Local resident and long-time community member Dr. Wade Welton is spending his summer achieving a monumental life goal – cycling across the U.S.

Dr. Welton is an avid cyclist and enjoys the trails and highways around Howard County. One of his annual interests is participating in Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, a week-long ride across Iowa each July. This year, Welton has scaled up his plan, cycling nationwide. 

Dr. Welton and his cycling group departed from Santa Monica Pier in California early on June 21. A month later, Welton and his team are making their way through Missouri, having recently reached the halfway point.

The trip is not for the faint of heart. Welton and his cycling group wake up before first light each day and ride anywhere from 40-90 miles. While the weather thus far has been generous, traversing elevation through the southwest and temperatures rising into the 90s (and at times exceeding 115 degrees) provide daily challenges. Getting enough to eat is essential, as the average calories burned cycling each day exceeds 3,500.

The group has thus far tracked as close as possible to the original Route 66, capturing beautiful sights and historical landmarks of a time gone by. As Welton makes his way through Missouri and into Illinois, the route will shift due East toward the finish line in Annapolis, Md. While some of the most challenging terrain is behind the cycling group, they will be tested in new ways.

RV provided support during the first half of the trip has concluded, and the cycling group will proceed for the remainder of the ride with just their pull-behind trailers. Making it through the heat of the Midwest in August and navigating through the Appalachians will prove formidable. At its conclusion, the ride will have taken nearly two full months and more than 3,100 miles. 

Dr. Welton is a well-known supporter of the community. He has led the Athletic Training program at Central Methodist University for the past 28 years and currently serves as Program Director. An untold number of local student-athletes have benefited from his expertise and care over the years. Welton lives with his wife, Sonya, in rural Howard County.

Wade’s family wants to share how proud they are of him and his extraordinary accomplishments.