21 Days And 2,325 Miles Later

21 days and 2,325 miles later, the Dads Honor Ride 2015 has come to an end. It’s been an amazing experience from a physical, emotional and spiritual perspective. What are the odds a 54 year old of moderate athletic ability could average 112 miles a day, everyday, for 21 days? Many of the days were very long, but the time overall went by very quickly. There were two or three points along the route I thought to myself: “I don’t know if I have what it takes, but short of being hospitalized, I’m not giving up.”

No one really accomplishes anything by themselves. I want to offer a BIG thank you to: my wife Peggy for covering the home front, my colleagues at Credit Suisse for covering at work, the crew and other riders, all those who volunteered leading up to and during the ride, those who have generously supported the cause with donations, and most of all God for providing His protection, the stamina to endure, and the opportunity to serve.

Included below are some photos from the end of the ride. For more information and further updates, please visit www.DadsHonorRide.org.

Here are some links to some of the most recent media coverage:

• Chicago Sun-Times – http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/709627/dads-cross-country-bike-ride-raises-100k-help-fathers-help-kids
• ABC7 Eyewitness News – http://abc7chicago.com/society/cyclist-finishes-dads-honor-ride-in-chicago/797746/
• Voice of America Podcast with Andrew Busch – http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/86089/engage-non-profit-fathers-day-special/56038
• CBS Chicago – http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/06/21/man-completes-bike-ride-from-california-to-chicago-to-raise-money-for-fatherhood-charities/

Special thanks again to those who generously supported DHR2015. For those who have yet to contribute, would you please do so today by going to: David Hirsch First Giving page.

Finally, and everyone seems to be asking, “will there be another Dads Honor Ride?” The current answer is: “if it’s meant to be, it won’t be 100+ miles a day for 21 days.”

Thanks for being part of the solution to raising awareness for the importance of responsible fathering.

It’s time to celebrate.

The effort it took on Day 20 to make the finish look easy.

Selfie approaching US Cellular Field.

With Wilk and Tom at US Cellular Field.

In the lobby of US Cellular Field, from l to r: Athena Mullen, Tom Dreesen, Jim Mullen, Maggie Mullen and John Mullen, Jim’s 93 years young dad.

Upon arrival outside of Progressive Baptist Church.

The last day’s riders; from l to r: Bob Lee, Patryck Wierzchucki, Jorge Solorio, Peggy Hirsch, and Dariusz Cupial (founder of Tato.net) who flew in from Poland to participate

Addressing the congregation at Progressive Baptist Church. From l to r: Laughton “Wilk” Wilkerson and Pastor Charlie Dates.

21 days and 2,355 miles later, the Dads Honor Ride 2015 has come to an end.