This is a rough markup of the route – don’t take it too literally, but it’s about right !

In ’23, InnerTuba raised $7,000 for Mississippi River based charities which support children with all kinds of special needs. We’re now limbering up for a higher profile, higher challenge journey in ’26….. Over the Rocky Mountains, from Midwest to Northwest USA ! Once more the challenge’s main aim will be to raise money for “not for profits” and the young people they support,  the entire length of the journey. 

With the right backing of finance and widespread multi media promotion and publicity, surely this epic challenge could raise even more money ?   – Giving back more to the communities which InnerTuba will visit. Why not double that raised in ’23 ? Or go for a target of, say, $100,000 ? Between us – InnerTuba and its creative supporters –  we can make it happen. 

As at August ’25, $6,000 is pledged in support of the tour.  A further $12,000 is now sought to give the tour the green light to begin rolling West in April ’26. You can donate to help turn the idea to a reality.

Broadly, this figure allows for flights, travel insurance, daily living costs, and some innovative upgrades to tour equipment – plus a “catch all”  contingency fund, to deal with the unexpected, on the road. 

InnerTuba touring is, by its resourceful, adventurous nature, inherently low budget; tents not hotels, supermarkets not restaurants. As with previous InnerTuba tours, Any surplus funds still held at the end of this tour will be rolled over to support the next. A word from a valued sponsor:

“Connecticut Yankee Pedaller is once more sponsoring Jon in his continued adventure.  We are excited that he will be traveling extensively in the USA again. We understand that the total financial support necessary for Jon is lacking, so if you would like to chip in for Jon’s ride, please contact Jon directly or Connecticut Yankee Pedaller.  As a major sponsor for Innertuba the last two times he has traversed the Central U.S., we would be happy to answer any questions regarding InnerTuba’s upcoming Midwest to Northwest trip“. Dave Hendricks, Proprietor, Connecticut Yankee Pedaller. Chariton, Iowa, USA.

Want to be a Sponsor too ? Call Dave at CYP for the lowdown ! www.cypbikes.com/contact-us

Leaving Eastern Iowa, from the banks of the Mississippi River the intended, 3,000 mile journey crosses Iowa then visits South and North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington State and Oregon. Having passed through Portland, the end point is a little beyond Astoria, Oregon, on the Pacific Northwest Coast. Around 3,000 miles of varied, sometimes challenging terrain.

The Journey begins – The Quad Cities I 74 Bridge connects Western Illinois with Eastern Iowa……

Inner Tuba will be Near Journey’s end here – The Astoria-Megler Bridge connects Oregon with Washington State, USA.

Whilst this tour is truly ambitious, It’s following a proven, tested model !…..Once more, as in ’23, InnerTuba will engage with and perform to communities big and small all along the journey – for TV and radio stations, at assisted living centres for older people, in State Park Visitor Centers, in libraries, in people’s homes, in schools, with community bands and what else have you !…..

A photocall following a memorable house-concert in DeWitt, Iowa, back in ’23.

Hannibal, Missouri welcomed InnerTuba on 4th July, ’23

Following The Adventure Cycling Association’s Lewis and Clark Trail Route, it can be seen from the Association’s stats that there is a fair bit of climbing over the Rocky Mountains ! InnerTuba will ride sections 2 – 7:

Averaging about 30 miles per day that would take about 100 days. Add to that 50 plus non travel days – set aside for performances and media appearances – the tour becomes around 150 days, leaving Iowa in Early April and reaching the Pacific Coast by early September of the year we make it happen !

To help this ambitious project to get the green light, please consider what support you can offer, and donate here – Thank you !

With Tuba Players from the Quincy Park Band, Illinois, July 4th ’23