When a Reddit thread surfaced about a man who went on a solo cross-country e-bike tour, two questions demanded answers: Who was this adventurer, and what kind of bike did they use? After all, while reliable e-bikes have proliferated on urban commutes and mountain bike trails, only the best can successfully endure a grueling 5,500-mile journey from coast to coast.

The cyclist was 55-year-old Ed Ditto from Tennessee, and he was riding an .

Cruising across the country on an e-bike wasn’t Ditto’s first encounter with long-distance routes. He grew up backpacking with his father and even completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2023, and for years has been passionate about immersive travel. And he’s done a lot of it. Ditto retired early—at age 36—freeing up time to pursue his love of whitewater kayaking, ultrarunning, and exploring new places without the pressure of time.

Ditto’s Aventon-powered journey began at the Yorktown Victory Monument in Virginia and concluded at the Astoria Column in Oregon. Along the way, he connected the dots between urban centers like Chattanooga and St. Louis and scenic highlights like Yellowstone National Park and Breckenridge. The route offered sweeping views of the Mississippi River, climbs over Rocky Mountain passes, and a front-row seat to the diverse landscapes of the American heartland.

Choosing a bike for the journey was just as important as choosing the route. Ditto says the decision was influenced by positive feedback from the community. “It was good review after good review—both in the trade press and from individual owners across various forums,” he recalls. “I found a local dealer, took the Aventon Level 2 for a test ride, and it just felt right. I’d tried other bikes, but this one stood out as the best option. Plus, it seemed versatile enough to handle more than just urban commuting.”

He upgraded the e-bike with essentials to help meet the challenges of a continent-spanning ride. The kit enhancements included:

• Swapping the stock 12-32T 8-speed cassette for an 11-46T 9-speed for better climbing gears. This also meant upgrading the shifter and rear derailleur and lengthening the chain.
• Purchasing two extra batteries and a spare charger.
• Installing a custom Old Man Mountain front through-axle with an integrated attachment point for a front rack.
• Switching to Schwalbe Marathon E Plus 2.00 tires for added durability.

The package successfully got Ditto across the country, collecting memories, views, and interactions he’ll carry with him for a lifetime. He recalls the final moments of his trip:

“On the last day of my trip, after five months riding westward, I crested the ridge above Cape Lookout, Oregon, pulled off at an overlook, and saw the Pacific breaking against the beach. I realized I’d made it. I stood there straddling my bike, balancing its weight, and trying to feel anything like triumph. But I only remember feeling exhausted.

“There were other people there, all watching the ocean, except for one guy. He came over and asked how far I’d ridden, and when I told him I’d crossed the country, he did what you’d expect: He gasped, said ‘Wow,’ congratulated me, asked a bunch of questions, etc.

“This had happened to me dozens and dozens of times as I made my way across the U.S.—all these people who were flabbergasted that you could walk out of your house, get on your bike, and just start riding. A hundred, 500, 5,000 miles—amazing, they’d say.

“And then another guy approached and reacted like the first, and then a family walked up. I suddenly found myself surrounded by people praising me, telling me what an extraordinary guy I was for doing such a thing.

“It freaked me out a little. I’d been alone way too long by then, maybe gotten a touch agoraphobic. So I disentangled myself in the nicest way possible, rode down the ridge to the beach, leaned my bike against a fir tree, and walked out into the ocean with all my clothes on. That was it. Virginia to Oregon. Coast to coast. Done.

“A few days later, after recuperating at a beachside AirBnB near Astoria, I rented a van, loaded my bike, and headed back east. Eventually, I stopped for gas and caffeine. Unhooking the nozzle from the pump, it hit me: Back to the world of the mundane, man.

“Maybe I should’ve ridden home.”

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Central Florida’s interior harbors natural wonders that will wow first-time visitors: 1,000 lakes to explore and waterways galore, trails of every kind, and a vacation-friendly climate nearly year-round. It’s an adventure paradise, and it’s just a short drive from Orlando International Airport. Since few know a place like its locals, we tapped Lake County native Arden Tilghman for her top recommendations. Tilghman has a deep appreciation for her home’s outdoor activities, and as founder of , an outdoor tour company, she’s made getting Lake County visitors outside her business. If you want to explore the best of what the area has to offer, these tips are sure to deliver a getaway that’s a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű: What’s one thing every traveler should know about Lake County?

Arden Tilghman: The variety of things to do. We’re best known for our water-based adventures, but we also cater to every kind of outdoor interest imaginable. Whether you’re seeking thrilling experiences or peaceful escapes, we’ve got something for everyone. The sheer variety of recreational options is something many overlook when they think about visiting our area, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets here.

What’s something that you can do in Lake County that you won’t find in many other places?

These are just a couple of the distinctive activities that make our region so special and full of surprises:

: These mini catamarans are perfect for anyone seeking a rush—they satisfy the need for speed and provide a thrilling way to explore the water. After completing any necessary prerequisites, you’ll be in the driver’s seat, leading your own adventure.

: Lake County is home to America’s Seaplane City—Tavares, Florida. Booking a seaplane tour is one of the most extraordinary and unforgettable ways to experience the area. You can get a bird’s-eye view of the Harris Chain of Lakes and the St. John’s River, the country’s only north-flowing river. Plus, it’s hard to beat the excitement of taking off and landing on the water.

How can active travelers burn off some energy while exploring Lake County’s outdoor attractions?

For those seeking an adventurous, energy-burning activity, my top recommendation will always be a . We’re surrounded by stunning forests, parks, lakes, rivers, and trails, and there’s no better way to experience all of that than from horseback. I’ll admit, I’m a little biased—I grew up on a horse farm—but it truly is a special way to explore the county.

What’s out there for on-water adventurers?

You can on every body of water in the county, offering another great way to get active while soaking in the Florida sun.

When I’m in the mood for a peaceful paddle, I love venturing along the “in between” waterways. The are a favorite, where I can glide through wetlands, streams, and creeks that link the region’s vast network of lakes. These hidden corners of our waterways are filled with a variety of bird species and an astonishing richness of life, offering a tranquil escape into nature’s abundance.

What are some of the best hiking and biking trails to explore?

Lake County has hundreds of miles of maintained trails across its state and city parks. Whether you’re around the Crooked River Preserve or riding on the , there’s a trail for everyone.

The hiking trails in are very well-maintained and easy to navigate. The park has short, family-friendly trail options as well as longer, more challenging routes. You can also join a guided ecotour to learn more about the flora and fauna while you explore the park’s natural beauty.

Central Florida attracts a lot of visitors to its subtropical climate and theme parks. Lake Louisa State Park is the perfect place for them to tap into our outdoor scene, too. Visitors can even stay in a and spend a night under the stars in style.

Once you’ve had your fill of hiking, biking, and paddling, what’s the best way to relax and unwind?

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a good meal and a cold drink by the water, and Lake County has no shortage of options. Grab a cocktail at the , or have a bite at Salt Shack on the Lake in . There are plenty of waterfront bars and restaurants to choose from. The waterfront in Tavares is one of my favorite places for a laid-back vibe. For a bit more of an indulgence, Mount Dora also offers wonderful options for wining and dining after a day of adventure.

But honestly, what really calls to me is a campfire. Lake County has plenty of glamping options, which means you can stay in nature without sacrificing comfort.

Discover Lake County, Florida invites visitors to tune out the noise and chaos of everyday life and tune in to the natural sounds, stunning landscapes, and outdoor adventures of Lake County—only 30 miles outside Orlando. and start planning your trip to Florida’s lakeside escape: Lake County, Florida!

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