Robert and Bliss Sawyer crossed the finish line in Ocean City, New Jersey, on September 12, 2026, after 87 days in the saddle. The Saratoga Springs, Utah, pair had started in Bellingham, Washington, on June 20—their 40th wedding anniversary—turning a personal milestone into a $23,000 fundraising effort. They aimed to support Habitat for Humanity and Tabitha’s Way Local Food Pantry, causes close to their hearts given Bliss’s work in mortgage lending and Robert’s volunteer background.
The route was brutal. They covered 3,634 miles, climbing over 96,000 feet in elevation across ten states. From the rugged terrain of Idaho and Montana to the flat stretches of the Midwest, the couple averaged 48 miles a day. Their longest single ride pushed nearly 70 miles, while the shortest was just 20, a testament to the unpredictable nature of long-distance cycling. Weather shifted from scorching heat to driving rain, testing their endurance daily.
Accommodation was a mix of necessity and hospitality. They camped for 34 nights, paid for hotels 27 times, and relied on the Warmshowers network for 26 free stays with local hosts. This slow pace allowed them to engage with communities they would have missed by car, though it also highlighted the physical toll. One particularly grueling stretch involved a navigation error that forced them to push their bikes up a steep, rocky trail. Frustration mounted until they stopped to talk, reinforcing the patience needed for such a long journey together.
The Sawyers have been cycling together since around 2000, starting with short outings and moving to international trips like a six-week ride through Norway. But this trip demanded a different level of sustained effort. As they reflect on the journey, the focus shifts from the miles covered to the impact made. Their story highlights how personal milestones can drive tangible community support, leaving a legacy of $23,000 in donations for those in need.