While David Miller rides his bike across the U.S. with his Weimaraner Max in tow, he sees America’s obesity problem first hand. “It’s amazing what you see as you travel across the country. You see America’s obesity problem right in front of your eyes. I’m hoping I can set an example,” said Miller.
At 50 years old, he plans to do that by biking across all 50 U.S. states. So far, he’s biked across 16 and traveled close to 5,700 miles. Along the way, he converses with the people he comes across, spreading the message that Americans need to get moving. “On a daily basis I have at least five or six conversations and that’s sort of my theme — just do something — get off the couch, go for a walk around the park, go for a swim. I guess I’m like a traveling preacher,” he said.
Currently biking across Missouri, Miller started his journey on October 31 of 2011, a day after his 50th birthday. “I was turning 50 and I started thinking — what can I do to commemorate my 50th birthday?” he said. A fitness industry consultant for the past 13 years, Miller feels as if he’s been training for this his entire life. “I guess I’ve been training my whole life. Once you get through the first two weeks it’s just a daily thing,” he said.
As a veteran club industry consultant, Miller started his career working with Western Athletic Clubs, and in 1994 moved to Mexico City to help develop Sport City, the first full service, all-inclusive health club in the Mexico City area. In 1999, he started his own company as a fitness consultant, advising his clients on development and reengineering.
During his experience in the industry, Miller noted the lack of understanding between clubs and older members. “There are so many opportunities out there — so many clubs are still not understanding what 50, 60, 70 year olds need. Clubs don’t ask those members what they want or need,” he said. To remedy this problem, Miller recommended that clubs conduct focus groups with seniors and senior organizations to see what older members want out of workouts at their club. “Clubs who reach out to the older market will have success,” continued Miller.
At 50 years old, Miller proves that it’s perfectly plausible for people to stay in great shape the majority of their lives. However, biking across the U.S. is no small feat. “Getting up everyday, when you’re 50 years old like I am — I feel great, I’m in shape, but nonetheless doing this on a daily basis is trying,” he said. Wind, hills and mental strength are his biggest challenge, said Miller.
To persevere, Miller said that quitting is not an option. “Wind, hills really take it out of you. They can really test your resolve and limits. It’s all mental.” You can quit, get off your bike and hitch hike the rest of the way, “or you can push through it,” he said. However, “We’re not opposed to cheating,” joked Miller. About 10 percent of Miller and Max’s miles so far were covered in a car. “If it’s raining we’ll hitch a ride,” he said.
While biking, Miller hopes to garner funding for four charities supporting his journey; The Nature Conservancy, the American Heart Association, the Cancer Research Institute, and Kadima. Donations to these charities can be made on Miller’s site, www.bike50at50.com.
Miller plans on making Hawaii the last of the 50 states he bikes across, but afterwards his future plans are unknown. “That’s part of what this trip is about — where do I want to live, what do I want to do and who do I want to do it with,” he said. Although those questions might be up in the air, one thing that’s for sure is that wherever Miller ends up, his loyal dog Max will be right by his side. “He loves to travel and meet people. I didn’t want to lose him,” by leaving him behind, said Miller.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
