Meet Jon Chaykowski, an adventurous resident of the Hill Section, whose passion for cycling and love for the great outdoors has taken him on epic journeys across America. At the remarkable age of 75, Jon has recently completed his fourth solo transcontinental bike ride, which also completed his 11,062 mile "circumnavigation" of the contiguous USA.  On this 2,338 mile final portion of his overall journey, he tirelessly pedaled mile after mile, from Key West, Florida to Lubec, Maine, enjoying another adventure. 

 

What was his inspiration for this 4th trip? Jon explains, “I rode my first trans-USA bike ride at age 60, my second at age 65 and my third at age 70.” At the age of 75, the stars aligned for a fourth and he put his wheels into motion. 

 

 

From his childhood days, Jon has fond memories of receiving his first “real” bike, a 20" red Huffy. As he grew older, Jon's cycling experiences evolved from racing in his early teens to participating in organized rides like RAGBRAI (a 500-mile ride across Iowa) and Solvang Centuries (100-mile rides). He even conquered challenging climbs like Haleakala Crater Mountain and legendary Tour de France routes.

 

Camping was also an integral part of Jon's life, starting with family outings in his youth. As a college student, he discovered backpacking and, in the following years, extensively explored the Sierra Nevadas. He embarked on memorable backpacking trips, including the entire John Muir Trail and even ventured into the Arctic Circle in Europe. As a parent, Jon continued the tradition of family camping and nurtured in his children a love of the great outdoors.

 

 

Jon ventured out on his fourth trip, starting May 27, 2023, from the southernmost point of the USA in Key West, Florida. This ride held special significance to Jon, especially since it marked the completion of his solo "circumnavigation" of the contiguous USA, covering all 48 by bicycle. He also has cycled in Alaska and Hawaii on shorter rides.

 

This 4th ride, like his first three trips, wasn’t for the faint of heart. The sweltering heat and humidity in the Sunshine State and heavy rain in the mid-Atlantic states were daunting, but Jon pedaled on. He continued up the East Coast, taking the road less traveled, camping and staying in hotels (when necessary) and enjoying scenic landscapes, coastal roads, and the welcoming kindness of people he met along the way.

 

Best of all, Jon documented all of his travels day by day on his four informative blogs, which have attracted tens of thousands of views. Read all about them at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/rideforMBEF4.

 

Throughout his adventures, Jon showcased his grit, determination and perseverance. Whether fixing his bike from wear and tear, repairing his shoes with shoe glue, enduring the relentless sun or rain, or meeting strangers who offered him kindness, like a slushie drink to beat the heat, Jon's journey was filled with unforgettable experiences. The sights of America from the seat of a bike gave him a unique perspective that he will treasure forever.

 

 

Completing his fourth transcontinental ride was accomplished by reaching the lighthouse at the northernmost tip of the USA's East Coast, at Lubec, Maine, and caused him to smile ear to ear. Once he concluded this latest tour, he packaged his bike in a bike box and flew home to the arms of his loving wife, Lorie, who kept the home fires burning and often assisted Jon by phone in finding lodging when plans changed. 

 

What an inspiration! Age is not a factor for Jon. His message to others is "With a spirit of adventure, coupled with drive and determination, anything is possible – one step or pedal at a time."