Do Your EPIK

Pedaling for Our Community

Do Your EPIK

Pedaling for Our Community

Do Your EPIK

Pedaling for Our Community

Do Your EPIK

Pedaling for Our Community

Photographer: Aimee Rievley, thesparrowseye.com
Aerial Videography: Erich Mecherle, 865-257-6643

The Journey

“Do Your EPIK”, in 1980, was not just a 4,400-mile bicycle ride. It was a journey of self-discovery, extreme challenge, three mountain ranges, headwinds, rattle snakes, blistering heat, and wonderful friends met along the way.

Ridden by John LaMacchia, a man who at the age of 22 embarked on this challenging trek over 40 years ago with a good friend, and now, is ready to take it on again. This time, with a deeper perspective on life and a desire to encourage others, John will face this challenge again with a new motto: “Finishing Well”.

But this journey isn’t just about him. It’s about inspiring others to lead a healthy lifestyle and make a difference in the lives of those in need. It’s about pushing beyond one’s limits, having courage in the face of fears, and discovering the true limits of human grit.

cycling trip in 1980
John and friends under an Indiana border sign during cycling tour of 1980

Our Mission

The ultimate goal of this journey is to inspire others to set and achieve their own epic goals, to push beyond their comfort zones, chase one’s dreams, and “finish well”. By demonstrating that anything is possible with determination and vision, John hopes to empower others to make positive changes in their own lives, to find their own purposes, and to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

john on his bicycle

Northern Tier Bicycle Route

Starting on June 28th, 2023, the second US crossing will take John through some of the most beautiful and challenging Northern Tier terrain in the United States, as he pedals his way across the country, on a journey that will test his strength and will.

John will begin his trek from Anacortes, WA, and make his way to Boston, MA by September 17th. Along the way, he will be stopping in various communities to share his story, talk about the importance of physical activity and healthy living, and to raise awareness and funds for Knoxville charities.

If you’d like to track John’s journey, you can text him at 865-216-1507 and he’ll send you a tracking link.

NOTE: There will be days where I will be in very remote areas of the country, so location updates may not occur every day. When I get back into cell service, the tracking system will pick up my cell beacon.

map of cycling tour route across northern tier terrain

Days: 80
Mileage: 4,400 (Ave. per day: 60)

Start Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2023
End Date: September 15-17, 2023

Start Location: Anacortes, WA
End Location: Christopher Columbus Waterfront, Boston, MA

SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

“Do Your EPIK” emphasizes the importance of physical activity and healthy living, highlighting the benefits of regular activity influencing the physical and mental wellbeing of our society. The ride aims to raise awareness and funds for organizations that support aging seniors, and others who are in need.

Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors for their invaluable support in making the Do Your EPIK ride possible. Together, we are making a difference in John’s journey to Boston. If you’re inspired by his mission, we invite you to join us as a sponsor and help us reach our goal. Together, we can make a lasting impact!

SUPPORT the ride

memory wall

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man sitting on red and black bicycle