The journey of a lifetime – Cyclist completes a century ride in all 50 states

Sometimes new challenges and goals find us when we least expect them. What started as a ride through the Rockies grew into so much more for Jeff Shell, a retired machinist currently living in Neshkoro.
Jeff recently wrapped up a monumental 20-year achievement, completing a 100-mile century ride in all 50 U.S. states. These bike rides are meant to be completed in one day and can take up to five or six hours depending on the pace and terrain.
The journey started in 2006 with “Ride the Rockies”, a six-day, 400-mile tour in Colorado with Jeff’s son-in-law, Mike Friis. During one of the days, they rode 86 miles and decided to just ride the additional 14 to make it a century ride.
This experience would stick with Jeff, who would recall the story with his other cycling buddies, Mike Wustrack and Chris Twardokus, after returning home. After hearing the story, his friends brought up the idea, “Hey, let’s try to do centuries in every state!”
So that’s what the group set out to do. As a trio, they would complete six states together, and Jeff and Chris would complete another 12 together. Later on, Jeff would meet with his cycling friend from the 80s, Tom Treleven, to complete another 25 together. Tom Hencke also assisted with the journey in six states. Jeff also credits his girlfriend, Linda Beyer, for her support throughout the experience. Linda shared some biking time with Jeff, but she shared that Jeff would get “tunnel vision” on his trips, more determined to complete his ride rather than to sightsee. Now that the rides are complete, she looks forward to more sightseeing with Jeff.

Jeff enjoyed the experience with his friends, but he would also take on some solo rides when he had the time. Though he emphasized, “It’s so much more fun with somebody to ride with.”
Originally, Jeff started as a runner, but switched over to biking due to sore knees. His natural endurance built up over his daily 12-mile rides to work at Quad Graphics in Fond du Lac. “I never saw my rides as training,” Jeff laughed, adding it was just his daily commute.
Rather than using traditional apps like Strava to track or prove his rides, he decided to take a more unique approach to documenting his adventures… a trip to the post office. After every ride he completed, he would find a local post office to photograph. His children gifted him a scratch-off map, where he has arranged all the photos around the border as proof of his travels.
Throughout the 20 years it took to complete the rides, Jeff has had the chance to evolve with the technology. “I started with paper county maps to plan my routes,” he shared, “But now, technology has come far enough that I can go to Google Maps to guide me.”
Jeff has formed countless memories throughout his voyage, but one memory that sticks out came in rural New Mexico. After wrapping up a long ride, Jeff and his riding partner, Tom, stopped at a small local store and struck up a conversation with a rancher. After talking for over half an hour about their journey and experiences, the rancher would tell them, “You guys are the kind that made me believe in humanity again.”
The final century ride ended the journey similarly to how it started - an unexpected adventure. While wrapping up the final ride in Maine, the riders got lost after missing trail signage. Instead of panicking, they adapted, mapped their own route, and rode back along the ocean. Jeff described the route as “Door County on steroids,” so you can imagine just how breathtaking it must have been.
For Jeff, cycling has helped him create a deep connection with the community. When living in Fond du Lac, he would ride with a group called the “Morning Misfits.” The group was a collection of people with a wide array of backgrounds, including doctors, bankers, and business owners. Despite being “just a machinist”, cycling created a connection between the members, forming life-long friendships over post-ride coffees.
Jeff and Linda decided to relocate to their lake home in Neshkoro and enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. Along with bike riding, the couple enjoys other outdoor activities together, such as kayaking and taking walks.
Throughout the expedition, Jeff learned to grow a deep appreciation for small-town America and the local camaraderie he experienced throughout the country. For Jeff, it was never about the cost; it was just about having fun. “It’s actually hard to explain,” Jeff shared when asked about how to summarize his experience. “You just get into the flow of all these rides.”
This is truly the journey of a lifetime, with many friends and memories along the way. So what kind of adventure can spark within you?