ERIC HITES SAYS he “blames the Proclaimers.”
Their classic song 500 Miles has inspired him to cycle across America, to lose some of the 40 stone 3 pounds (255 kilos) in weight that he has gained over the years.
And, to win back his wife.
The 40-year-old and his wife separated last year, which appears to have sparked a transformation in Hites, who calls this journey his “defining moment.”
According to his website:
He has come to a time in his life he has to decide if he will make changes and improve his health, love, and life.
He likes to do big things, and make his family proud. Most of all he wants to show the love of his life, that he will be around for the long haul, to be there when they are old, and to prove by actions instead of words in a big way that his love has no bounds.
He has to show her and the world what he can do.
The self-proclaimed “Fat guy across America” set out from Falmouth, Massachusetts a fortnight ago, and has been documenting every move on his website and Facebook page.
Hites says he has already lost 60 pounds (27 kilos) from the 90 miles of cycling.
However, a bent rim on his bike has kept him in the town of Tiverton, Rhode Island since last week. A replacement arrived on Wednesday, and he is heading back on the road on Saturday morning.
Hites, who wears size 70 trousers and a 10XL T-shirt, is already inspiring admiration for his exploits.
One Facebook follower wrote: “You motivate me to do more, to work harder on my weight loss.”
Another said: “I am obese and scared to even think about putting this big body on that little bike. You have made me rethink that fear. Thank you.”
People love someone coming from nowhere and being a winner. You are that someone. People love the underdog – it shows them they can do it also.
Contains reporting by the Associated Press.
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