Ilkley resident Antony Butcher has now completed his epic bike ride across America, having been on the road for nearly three months, covering 3800 miles across 18 states and climbing the height of Mount Everest four times.
Antony, who is Chair of the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, set off from New York on the 23rd April and completed his journey three months later on 13th July.
Antony was met at the finish line by his wife Lizzie and representatives of the California Chapter of the National MS Society. The last month of his ride was the most challenging, as he passed through scorching hot desert and stiff winds whilst crossing America's loneliest highway in Nevada, as well as tackling both the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.
Antony says: "After five years of planning and three months of cycling, crossing the finish line felt unreal. This was a moment I've dreamt of for years, and it was so emotional to share this moment with friends on Facebook, with the people who met me at the finish line, and with my wife, who has supported me every step of the way"
Antony told us about how the support he received kept him going, saying "I've been overwhelmed with kindness and am so grateful for all the support I've had, both from Americans I've met through the journey and those back home who have been cheering me on. This journey isn't just about me - it's only been possible thanks to the amazing supporters of my journey who have been willing me on every step of the way"
Antony is primarily raising funds for the MS Society, a cause that is close to his heart as his mum has been living with MS for over thirty years, and now lives in a nursing home in West Yorkshire.
Antony has now raised over £25,000 for the MS Society and is well on his way of achieving his new target of £30,000
If you’d like to see how Antony’s journey went you can do this at www.facebook.com/antonyacrossamerica and www.instagram.com/antonyacrossamerica. If you’d like to sponsor Antony, you can do this at www.justgiving.com/antonyjcbutcher.
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