Cyclist Punched, Injured In Sapulpa Finishes Cross-Country Journey

Monday, January 25th 2016, 11:05 pm

By: News On 6

A New York man finished his cross-country journey on a Citi Bike when he reached the Pacific Ocean Sunday.

The journey brought 35-year-old Jeffrey Tanenhaus to Tulsa, where, on his way out, he found himself the victim of an angry driver in Sapulpa who punched him in the face while he rested on the side of the road.

But, despite the unfortunate incident, Tanenhaus said Tulsa was still his favorite city out of all the places he stopped along the ride, and is considering coming back.

Tanenhaus said his decision to set out on a cross-country journey was extremely worth it.

“Even being punched in the face and almost freezing to death in Joshua Tree, it was a very rewarding journey based on the places I got to see, and, most importantly, the people I got to meet along the way," he said.

Back in October of 2015, a driver didn't seem happy to see Tanenhaus resting on the side of a Sapulpa road, punched him in the face, and left him needing several stitches before heading out of Tulsa.

10/20/2015 Related Story: Cyclist On Cross Country Journey Punched In Face By Sapulpa Driver

But, he said that prepared him for what was ahead – strong winds, higher elevations and below-freezing temperatures.

“Tulsa was the high point of my trip because, afterwards, much more challenging,” Tanenhaus said. “I've made so many new friends. Some will be for life, and it was better than I hoped for in terms of seeing America and getting to meet cool people out there.”

The journey racked up 3,020 miles on his Citi Bike. And, through all those miles, Tanehaus said Tulsa was his favorite place.

He said, “That gut reaction of something feeling right or wrong in Tulsa, it felt right. The chemistry I had with people there seemed to be the strongest of anywhere I’ve been.”

Three months later he hit the Pacific Ocean, and now, he has a message to anyone wanting to take a risk in life - go for it. Just go at your own pace so you can make sure to appreciate the journey as it happens.

“Taking it one day at a time, and setting small goals, and believing in yourself, and a lot of leg power - that helped,” he said.

Tanenhaus said he plans to stay in L.A. for a couple weeks before heading back to New York to visit with family and plan his next move.

He said Tulsa is a strong contender on where he wants to plant his roots next. He said he wants to be part of a city that is on the upswing rather than already developed.