Across a Continent; Across a Life: Cycling Across America and into Non-retirement

by Kevin Ryan

After leaving behind the routines of work life, Kevin Ryan sets out on a 4,000-mile journey by bicycle across America to discover who he is after a fulfilling and busy career. From the charming small towns of New England to the vast, rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, this inspiring memoir captures not only the physical adventure but also the deeper, more personal quest for a renewed sense of purpose.

Starting at Boston Harbor and pedaling through Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Wyoming, and beyond to the Pacific Coast of Oregon, the author and his wife, Cheryl, find themselves navigating more than just the scenic roads. As they meet fellow adventurers, kind strangers, and far-flung friends, Kevin realizes that this journey is about connection, growth, and transformation. As the miles tick by, so do the challenges—wildfires, accidents, and unforeseen obstacles that push him closer to the person he wants to become in this final third of life. Through it all, he reflects deeply on lessons learned, relationships, retirement, and the meaning found in every twist of the road.

Across a Continent, Across a Life is more than a travel memoir; it's a story of resilience, reinvention, and the ongoing pursuit of joy. For those seeking a path to new beginnings, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of purpose, this memoir is a reminder that life’s greatest adventures often begin when we think our journey is over.

Genres: Biography

190 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2024

About the author

A creative soul with a successful and diverse career, channeling my time, passion, and energy into the arts. I write about adventures and travel.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the second time in recent months, I read a book that I would not normally pick up because I knew the person who wrote it. I followed Kevin Ryan's IG account while he and Cheryl made this trip across America. The fact that his posts were well written (included lovely photographs) and brought out his connections with various people made me think his book might be similar. It did not disappoint! Ryan gives enough details about the bicycle touring trip that one gets a feel for it, but he also intwines insight from his stages of life and makes meaningful connections to the trip. I found myself underlining several different passages to review later. Perhaps this book hit home because I'm not too far behind Ryan in age. However, I think adults of any age would enjoy it and learn from it. It did make me want to do a bit more biking even though walking trips are still my favorite!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and especially appreciated how the author weaved valuable "life" lessons and experiences among the narrative about the cycling trip across the continent. Simply put, the bike ride from Boston to Pacific City is an amazing achievement of both body and mind!

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I've read a few books where I had met the author, this is the first by a close friend. So take that as a disclaimer of sorts, I guess--I don't claim to be unbiased. Still, I think many will find enjoyment and inspiration reading this account of a coast-to-coast bike tour. We were thrilled to join Kevin & Cheryl for a few days as their route intersected our home and then across central Wisconsin as they tolerated our amateur tagalong wannabe companionship.

Life is a journey and this account shares its vulnerabilities, serendipity--dare I say synchronicity--and the blessings of dogged determination and friendship.

Fair winds, my friends.