A Providence Transportation Employee's Epic 2,700 Mile Bike Journey
Connor Tobin, a native of Jamestown, North Carolina, recently completed the ultimate test of endurance: the Tour Divide. This wasn't just a bike ride—it was a 2,700-mile, unsupported mountain bike journey that took him from Canada down through the rugged landscapes of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Over 31 days, Tobin pushed his physical and mental limits to the extreme, averaging an impressive 85 miles per day, with his longest day covering a staggering 140 miles.
A 2020 graduate of Ragsdale High School and a UNC Greensboro alumnus with a degree in Exercise Science, Tobin has built a solid foundation for such grueling challenges. His resume of endurance feats includes completing four marathons, placing 5th in a 100-mile race this past April, and securing a 2nd place finish in a 50-mile race also in Raleigh NC. These experiences, however, only partially prepared him for the sheer scale and solitude of the Tour Divide.
For Tobin, the motivation behind this monumental trip was deeply personal. He sought to enhance his mental resilience and push his boundaries. The Tour Divide was a natural progression from his previous achievements, including a remarkable 67-day, 85-mile-per-day bike trip from Seattle to Washington D.C. with 23 other cyclists in 2023. This earlier journey was not just about the miles; it was also a charitable effort that raised $9,300 and allowed the group to stop and assist people with disabilities along the way. Preparing for the Tour Divide was a meticulous process of researching gear and routes, but the most rewarding part, he said, was the camaraderie he found with fellow travelers.
The journey was a constant series of unexpected challenges and unforgettable moments. On the first day of summer, Tobin was surprised by a sudden snowfall, forcing him to camp in freezing conditions. His encounters with wildlife were frequent and varied, including a mountain lion in Montana, two rattlesnakes, wild horses, and an antelope in New Mexico. One particularly grueling stretch in Wyoming saw him cycle 100 miles with no access to food or water. He also conquered the highest peak he had ever summited, reaching 12,000 feet in Colorado. Out of the 31 nights on the trail, Tobin spent 22 of them camping under the stars, embracing the wild.
While the journey was physically demanding, the emotional and mental support from home kept him going. He often thought of the people who believed in him, which provided the motivation he needed to push through. The finish line was a quiet, intimate moment. "The only one that was at the finish line was my Dad, that's it," he shared, describing the lack of a cheering crowd at 1 a.m. However, this absence of fanfare did not diminish the profound impact of the experience. The journey, he said, was life-changing, marked by breathtaking views from mountaintops and the simple beauty of camping in new and untouched places. Back home, Tobin is also a dedicated employee at Providence Transportation, a job he has held for two years and says he enjoys day in and day out.
