Crew Supervisor Takes on the Tour Divide

After recovering from a devastating hit-and-run crash, Phillip Hicks is tackling a 2,745-mile bikepacking race from Canada to the U.S.-Mexico border

For more than 40 years, Phillip Hicks has built a career at Kentucky Power, working through difficult terrain and all kinds of weather as a distribution line crew supervisor. Now, at 65, he is riding in one of the world's toughest bike races after surviving a devastating hit-and-run accident.

In September 2024, Hicks was struck by a driver while cycling and left on the side of the road. He suffered multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone and tailbone, a concussion and severe bruising, and experienced post-traumatic stress following the accident. He was unable to walk for a week and spent part of his recovery in a wheelchair.

Just days after the accident, Hicks made a decision to move forward and set his sights on the Tour Divide. Eight weeks later, he was back on a bike. Today, he regularly rides 30 to 40 miles and has completed 100-mile rides in rugged conditions.

The Tour Divide spans about 2,745 miles with more than 158,000 feet of climbing, with nearly 90% of the route off-road. Riders must complete it entirely self-supported. Hicks began the race June 12 and aims to finish in early July, averaging close to 100 miles per day while camping along the route.

Drawing on decades of experience working in challenging environments, Hicks credits his job for helping prepare him. He still climbs poles and leads by example.

"I've got a great crew, and I'm proud of them," he said. "I've always tried to maintain the ability to climb poles right along with them if needed."

Despite the challenges he has faced, he'll keep chasing what he enjoys.