A 563-pound (254 kg) obese man has decided to take a cross-country bike trip across the continental United States, to burn fat, lose weight, and get into shape. The "Fat Guy" biker from Indiana State also hopes to reaffirm the love and commitment to his estranged wife, and save his marriage.
40-year-old Eric Hites wears a size 10X T-shirt and 70-inch pants. He launched a website blog titled "Fat Guy Across America," which will share his long trek on two wheels across the U.S.
Hites is from Danville, Indiana. He decided to take the journey after he separated from his wife last year, when his weight gain and poor health caused marriage problems.
He became depressed and moody due to his morbid obesity, according to ABC News. Then his marriage "fell apart."
Hites wanted to stay together with his spouse. However, he also wished to demonstrate his dedication to their wedding vows and getting fit.
The Indiana man became inspired one day when he heard "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers, a Scottish band. He decided to bike rather than walk, and take a longer trip from the East Coast to West Coast
Hites began his trip in Massachusetts two months ago. Besides getting a cardiovascular workout via biking, the added weight resistance is a 300-pound (136 kg) trailer he is hauling.
On the first day of his trip he rode 100 yards (91 m) and then took a break. Now he can pedal a mile (1.6 km) before he needs to stop and take a breather.
He has already shed 60 pounds (27 kg), and improved the relationship with his wife. Hites proved that he was not "all talk."
The biker received a new bike in Tiverton, Rhode Island, according to Carolina Live. It has a stronger frame than his previous bicycle, which can support his weight better.
He now has thousands of Facebook fans, a trainer, and has started a web exercise group. It helps other people in his situation.
Hites also plans to collect source material during his trip for a second book. His first book was a humorous cookbook with the title "Everybody Loves Ramen."