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Eric Hites
MARTHA’S VINEYARD – A song from The Proclaimers was the inspiration behind an Indiana man’s trek across the country on his bicycle.
Forty-year-old Eric Hites came up with the idea for his 3,700 mile journey after hearing the song ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’.
After separating from his wife, Hites was depressed and the song had everything he wanted to say to his wife.
“I don’t think I could walk 500 miles, but for you, to prove my love, I think I could ride it on my bicycle,” Hites said he told his wife. “Because you think I’m all talk, I’ll go from east coast to west coast, and I’ll find us a new home, change my life with my weight loss, new attitude.”
Having always wanted to write a book about going across the United States, Hites decided to make the journey.
That journey began in June when he arrived on Martha’s Vineyard.
“I called her, and she’s like ‘you’re seriously there’ yeah, and she was saying that it was the most romantic thing in the world, and I had her back right about then,” said Hites.
With over 500 followers on his Facebook page titled “Fat Guy Across America,” and his weight at over 500 pounds, Hites knew he couldn’t quit the trip.
Since June, Hites has updated his followers daily on his Facebook page and has a website with the same title that followers can make monetary donations to.
Hites said that he is not relying on donations for his journey.
“If they want to help they can, I’m not really asking,” said Hites. “If they want to help that’s great, If they don’t, feel free to follow if they want to.”
Hites is currently approaching the Connecticut/Rhode Island border but is now accompanied by his wife, who is his biggest fan.
“I think it will make it a lot easier with her with me,” said Hites. “It will make me even more motivated to get further.”
Hites is hoping to have the trip completed by the end of the year, and is planning to go through Pasadena, California en route to Orange County, which will be his finish line.
Hites said he is already seeing a change in his body from June.
“I’m getting stronger every day, I can go farther, I can do hills,” said Hites.
“I’m seeing myself riding a couple miles without even considering taking a break, and then I still push for another one.”
With plans for a new wedding at Martha’s Vineyard with his wife and writing a book about his journey in the future, Hites is not giving up hope.
“We really got to start hammering and getting out there together and really going and start picking up those miles,” said Hites.
To follow Hites’ journey, go to Fatguyacrossamerica.com.
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