A NEW WORLD RECORD FOR MENTAL HEALTH.
On September 30th, 2019, I left on a journey down the Atlantic Coast of the United States. From Madawaska, Maine, on the border of Canada to the southernmost point Key West, Florida, I rode for 11 days, 9 hours, and 33 minutes, covering 2,288 miles and set a new Guinness World Record for the Fastest Crossing of America by Bicycle (North to South). A month before the original start date I was hit by a car, totaling my bike and leaving me with a long list of injuries including a torn meniscus and concussion.
While cycling 17+ hours a day my epic adventure had me facing extreme weather, multiple attempted robberies and dark suppressed memories. This story tells of massive triumphs in both body and mind, all for a very important cause: The National Alliance on Mental Illness.
I've lost multiple friends to the terrible disease called depression, all while being anxiety ridden and suffering with it myself. Through endurance sports like cycling, I have found a better version of myself. This is my attempt to give back to the ultra-endurance community I have gained so much from. My hope is to inspire others to ride, run, swim, ski, and hike their ways to a clearer, happier life. You are not alone in life's journey!

Brendan Walsh is currently a grad student at Cal State Northridge. He is also the author of the Noble Animals series and Immortale. When he's not writing he is either drinking coffee, reading comics, or thinking about what to write next. He is only a philosopher and a recreational madman.