Lynn Salvo and Friends Bike Across America

Guinness Book record holder Lynnea Salvo and friends have been riding across America for the last few months. Lynn has set out to beat one of her previous records, the oldest woman to cycle across the United States of America. She was 67 at the time she first set this record. Later that record was broken. So Lynn, now 73, decided to give it another go to claim back that title. She started this ride from the Pacific at Ocean Shores, Washington on June 19th, 2023 with riding friends Callyn and Kay, and Support and Gear (SAG) Sandra.

Some of you may remember Lynn visiting Wichita last year, and speaking at Bike Walk Wichita’s Pedals for Pages event in November 2022. Along with others, Lynn helped with the christening of our new BWW headquarters and shared experiences of why she was passionate about biking and peace.

Brenda Mueller has ridden with Lynn on several occasions. Brenda lives here in Wichita and has been a great volunteer for Bike Walk Wichita. In October of 2021, Brenda was one of the people who rode with Lynn in the completion of a road-mapped Peace sign ride that traversed the continental United States, its four corners, and through the Midwest (see previous BWW news story). When asked Lynn, why create a mapped Peace sign? “The main inspiration for the ride was in memory of my brother, John West, and for all people like him. John, 28 at the time, was unfortunately killed in 1970 when his F-4 Phantom crashed in Laos.”

Lynn Salvos Guinness Book Records:

2016 – OLDEST PERSON (67) TO RIDE A BICYCLE ACROSS AMERICA 3,163 MILES, (59 DAYS)

2018 – OLDEST FEMALE (68) TO RIDE A BICYCLE ACROSS CANADA, 4110 MILES, (70 DAYS)

2021 – OLDEST FEMALE (72) TO BICYCLE NORTH TO SOUTH ACROSS AMERICA, 2,083 MILES, (43 days)

Lynn’s adventure spirit for peace, travel, and friendship continues with this current Ride Across America. So far, Callyn and Kay rode with Lynn for 7 weeks, approximately 2200+ miles. Brenda also joined the group to ride earlier this month. By August 5th, Callyn, Kay, and Brenda’s joint adventure with Lynn ended as they headed South, back to Wichita, while Lynn continued her quest East.

Aug 5th, 2023, Lynn says goodbye, “I am also very very sad to say goodbye to my cycling buddies of seven weeks, 40 cycling days, and 2200+ miles, Callyn and Kay. Callyn had the steady hand and mind to solve problems and be rational and calm. Kay was always there with a smile and an attitude of going along and getting along. I will miss them very much as I head out alone tomorrow. I was very happy to get to spend four riding days with my cycling buddy, Brenda, too.

It will be Sandra and me for 18 days as we continue eastward. We will pick up my old friend, Kathleen, and my new friend, Randi, in Napoleon, Ohio, but there’s a small world between now and then.”

On her blog, Life is Like a Bike, Lynn posts many photos and stories daily. Seeing through her eyes the land, monuments, and American history while meeting friendly folks along the way is extraordinary.

As of August 17th, 2023, Lynn has gotten to Henry, Illinois. We are looking forward to following the remainder of her adventure!

September 13th, Beating Hurricane Lee to Portland, Maine

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Congratulations to Lynn Salvo for setting a new Oldest USA W-E (West to East) Crossing, World UltraCycling Association (WUCA) World record in the following categories: Solo, Female, Standard Bicycle.

— Story Jason H.