Two Navy veterans, Jim Serger and Cory Hardy, who had not seen each other in 30 years, reunited to complete a cross-country bicycle journey from San Diego to New York City. Their expedition, which began on July 14, 2026, served as a tribute to the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Serger, 55, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hardy, 51, of Ennis, Montana, embarked on the challenging ride to honor service members and first responders. Serger, who had previously written books for the nonprofit, felt compelled to undertake a more significant personal challenge. He reached out to Hardy, a fellow veteran and accomplished cyclist, who readily agreed to join the endeavor.
A Grueling Journey East
The 20-day journey across approximately 3,000 miles presented numerous obstacles. The pair navigated 20 road closures, experienced a fire and flooding in Colorado, dealt with multiple flat tires, and made several visits to bike shops. They strategically planned their route, with Hardy taking on the mountainous terrain in Colorado due to his experience with elevation in Montana, while Serger focused on flatter ground.
Staying hydrated was a constant priority, especially in the heat of California and Arizona, where they consumed up to three gallons of water daily, often supplemented with electrolytes. Their diet consisted of energy waffles, protein bars, and energy-boosting candies, alongside substantial carbohydrate-rich meals. Hardy also incorporated daily 10-minute ice baths to aid recovery. By the end of the trip, Serger reported a weight loss of six pounds, which he quickly regained with meals in New York.
Connecting with Communities and First Responders
Along their route, Serger and Hardy stopped at approximately 25 firehouses, engaging with first responders and community members. These stops provided opportunities to distribute Tunnel to Towers books and share their mission. Interactions ranged from brief encounters to several-hour discussions, fostering a heartwarming connection between the veterans and those they met.
They received support from fellow veterans and community members, with some old Navy buddies meeting them en route and others offering accommodation. Fire stations, EMS, and police departments welcomed them, exchanging patches, hats, and pins. Hardy noted the unifying spirit among first responders, stating that they were all willing to help regardless of political affiliation, recognizing them as Americans dedicated to saving lives.
Reflecting on Sacrifice
As they approached significant 9/11 sites, including Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Pentagon, and Ground Zero in New York City, the emotional weight of their journey intensified. Encounters with individuals who lost family members on 9/11, and with firefighters who remembered fallen colleagues, brought the impact of the attacks into sharp focus.
At the Pentagon, Serger and Hardy were provided with a police escort by the Pentagon Police and Fire Department, followed by a five-hour tour that included the 9/11 memorial. Their arrival in Lower Manhattan was met with a welcome from the FDNY, Port Authority, and NYPD Honor Guard at FDNY Ten House, located across from Ground Zero. The reunion was a moving experience for Serger, who was joined by his wife and former FDNY Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano.
Raising Awareness and Funds
To date, Serger and Hardy's initiative has raised over $17,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Beyond fundraising, their ride aimed to ensure that the sacrifices made on 9/11 remain at the forefront of public memory, particularly as the 25th anniversary approaches. Serger emphasized the importance of never forgetting 9/11 and the heroes involved, including military personnel, first responders, and Gold Star families.
Describing the experience as surreal and emotional, Serger concluded that the expedition revealed a deep well of love, pride, and patriotism across the country, with their journey met by open arms and widespread support. They were welcomed by FDNY, Port Authority and NYPD Honor Guard at FDNY Ten House in Lower Manhattan on Aug. 2, 2026.