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'Fat Guy' cycling across USA to save marriage

Marc Cugnon
USA TODAY Network
Eric Hites enjoys a short stop on his cycling journey.

When Indiana-native Eric Hites hopped on his bike, he weighed 563 lbs. About 40 days later and 50 pounds lost, he's still riding.

Inspired by the Proclaimers' 1988 hit "500 Miles," Hites embarked on a cross-country bike trip, in mid-June, to save his marriage.

Hites' wife, Angie, once a widow, wasn't willing to go through tragedy twice and with that in mind, Eric challenged himself to a journey of self-betterment.

"My wife and I separated because I had problems finding work, and I was going downhill emotionally," Hites said. "My wife was a widow before and she didn't want to go down that road again. The weight was what caused a lot of my problems. I wanted to prove to her that I can take my health back and be able to grow old to her. I wanted to build a new future for us."

Hites' first steps toward that new future for his family began near Martha's Vineyard south of Cape Cod in Mass., where he kicked off the ride that has grown from one man's personal project to story that has inspired many.

Hites' blog "Fat Guy across America" began as a simple journal, designed for his friends and family as a means to keep up with him.

That little blog has grown as readers throughout the country are keeping up with Eric and sending him messages of encouragement.

However, long before "Fat Guy across America," had garnered any real attention, the first goal of Eric's journey was accomplished: Angie took him back.

"At first I had thought he lost his mind," Angie said. "I tried to get him to come home, but he had already inspired so many people. The one thing that blew my mind was this getting so big. I was very concerned when he started and I was worried about the actions of other people. I was worried about what kind of reaction he would get. Everyone has been so kind, and they're treating him with dignity and respect. It restored my faith in the human race."

As his journey heads west, more riders are planning on taking part in his trip and offering him support. Additionally, Angie, who is training to ride alongside him, now plans on doing the bulk of the journey, too.

Hites' trailer, which he pulls behind his bike, stores food.

"When it comes to fitness, this is something very new for us, and a step we've never taken before. I wouldn't go back now for anything. I don't encourage anyone to jump off the couch and start riding across America, but this is something that's attainable. I am sore, but it feels good at the same time."

While Hites has battled bouts of exhaustion and sleep deprivation throughout the journey, his goal has not changed. He still wants to reach the West Coast and put his feet in the water of the Pacific Ocean.

Now in Newport, R.I., Hites will continue on throughout the Northeast, ultimately biking across New York and Connecticut. Eric is perhaps most thankful for the impact his cycling journey has had on his marriage.

"This has totally strengthened our relationship. It's changing our future," Hites added.

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