Navy Veterans Reunite for Cross-Country Bike Expedition
Two Navy veterans have come together to undertake a remarkable journey across the United States.
Jim Serger, 55, from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Cory Hardy, 51, from Ennis, Montana, hadn’t crossed paths in three decades since they served together abroad. On July 14, they set off on a bike ride from California to New York City, commemorating the upcoming 25th anniversary of September 11.
Serger, who has authored three books for the nonprofit Tunnel to Towers, mentioned feeling the urge to push his limits with “something bigger.” He thought it was the perfect opportunity to invite his old Navy friend, an accomplished cyclist. “Back in January, I said, ‘Would you like to go on this trip?’ He enthusiastically replied, ‘Absolutely, Jimmy, count me in,’” he recounted.
Hardy expressed his deep sense of patriotism, noting that the military has provided him with countless opportunities to explore the world and further his education. Upon hearing Serger’s idea, he felt inspired. “Wow, this is awesome. This is something that I can do,” he shared. With a significant anniversary approaching—both 250 years of the country and 25 years since 9/11—he felt it was vital for everyone to remember these events.
To prepare, Serger trained diligently for ten months, covering 5,000 miles on an indoor cycling machine before hitting the local trails as spring arrived. Their journey began in San Diego, but it wasn’t without its difficulties—encountering 20 road closures, battling wildfires and flooding in Colorado, enduring flat tires, and charting backroads.
They focused heavily on hydration, particularly through the heat in California and Arizona, consuming about three gallons of water daily, sometimes adding electrolytes. Their snacks consisted of energy waffles, protein bars, and unusual treats like “salt gummy bears,” along with carb-filled meals. Hardy took daily ice baths to recover, while Serger lost six pounds during the ride, which he regained eating “good food” once they reached New York.
Although Hardy was adjusted to mountainous terrain from his time in Montana, Serger found the altitudes challenging. “It was grueling … so hard,” he admitted. They devised a strategy where Hardy tackled the hills while Serger stuck to flatter sections.
On their trip, they connected with old Navy comrades and made new friends, including an Arizona state trooper who drove out to meet them. The duo visited about 25 firehouses, sharing Tunnel to Towers books and engaging with first responders. “Sometimes we stayed for an hour, sometimes for four,” Serger said, reflecting on the heartfelt conversations about their experiences on September 11 and the training these responders undergo.
Both men embody a spirit of giving back to the community—Hardy serves on the city council, while Serger’s wife regularly prepares meals for the local fire department. Their journey was met with generosity; they received patches, hats, and other tokens of appreciation from every firehouse they visited, regardless of political affiliations.
As they approached major sites like Shanksville and the Pentagon, emotions ran high with stories from people they met—some shared personal ties to the events of 9/11. “The closer we got, we could feel the weight of the places where the nation responded to those attacks,” Serger mentioned, further remarking how poignant the experience became as they reached the Pentagon.
The pair completed roughly 170 miles each day, arriving in Lower Manhattan after 20 days. They were greeted by FDNY, The Port Authority, and the NYPD Honor Guard at FDNY Ten House, close to Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Serger, overwhelmed with emotion, recalled the scene, sharing that he was brought to tears upon seeing his wife, Sal Cassano, the former FDNY Fire Commissioner, and others who came to honor their mission.
Thus far, their expedition has raised over $17,000 for Tunnel to Towers, with the objective not only to fundraise but also to keep the memories of those who sacrificed and lost their lives during 9/11 alive as the anniversary approaches. “We never forget 9/11. We never forget the sacrifice of our heroes,” Serger remarked, emphasizing a shared commitment to remembrance.
In his reflection on the experience, Serger described the ride as both surreal and deeply moving, evolving from a fundraising effort into a journey that showcased the love, pride, and patriotism that exist across America. “Everybody welcomed us with open arms,” he concluded.
