SALT LAKE CITY — Washington state to New Jersey in a little more than three months; this ride would be the most ambitious Bliss and Robert Sawyer attempted.
The Saratoga Springs couple began road biking seriously about 25 years ago. One long haul at a time, they rode all over the country and all over the world, taking their bikes to the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
Bliss said she was most excited for the challenge of the trip.
“Seeing our own country from a bicycle,” Bliss said “Because to me, that's kind of the magic of it is that you see things differently.”
They planned to camp often and stay in road-side hotels every few nights, biking daily through all kinds of weather.
Robert said in the early days, they were concerned about how fast they rode and how far each day, but by now they've learned to enjoy the journey.
“This is just us to enjoy being together, enjoy the scenery, listen to music,” Robert said.
Through their ride, the couple was working to raise money for two charities, Tabitha's Way Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. They've had a few sponsors to help with gear, but said for the most part they would fund this trip themselves.
Follow their journey and donate to the cause on their website, Hope Across the USA.
More on biking in Utah:
Mountain Bike Mania: Pedaling Utah Tourism
Utah e-bike helmet law begins Wednesday
