Two Navy vets bike coast-to-coast to honor 9/11 and raise funds

Jim Serger, 55, of Cincinnati and Cory Hardy, 51, of Ennis, reunited after 30 years to undertake a cross-country bike challenge that started in San Diego and ended in Lower Manhattan over 20 days. After a ten-month indoor training regimen, they faced numerous obstacles such as Colorado road closures, a wildfire, flooding, and multiple bike repairs, while maintaining a daily intake of three gallons of water and high-carb meals.

Along the route they visited roughly 25 firehouses, handing out Tunnel to Towers literature and receiving patches, hats and pins from first-responders regardless of political affiliation. At the Pentagon they were escorted by police and fire personnel before touring the 9/11 memorial, and in New York they were greeted by the FDNY, Port Authority and NYPD Honor Guard, prompting an emotional response from Serger. The ride generated over $17,000 for Tunnel to Towers and aimed to keep the memory of the 9/11 sacrifices alive as the anniversary approaches.