85-year-old man becomes oldest to bike across America, travels 3,000 miles in 44 days

Shortly after turning 85 years old, Robert “Bob” Sanders (USA) hopped on to his bike and began to ride across America. 

Each morning, for 44 days in a row, he would pull his body out from under the warm hotel sheets and don his racing gear, before embarking on his journey across the smooth concrete highways and rugged backroads of his country. 

3,007 miles (4,839.3 km) separated the shores of Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, California, and St. Augustine Beach in Florida – a route that dipped south through the rust-coloured desert and border towns in Arizona and Texas before cutting straight across the Deep South and into the panhandle. 

But by the time Bob completed his “Sanders Challenge”, he had witnessed incredible scenery, interacted with dozens of kindhearted souls, and taken home a Guinness World Records title for the oldest person to cross America (USA) by bicycle (male). 

He was 85 years and 49 days old when he wrapped up his ride on 11 May, taking the title by a considerable amount from 78-year-old Bruce Closser (USA, b. 19 Nov 1944), in an effort to show others – and himself – the power of determination. 

During his six-week ride, Bob – who hails from Bend, Oregon – was supported in a trailing vehicle by his wife Kathryn and longtime friend Jack Hoker. Besides their pleasant company, they provided Bob with endless encouragement (and the bumper of their car to rest on) while he made the difficult trek.

“Jack, and then Kathryn. It couldn't have been done without,” Sanders said to the Central Oregon Daily News.

The group started their journey off the coast of California and made several stops on their way across the South, making sure to take in the incredible scenery of mountains and beaches and rivers, and the historical significance of sites like Africatown, military testing sites, and border communities. 

Throughout their documentation of the trip, it was clear that locals were happy to share pieces of their lives and culture, with people so genuinely curious about the country they’ve seen change over the last 80 years.

“I have a good feeling about America now because people were so kind and helpful and friendly,” said Kathryn Sanders, Bob’s wife.

“The very best thing about it is to realize Americans and America is still one country,” added Bob. “We all still love our country without a doubt.”

During their journey, they also were able to reconnect with old friends (and new babies) who made sure to cheer Bob on!

And by the time Bob rolled his bike down the concrete sidewalks headed to St. Augustine Beach, he already had a crowd of well-wishers gathered there to celebrate his extraordinary achievement.

“He has determination. He has grit,” said Kathryn. “And I think he could show a lot of people what you can do with that.”

Nevertheless, even though he’s proud of his achievements, it’s likely that Bob sticks to the streets around his house for his next ride. 

“I'm glad I did it,” Sanders said. “But I'll tell you one thing without hesitation – I wouldn't do it again.”

Congratulations, Bob – you’re Officially Amazing!