[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E434-E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING MR. BOB SANDERS FOR CYCLING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

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                         HON. JANELLE S. BYNUM

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2025

  Ms. BYNUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
efforts made by one of my own constituents, Mr. Bob Sanders. Mr. 
Sanders' feat of cycling across the continental United States at the 
age of 85 is a true accomplishment. I include in the Record the 
following article, written by Peyton Thomas in the Central Oregon 
Daily, highlighting the 44-day journey.

      85-Year-Old Bend Man Bikes Across America, Eyes World Record

                       (Peyton Thomas, Reporter)

       Bend, Ore.--After 44 days, thousands of miles and every 
     imaginable type of road, Bob Sanders is back home in Bend.
       The 85-year-old just finished biking across the country, 
     becoming the oldest man to complete the feat from coast to 
     coast. Sanders started in San Diego and wrapped up his ride 
     in St. Augustine, Florida, relying on sheer determination and 
     a couple of close companions to get there. ``Jack, and then 
     Kathryn. It couldn't have been done without,'' Sanders said.
       His longtime friend Jack Hoker served as his support driver 
     for nearly a month, following Bob's every move across the U S 
     ``He said, `Jack, I'm thinking about biking across the United 
     States. Would you be interested in being my support vehicle?' 
     '' Hoker recalled. ``I thought it over and got back to him 
     and said, `Yeah, I'll do it.' '' The ride

[[Page E435]]

     wasn't just about miles. It became a journey of connection 
     with the country and its people.
       ``I have a good feeling about America now because people 
     were so kind and helpful and friendly,'' said Bob's wife, 
     Kathryn Sanders. ``The very best thing about it is to realize 
     Americans and America is still one country,'' Bob added. ``We 
     all still love our country without a doubt.'' Sanders is now 
     preparing to submit all the necessary evidence to the 
     Guinness Book of World Records, including GPS data, photos, 
     and witness accounts, in hopes of officially claiming the 
     title as the oldest man to bike across America. ``He has 
     determination. He has grit,'' said Kathryn. ``And I think he 
     could show a lot of people what you can do with that.'' 
     Still, when asked if he'd do it again? ``I'm glad I did it,'' 
     Sanders said ``But I'll tell you one thing without 
     hesitation--I wouldn't do it again.''

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