My wife Peggy and I have five amazing kids ages 25 to 18. I am also the founder of Illinois Fatherhood Initiative, founded in 1997 and is the country’s first state non-profit fatherhood organization, whose mission is Actively Engaging Fathers In The Education Of Children.

I have a passion for this issue and love a serious challenge. While I’ve done some marathons and triathlons — including Ironman Wisconsin — riding 2,100+ miles in 21 days is by far the most ambitious physical and mental challenge I’ve undertaken. At age 54, I’m not entirely sure I’ve got what it takes to do back to back century rides for 21 days, but I’m going to give it my best shot to symbolize the type of commitment it takes to be a great dad. Remember, “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

I am riding to honor all dads (fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father-figures) and in particular four fathers: my dad Ralph Hirsch (84), my deceased granddads: Harry Hirsch and Sam Solomon, and my good friend Jim Mullen, who is a former Chicago Police Officer, who was catastrophically injured in the line of duty and has been a quadriplegic the past 16 years.

Ralph Hirsch

Harry Hirsch

Sam Solomon

Athena, Jim and Maggie Mullen

I invite you and anyone you know to be a ride participant. Please click here to learn more about becoming a rider. At the very least, please click below to visit my fundraising page and make a donation. Thank you!!!