Hi friends and family,

During the Week of August 14th, me and some of my good friends will undertake another endurance challenge, this time biking from Cincinnati to Cleveland.  Once again, like in the previous four years, I do this ride in honor and memory of my best friend John.  John, my baby brother, passed away suddenly in January 2018 and continues to be sorely missed by our whole family and his many friends.  In his honor and for the benefit of his favorite charity, we ride this year for him, his retired seeing eye dog, Hero and the great foundation that trained Hero and provided him to John.  

As many of you know, my brother was blind and had an extremely active and successful life due to his drive, his smarts and in many important ways, to his Yellow Lab and partner in crime - Hero! John and Hero traveled across the US and all over the world conducting business and when home, volunteering and spending time with his kids at school and sporting events. Hero was John’s eyes and worked hard to keep John safe and get him where he needed to go every day whether at home or abroad! 

As I’m sure you know, Hero didn’t just come from a pet store, he is a highly trained service dog that John was fortunate enough to acquire through The Seeing Eye foundation. This fantastic organization is located in New Jersey and has served thousands of sight impaired folks like John, over many many years. The Seeing Eye goes back to the early 1900s and has faithfully served those who need help just like my brother since that time. 

The Seeing Eye works only through donation and philanthropy. I am a big supporter myself through my family’s own contributions and through my endurance events where I highlight The Seeing Eye and encourage my friends and family who are able to contribute to consider participating with me!

This year we I will traverse the state of Ohio on a regional bike trail called the Ohio and Erie that runs from the south in Cincinnati along the Ohio River traveling north to Lake Erie.  If all goes well, in five days we should arrive in Cleveland at the lake, the terminal point of our ride.   

I hope you can join me in supporting The Seeing Eye!  This is once again all about the puppies!  Peace and Love to all of you!!!! 

Jim