Cyclist Completes Virtual Trip Across America!
Vero Beach cyclist and Special Olympics Florida athlete Billy Klingensmith has cycled an astonishing 3,521 miles as part of the Amerithon Challenge. The Challenge invites athletes to complete a cross-country journey without ever leaving their neighborhood.
Billy, who picked up cycling about eight years ago, began his trip in June, biking about 25 to 30 miles a day, mostly on the roads near his home. He reached the virtual finish line earlier this month, after overcoming a shoulder injury, bike maintenance issues, and the soaking rains of Florida’s tropical depressions.
For the final half mile of his trip, Billy was escorted by officers with the Vero Beach Police Department.
Amazingly, Billy is already planning his next fitness challenge – to run 2,021 miles in 2021.
"I'm trying to break all these barriers for Special Olympics," Billy said. "Anybody in the Special Olympics can do this with the support of your family and your friends around you."