Going Against The Flow

By Nancy K. Crevier

Sometimes, Bill Kathan, Jr isn’t sure if he is coming or going, and lately, neither are the people who see him. Mr Kathan, also known as Wild Bill, Super Bill, or Mr Bill, in his hometown of Brattleboro, Vt., strode into Newtown on Monday afternoon, April 9 — backwards.

Mr Kathan, a self-proclaimed world exercise champion, has turned more than a few heads since he started his backward journey on Thursday, April 5, in Hartford. His hike, which keeps him looking over his own shoulder, will end at the Walk of Fame in Hollywood approximately seven months from now, said Mr Kathan, if all goes well. His goal is to raise donations to support a personal dream called the Youth Development Foundation, a country retreat in Vermont that he envisions for troubled youths.

“I want kids to know I care about them,” said Mr Kathan, who paused at The Newtown Bee on his way to the flagpole.

On Monday, Mr Kathan walked from Woodbury, where he had ended his walk the day before, via River Road, over the steel bridge, and up Route 6 to the flagpole in Newtown.

“My muscles are pretty sore,” he admitted, even though he said he is in good shape from the many exercise records he has broken over the years, including back hand push-ups, abdominal crunches, and leg lifts.

His bright orange, reflective vest, a gift of the police in Hartford, has kept him safe so far and the cool weather has been pleasant for walking and observing where he has been, Mr Kathan said. The chilly weather has also kept his water consumption down.

“Right now I’m only drinking about five quarts a day, I guess, but that will be different when it gets hot,” said Mr Kathan.

His biggest expense, he figures, will be the cost of new sneakers.

“If anyone wants to donate a few pair, I’ll be grateful,” he said. He has already had to wire the heel of his sneakers away from his foot to avoid blisters, and the sole of one shoe is showing signs of wear.

“I hope to get another 50 miles out of this pair of sneakers,” he said, “and a new pair, I hope, will last me a couple of hundred miles.”

At the end of each day, Mr Kathan said he is counting on the generosity of locals to get him back to his van, which he then drives back to the day’s endpoint to start anew the next day.

His steps may be backward, but each one brings him one step closer to his goal, he said. He invites people to check out his progress and learn more about his foundation at MrBillyDF.com.