In planning the next leg of the ride, our contact with the VA had requested that we push our standard departure time back one hour to 9:15am to maximize media exposure for the ride.  This being the longest single leg of the trip, I was initially concerned that the extra …

While inside the Post Ben, Jonas and I surveyed a variety of photographs and memorabilia displayed throughout the Post and had many interesting conversations with those in attendance.  Several times during our stay at Post 297 we were individually and collectively thanked for undertaking this ride, and for our efforts …

After yesterdays challenging ride from Bath to Canandaigua we were looking forward to what we thought would be an easy 66 miles across Central NYS.  Following what by now had become our normal daily routine we met the Canandaigua VA center’s public affairs officer, Dan Ryan a little after 7:30 …

A day of extremes!  While meeting with Veterans Administration Public Affairs Officer Brandon Gardner at Bath VA Hospital, to take some publicity photos a chance conversation with a passer-by provided what would turn out to be a  critical piece of information.  While discussing our cross-state ride, and his own plans  …

74.6 miles, one killer hill, temperatures in the mid 80’s, a flat tire (our second in two days), 10 – 15 mph headwinds ALL day long, and getting chased by a chocolate lab pretty much sums up this leg of the ride…  (By the way… for the record, riding a …

Waking to overcast skies, and after a quick breakfast Kate, Jonas, Ben and I began loading our bikes and assorted equipment for the short ride from the hotel to the Buffalo VA Center.  Arriving at the bike rack where i was loading his bicycle onto the truck, Jonas turned to …

Leaving our hotel in East Amherst a little after 7:30am we arrived at the Buffalo VA Center to find a group of dedicated Buffalo Honor Flight Volunteers, the Buffalo VA Center Public Affairs Officer, several passerby, and a small, but spirited group of family and friends.
After final adjustments to our …

Arrived in Buffalo yesterday.  Ben is commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the US Army Reserves this morning and graduates from from Canisius College on Saturday, and Sunday morning at 8:15am we depart on Patriot Ride 2010.  More to follow!

From an American living abroad:  Last week while Americans were celebrating moms (love you, Mom!), over in Sweden we celebrated Europe Day.  Men and women of so many nationalities fought battles of all kinds both at home and abroad to contribute to the resolution of this ravaging war of devastation.  American troops played a vital part …

At this point there are only ten days until the ride and as i sit here trying to study for yet another final in a college career that is coming to a close faster then i even thought it would, i come to the realization that this ride is something …