The 'Fat Forrest Gump' is biking across America to lose weight and win back his wife

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After a series of dead-end jobs, a major weight gain, and a failing marriage, Eric Hites knew it was time for a change.

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Now, the 40-year-old Indiana native is making headlines as he bikes from Massachusetts to California. He started the trip in June and is steadily making his way west.

Hites, who jokingly refers to himself as "the fat Forrest Gump," regularly posts updates on Instagram and on his blog, "Fat Guy Across America."

"There are a lot of naysayers out there and I am going to prove them wrong," Hites writes on his blog

Keep reading to learn more about Hites and "Fat Guy Across America."

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Eric Hites, 40, is biking his way across America and sharing his experiences along the road on his blog, "Fat Guy Across America."

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

 Source: Fat Guy Across America

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He was inspired by the Proclaimers song "500 Miles," but since his weight, around 560 pounds, prohibited him from actually walking such a distance, Hites decided to bike instead.

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

Source: New York Times

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"By completing this ride, I hope to encourage others to get up and get moving no matter their weight," Hites writes on his blog. "I have a lot to prove and a lot to make happen."

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

 Source: Fat Guy Across America

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Hites hopes riding across the country will not only help him lose weight, but also enable him to win back his estranged wife, Angie Marie Atterbury, who left him in 2014 and moved in with another man.

Source: New York Times 

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He kicked off his journey in Falmouth, Massachusetts, with just $200 in his pockets in June.

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

 Source: New York Times

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Behind his bicycle, Hites pulls a 300-pound trailer that holds his tent and supplies.

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

Source: New York Times

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Over the next few months, Hites slowly made his way toward New York City. It took him four months to bike from Massachusetts to New York City, since he can bike only 5 to 10 miles a day.

Rhode Island woot woot

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Jul 16, 2015 at 7:39pm PDT

 

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He ran into a few road blocks along the way. In Dartmouth, Massachusetts, somebody called the police after seeing Hites sitting on the side of the road. They thought he was having a heart attack, Hites wrote in his blog.

After 5 mile maiden voyage on my new bike

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Aug 2, 2015 at 8:44am PDT

 Source: Fat Guy Across America

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And in Rhode Island, the tires on his bike gave out and he needed a totally new ride.

Fat guys struggle

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Jul 11, 2015 at 12:43pm PDT

Source: New York Times

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Luckily, news of Hites' journey had begun to spread. After hearing about "Fat Guy Across America," a sports shop gave him a new bike at no charge.

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica)

 

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With his new bike, Hites was able to continue his ride.

The new ride, leaning against the wall....

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Aug 2, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

 

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As Hites and "Fat Guy Across America" continued to gain fame, people offered him meals and places to stay along the route. He's also accepting GoFundMe donations to keep him "fed and dry."

At the shop for the first time on my bike

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Aug 2, 2015 at 8:38am PDT

 Source: Fat Guy Across America

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Hites is filming his trip using a GoPro camera mounted to his helmet.

My hero from my hero

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Aug 2, 2015 at 8:47am PDT

 

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He's even discussing a possible television show and plans to write a book after the ride is over, The New York Times reports.

First bicycle shop in Jersey

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 8:43am PDT

Source: New York Times

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Though he has many miles left to go, Hites is on his way to accomplishing his other goals.

Rolled through this Boro, would love to spend more time here but have to head west.

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 8:40am PDT

 

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Since June he's lost about 70 pounds, and he is slowly increasing his daily mileage, The New York Times also reports.

Theo and Rob of @BikeNewLondon

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 11:05am PDT

Source: New York Times

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And he and his wife are working on their relationship. Angie Marie joined him on the road in Rhode Island. She's currently using her maiden name and says she won't go back to using Hites until they reach California.

Source: New York Times

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Because of medical issues, however, she's no longer able to bike, instead following along in her car.

NY side

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

Source: New York Times

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After reportedly passing out from heatstroke and a panic attack, she was advised not to bike the entire route.

Jersey side

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Source: New York Times 

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"A lot of people don't understand the trip is not just a cycling trip," Hites told The New York Times. "We're seeing the sights while we're doing it. That's why I'm not rushing straight across, in a straight line."

I started here then rode to Yankee Stadium in one shot

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 10:58am PDT

Source: New York Times

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Hites says he has faced a fair share of critics as well. Some people don't believe he's actually biking the distances he says, accusing him of scamming people for money.

New York baby

A photo posted by Eric Hites (@fatguyacrossamerica) on Oct 1, 2015 at 11:00am PDT

Source: New York Times

Hites remains unfazed. "I know now that I can’t stop because if I do, a lot of people will be disappointed,” Hites told The New York Daily News. “Now it's kind of their thing and I just gotta ride along with it."

fat guy across america
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Source: New York Daily News

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