Sharing the Road: An Amateur Cyclist’s 10,000-mile Solo Bike Trip Across America

by John Nitti

Across America… and back. 10 years after his 36-year-old uncle, a Brooklyn firefighter, is killed on 9/11, Cornell University senior John Nitti prepares for a journey and challenge of a lifetime after graduation with his roommates―one of the longest bicycle rides in the history of the United States. As the 10,000-mile, 35-state ride across the country and back approaches, however, his friends drop out, making it a solo venture. The odds are against him, though, for other reasons. For one, he’s not a cyclist. He’s never biked more than nine miles in a day, and needs to learn how to change a flat tire. He’s never camped before, except in his backyard as a kid.
As Nitti faces self-doubt and a fear of being alone, the challenges of the road prove gale-force headwinds in Texas, freezing temperatures in New Mexico, 25 flat tires, encounters with wildlife and police, crashes in Alabama and Pennsylvania, and more; but he receives unexpected help from strangers―just about every day. On a trip full of unique experiences, from riding up and down the Rockies twice to "showering" in farm sprinklers and rivers, to working on a farm in Ohio, he learns to appreciate changes in himself as he bikes through the forests, mountains, plains, cities, and deserts of the United States, on everything from dirt roads to interstates, trying to make it back home to New York.
Nitti’s inspiring journey and insights in Sharing the Road are deeply moving as he connects with the beauty of nature, the limits of his own body, a deeper understanding of himself, and the good that exists in the strange places and strange people you might find yourself sharing the road with.
A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book will be donated to the Marty Lyons Foundation to fulfill the wishes of critically ill children between the ages of 3 to 17.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

John Nitti grew up on Long Island, NY, currently lives in New York City, and works in fintech software sales. He graduated from Cornell University in 2011 with a degree in Applied Economics & Management and received Cornell Varsity Football’s Paul Hunt Citizenship Award as a senior, given to the player that has “unselfishly contributed his time and energy to help others beyond the playing field.”

He now sits on the board of the Marty Lyons Foundation, which was founded by defensive lineman Marty Lyons of the New York Jets in 1982 and benefits chronically and terminally ill children by fulfilling their wishes.

He ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain on a backpacking trip across Europe in 2010; cycled across the United States and back in 2012; and enjoys travel, beach volleyball, and skiing in his free time.

Reviews

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating!

[blake mawhorter · Rating 3 out of 5]

After my own bike odyssey I can totally relate to some of John’s sentiments in this book… the initial fear of highway riding, the mental pep talks during arduous days, the random acts of kindness from strangers, and the feeling accomplishment you get from putting yourself through all that. I liked the personal family stories he intertwined with his trip. I would’ve liked more details about the terrain and scenery of places he went but that’s just my inner geographer talking. Still very inspiring.

3.5/5

[Russell Johnson/Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

The writing was good; the adventure was even better. Sharing the journey - both the highs and the lows - helps us all share the road.

[Scott Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like I was right there along for the ride. With every page, I found myself more and more invested in the outcome of the trip. John gives us a front row seat (or maybe a little sidecar that’s attached to his already heavy/fully loaded bicycle) to his adventure. I felt like I too was traveling as I was reading.

The book is a true testament to how good people really are in this world as he mentions all the kind acts of complete strangers. It also demonstrates how through pure will and dedication, one can persevere through every obstacle that comes along the way. East coast to west coast… and back. Thats a little more than a stroll in the park.

Best part about the book to me was all the great chance encounters and funny side stories from the trip. Makes me wanna grab life by the handlebars and go on a spontaneous adventure.
Great read!

[Allan Beatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually think books are too long and this one was no exception. Maybe it’s me. As someone who does some bike touring, I found reading about this trip fascinating and a fun read. Unimaginable. It did get a little full of lists. Like I stayed with __, we ate here had a few beers at ____. Also it was a bit of a grind to get to the start. Although I did find his motivation interesting- it was like 100 pages to get too it. I’m not sure not bikers will enjoy it as there is a lot of biking

[christopher m duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A journey of self discovery to honour a relatives memory.

I’ve read a lot of long distance travel books…..hiking, cycling or motorcycle, but this is definitely one of my favourites. John Nitti sets off after graduation, to honour an uncle who was a first responder lost when the twin towers collapsed on September 11. Part travelogue, part self discovery journey and part memorial to his brave uncle, I loved every minute of it, and I bet you will too.

[Ian Yarington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. It's one of those things that I know I'll never do but it was super fun reading about it. I remember the pitch as a kid, "books can take you anywhere in the world." So this is super petty, and I know it, but my only complaint is that my state was like a paragraph. Other than that it was a wonderful book.

[Margaret Agard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A travel memoir worth the read

The author's gradual growth and change became part of mine. The long anticipated group adventure became a solo trip. That was the first obstacle to overcome and set the stage for more. A great adventure well told.

[Rick Class · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book, especially since I’m an avid cyclist.

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for sharing. Great will power.

Enjoyed reading about his adventures, the wonderful people he met and who helped him on his journey of a lifetime, thank you

[Josee Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I won it in a good reads giveaway and man did it pull at my heart strings. The first few chapters had tears in my eyes. Especially with the details that are provided by the author. I am recommending this book to all of my friends! Such a wonderful read.