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A Colorado School of Mines alumnus traded naval service and rigorous ultramarathons for a 15,000-mile cycling journey across four continents, demonstrating a commitment to exploration and giving back.
Peter Consalvi ’17 has consistently sought a path less traveled, driven by a desire for self-discovery and a broader understanding of the world. “I don’t want to do the same things that everybody else does,” Consalvi stated. “I wanted to branch out and learn about myself, learn about the world and just see what’s out there.”
From Maryland to Mines and Beyond
Consalvi’s journey began after high school with a move from Maryland to study physics at the Colorado School of Mines. It was there he acquired his first bicycle, affectionately named “Oredigger,” and cultivated a passion for long-distance cycling. This newfound enthusiasm coincided with a growing desire to travel, leading to explorations of Costa Rica, Cuba, Nepal, Iceland, and Greenland during academic breaks. “I was super fortunate to have amazing friends who were interested in exploring and going places and trying new things and spending time outdoors,” he said.
As a sophomore, Consalvi enlisted in the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program, securing financial support for his education in exchange for a five-year commitment following graduation. His service took him to Spain, Japan, and South Carolina, where he supervised sailors operating the nuclear reactors on naval vessels as a nuclear surface warfare officer. During this time, he also challenged himself physically, completing three separate 100-mile ultramarathons.
A Self-Supported Journey Across Continents
Upon leaving the Navy, Consalvi sought a significant period of exploration. Utilizing savings accumulated during his military service, he embarked on an 18-month, self-supported bicycle journey. This involved pedaling 15,000 miles across Mongolia, Egypt, Spain, and from Miami to Maryland, carrying all necessary supplies – including a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, and cooking gear – a practice known as bikepacking.
Consalvi’s trip was supported by outdoor gear company Big Agnes, and he leveraged the opportunity to raise over $7,000 for the Juniper Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting the families of Sherpas who perish while working in the Himalayas.
The Power of Human Connection
Despite often traveling alone, Consalvi’s journey underscored the profound impact of human connection. “I met so many people on the road,” he explained. “You might not speak the same language as someone, you might come from a completely different walk of life, but you can still relate.” He recounted a particularly moving experience spending a night with camel herders in Saudi Arabia, describing a shared connection that transcended language barriers.
From Cycling to Supporting Veterans
Inspired by a group of military veterans undertaking the Old Glory Ultra Relay – a cross-country run carrying the American flag – Consalvi initially sought to join the 12-person team. However, an injury sidelined his running aspirations, leading him to serve as the team’s crew chief. “It sounds like a simple thing, but it was actually quite complex because the flag never stopped moving,” he explained, detailing the 24/7 logistical coordination required to ensure the relay’s continuous progress.
The team successfully completed the 3,000-mile relay in 16 days in May 2025, raising over $1 million for Team Red, White & Blue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of veterans. Consalvi emphasized that the fundraising success was as meaningful as the completion of the relay itself. “Something both trips really reaffirmed about myself is that I want to give back—I want to live a life of service,” he said.
Looking Ahead: A Sherpa’s Story and Continued Reflection
Currently recovering from major hip surgery, Consalvi is channeling his experiences into writing his first book – a biography of a Sherpa who has summited Mount Everest 16 times. He views this period as an opportunity for reflection on his unconventional journey, hoping it will inspire others to pursue their own paths.
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