When New York City shut down during the pandemic, Ray Franks needed a way to stay active and clear his head. He had always liked bikes but never really thought of himself as a cyclist. That changed when he spotted a road bike in his neighbor’s trash. He fixed it up, started riding, and found something steady in the rhythm of the miles.

A few years later, Ray upgraded his setup and began paying closer attention to bike fit. At 5'4", he realized that standard crank lengths did not suit his build. Shorter cranks made sense, but they were not easy to find. After some searching, he landed on the 150mm JCOB crankset, and everything about his ride felt better.

With the JCOB 150s installed, his pedal stroke felt smoother and more efficient. The improved comfort gave him confidence to chase a new challenge. Over the winter, Ray started planning a cross-country ride with a personal goal: to show support for his family and promote a message of visibility and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community.

Finding Purpose on the Road

Ray, a 58-year-old father of three, wanted his time on the bike to stand for something. Two of his children identify as transgender and non-binary, and seeing their courage pushed him to find his own way to contribute. His idea was simple: ride across the country, meet people along the way, and open space for real conversations.

In just four months, he built a website, trained, mapped the route, and gathered what he needed. Before leaving, he made sure his fit was perfect. His setup, including the JCOB crankset, gave him the comfort and confidence to focus on the road ahead. Every detail mattered, and the more he refined his position, the more capable he felt of turning his idea into reality.

3,462 Miles of Connection

On May 20, Ray rolled out from Los Angeles. Over the next 48 days, he covered 3,462.5 miles, spending 41 of those days in the saddle. Along the way, he met people from all walks of life, shared his story, and listened to theirs. The ride was long and demanding, but it became a string of small moments that reminded him why he started. Every conversation, every nod from a passing driver, and every sunrise reinforced his belief that respect and empathy still matter.

By the time he reached New York City, Ray had raised more than $32,000 for organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth and families. What began with a discarded bike had grown into a journey defined by purpose, endurance, and connection. The miles changed him, not just physically but in how he viewed the impact of small, steady actions.

Looking Ahead

Ray is already planning his next ride from Key West to Maine. He hopes to continue building on what he started and to keep connecting with others who share a love for the road. His story is about more than miles or gear. It is about purpose, persistence, and the reminder that sometimes the simplest ideas can take you the farthest.

To learn more about Ray’s mission and future rides, visit his website at www.transamericaride.org .