bike east, and start pedaling.