Navy veterans Jim Serger and Cory Hardy recently completed a cross-country bike ride from California to New York City, a journey undertaken to honor the upcoming 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The expedition also served to raise funds and awareness for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Serger, 55, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hardy, 51, of Ennis, Montana, had not seen each other in three decades since serving together overseas. The idea for the bike ride originated with Serger, who had previously written books for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and sought a more significant personal challenge. He reached out to Hardy, a known bicyclist, who readily agreed to join the endeavor.
"When Jim approached me about the idea of doing this, I was like, ‘Wow, this is awesome. This is something that I can do,’" Hardy said, expressing his patriotic sentiment and gratitude for opportunities provided by the military. He emphasized the importance of remembering 9/11 and keeping it at the forefront of public consciousness, particularly with the upcoming anniversary and the nation's 250th anniversary.
The duo embarked on their journey on July 14. Serger underwent extensive training for 10 months, logging 5,000 miles on an indoor trainer before transitioning to outdoor riding. The trip across the country presented numerous challenges, including 20 road closures, fire and flooding in Colorado, flat tires, and extensive maneuvering through backroads. The veterans focused on maintaining hydration, consuming up to three gallons of water daily, supplemented with electrolytes. Their diet consisted of energy waffles, protein bars, and high-carbohydrate meals.
Hardy implemented a daily routine of 10-minute ice baths. Serger reported a six-pound weight loss during the mission, which he regained upon arrival in New York. While Hardy, a resident of mountainous Montana, was accustomed to higher elevations, Serger found the altitude in Colorado particularly challenging. Their strategy involved Serger sticking to flatter terrain while Hardy navigated the mountain passes.
Along their route, Serger and Hardy encountered several old Navy friends and fellow veterans who offered support. One veteran, an Arizona state trooper, drove to meet them, and others opened their homes for overnight stays. The pair made it a point to stop at approximately 25 firehouses, distributing Tunnel to Towers books and sharing their story.
"Talking about Tunnel to Towers, where they were on 9/11 … how much they train … it was just very heartwarming," Serger noted. He described receiving patches, hats, pins, and T-shirts from fire, EMS, and police stations, highlighting a sense of unity among first responders. Hardy observed that at every firehouse visited, assistance was provided regardless of political affiliation.
As they approached significant 9/11 sites like Shanksville, the Pentagon, and New York City, the journey became increasingly emotional. Encounters with individuals who lost family members and hearing firsthand accounts from first responders deeply impacted the veterans.
At the Pentagon, Serger and Hardy received an escort from the Pentagon Police and the Pentagon Fire Department, followed by a five-hour tour that included the 9/11 memorial. Completing approximately 170 miles per day, the duo reached Lower Manhattan in 20 days.
Their arrival in New York was met with a welcome from the FDNY, Port Authority, and NYPD Honor Guard at FDNY Ten House, opposite Ground Zero. Serger described the moment as highly emotional, with his wife, former FDNY Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano, and members of Fire Station 10 present.
Thus far, Serger and Hardy's fundraising efforts have generated over $17,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The expedition aimed not only to raise funds but also to maintain awareness of the sacrifices made on 9/11.
"We never forget 9/11," Serger stated. "We never want 9/11 to fade away." He characterized the bike ride as a "surreal" and emotional experience that revealed a strong sense of love, pride, and patriotism across the country, with communities welcoming them warmly.