New Carlisle mechanic and cycling enthusiast Jeff Eggleston spent last week in Arizona in preparation for his next coast-to-coast adventure in support of orphanages and homeless communities in third world countries as well as right here at home. His sister Linda Nowakowski said that her brother is tentatively planning to depart this spring on another trek around the country after an accident derailed his trip last year.

Nowakowski said that Eggleston will return today, February 10, from spending ten days in Arizona conditioning himself to handle steep inclines that he’ll undoubtedly face as he pedals from the east to west coasts on his next trip.

Eggleston was invited to spend some time in Arizona with the man who came to his aid in Washington last year after Eggleston collapsed during a harsh ascent in blazing hot temperatures. The Good Samaritan found Eggleston on the side of the road and called for help as well as staying with him until rescue crews arrived. Nowakowski said this man is also an avid cyclist, and at the time he found Eggleston, he was in the midst of a cycling journey from Canada to Mexico.

He originally departed New Carlisle on July 15, 2015, and headed to Astoria, Washington, where he began the first leg of his journey the next day. Just two days later, Eggleston was involved in some sort of accident that left him with a fractured skull, cracked ribs, and a collapsed lung. The accident appears to have occurred when Eggleston reached the top of a steep climb, which, combined with intense heat, likely caused him to collapse at the top of the hill. He was discovered by another cyclist who called for help and stayed with him until first responders arrived.

Jeff’s son Bruce flew out to Washington to be with his father a short time later and to recover his bike, which is a bit banged up, but able to be repaired. Eggleston was hospitalized for several days, and released in the middle of last week, when he went to stay with high school friend Karen Crauder who lives in the area and offered to take him in until he was well enough to fly home. He stayed with Crauder for a day before being taken back to the hospital with severe headaches, where doctors determined that he had bleeding between the brain and the skull.

Eggleston’s recovery was swift as he began cycling again immediately after being cleared by his doctors. His cross-country endeavors intend to raise money for the Angel House Orphanage in Tanzania, which strives to provide children and adults with a quality education and family environment. He also hopes to support Springfield’s Interfaith Hospitality Network.

For updates on Jeff’s next adventure, like “Jeff’s Adventure for Orphans and Homeless” on Facebook.