Welcome to Following the Sunrise

Written By Katie Johnson

7.20.25

Hello and welcome!

If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re a friend, family member, or fellow traveler curious about this wild, beautiful, maybe-a-little-crazy idea: I’m riding my bike across the country.

On August 21, 2025, I’ll dip my back wheel in the Pacific Ocean in Portland, Oregon. By October 7th, I’ll be dipping my front wheel in the Atlantic in Portland, Maine. That’s nearly 3,800 miles, one pedal stroke, one sunrise, and one small town at a time.

I’m doing this ride through Trek Travel, with the support of their route planning, guides, and other cyclists, but the journey itself — the moments of awe, exhaustion, laughter, and doubt — that’s mine to share with you here.

Why "Following the Sunrise?"
Because this is a ride from west to east!

For me, this journey is about moving toward what’s ahead — toward possibility, toward adventure, toward the unknown horizon. Each day starts with the rising sun, a reminder that no matter how challenging yesterday may have been, there’s light, beauty, and opportunity waiting in the new day.

I’m especially looking forward to experiencing sunrises across this vast and varied country — from wide-open plains to small-town streets, from mountains to coastlines. There’s something hopeful about watching the light stretch across the sky, something grounding in beginning each day with gratitude for the chance to keep moving forward.

Here you’ll find:

  • Updates on where I am, how many miles I’ve traveled, and what’s caught my heart along the way.

  • Photos of landscapes, people, small towns, big skies, and whatever unexpected beauty the road offers.

  • Reflections — on riding, on resilience, on what it means to keep moving forward.

Thanks for coming along. Your encouragement matters more than you know. I’m riding east with a full heart — and your kindness and support rides with me.

— Katie

Katie Johnson