A year or so ago, Jeff Masters was telling me about a 1,200-plus-mile bike ride he was planning. I nodded in all the right places and wished him the best. You see, every cyclist has an epic ride in the works the same same way every writer has a great novel in the typewriter. The difference, of course, is that Jeff made it happen.
Funny thing is, Jeff didn’t just plan and execute a bike ride, he created an organization and mission at the same time.
HERO Charity Bike Ride
From the HERO Charity Ride web site…
The HERO Charity Bike Ride is a 28-day bike ride from New York City to West Palm Beach, Florida, to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project. United States military personnel serve to defend and protect us every day, putting themselves in perilous situations for our freedom. They make the ultimate sacrifice day in and day out. The Wounded Warrior Project was created to help support, rehabilitate and reacclimate wounded service members after they return home from combat.
The founder of the HERO Charity Bike Ride, Jeff Master, understands how great the sacrifice is for these warriors’ after losing his father in the Vietnam War just four months before he was born. He and his team are compelled to do their part to support our military veterans and their families by riding their bikes to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Daily Blog from the Cyclist
Jeff did a darn good job of keep folks up to date on his progress. Be sure and check out Jeff’s HERO Charity Bike Ride blog. Lots of pictures, maps and videos from the trip.
Sponsors and Supporters Open Wallets
When Jeff started the project, he hoped that it would raise a couple thousand dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. Last I heard, his efforts had raised more than $8,000. You can still make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. I’m pleased that my local bike shop, On Your Mark, was one of the sponsors and the associated club sent riders out for the last leg.
Photos from the Memorial Day Ride Finish
Jeff traveled 1,200 miles and still managed to hit the finish line right on time. You gotta admire that military-like precision.
Memorial Day 2012
Jeff made it back. No matter what sort of shape you’re in, 1,200 miles in 28 days ain’t easy. Please, take a moment today, between picnics and car shopping, to give thanks to those who gave their lives while in military service, for those that didn’t make it back from whatever distance they traveled.
Jeff, It was a great meeting you today. You are an inspiration to so many people, young and old. May the Lord bless you as you have blessed so many others!
In Christ,
Peggy
Paul Jr’s mama! :)
Paul Vedder, Jr. is a Help Desk Technician at my company… DedicatedIT. He rode over 100 miles in one day on one of the legs. He had to drop out the next day because he was felled by 100+ degree fever and its effects.
I am extremely proud of Paul. Thank you for supporting the Wounded Warrior Project.
Jeff,
What an amaizing cause. May God continue to bless the organizations efforts!
Sincerely,
Mike
Jeff,
You are truly an inspiration to many.You are an amazing testament to what cycling is all about,”Enjoying the sport while helping others”. I have a friend who was severely injured while on patrol in Iraq and he wanted to return to duty even with his entire head completely burned to the point that they had to reconstruct his lips and ears.I will deinitely tell him about your tireless support of the wounded warrior project.I am honored to have been there on the last leg of the ride with you.Keep us posted for next year.
Ride For Life,
Guy
Job well done !