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Athletes - under construction Donations made on behalf of an athlete will be directly sent to The Seeing Eye, Inc. Jim Freiss Founder Jim founded Puppy Ride Long Island in 2020, to honor and remember his late brother John, John's guide dog, Hero and to give back to the organization that did so much for John. Jim's mission is to continue to help others who are sight impaired by raising awareness and donations for The Seeing Eye, Inc. This Seeing Eye, Inc. has an incredibly passionate team of employees and volunteers that deliver dignity and mobility to the blind through their guide dog foundation! Jim is "all in" and competes in ultra-distance events to support the cause. Many of Jim's puppy ride events are mapped out by hand, and involve the love and support of his friends and family. Previous Events for the Puppies : 2018 - Zion 100 ultramarathon, UT 2020 - Solo Puppy Ride, across NY 2021 - Washington, DC to Pittsburg, PA Puppy Ride 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2023 - Moab 240 ultramarathon, UT 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride 2025 - Cocodona 250 ultramarathon, AZ Barbara McCoy Barbara is no stranger to athletic endeavors or to fundraising. She has been a strong supporter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society in honor of her late mother and the Michael J Fox Foundation, as her loving husband battles Parkinson's disease. In 2021, Barbara and Pat adopted Hunter, a change in career companion dog from The Seeing Eye, Inc. Hunter is a precious Golden Retriever who, as my husband’s companion, has become a beloved member of their family. Previous Events for the Puppies 2021 - Washington, DC to Pittsburg, PA Puppy Ride 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride Bill Gironda When Bill first learned of The Seeing Eye, Inc.'s mission, he was touched by how they breed, raise and train exceptional guide dogs and by care and love each puppy receives before being matched with a recipient. As an avid runner and cyclist, Bill was eager to join the team in 2023 and help support the organization. Previous Events for the Puppies : 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride Bill Ude Bill joined Puppy Ride Long Island in 2021. Bill is an avid traveler and cyclist. He was moved by stories Jim told of his brother John and had the pleasure of meeting John's guide dog, Hero. Bill feels very fortunate to be healthy and have the ability to help others. Previous cycling event for the Puppies: 2021 - Washington, DC to Pittsburg, PA Puppy Ride 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride Glenn Morse Glenn has been participating in multi-day and across state bike rides for over 40 years, including several fundraisers for the South Dakota Lung Association. He joined Puppy Ride Long Island in 2022 in support of The Seeing Eye, Inc. the premiere guide dog training organization in the country. Participating in these rides allows Glenn to combine his passion for cycling while contributing to the great work being done by The Seeing Eye. Previous Events for the Puppies : 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride Jay Ratto Jay got involved with Puppy Ride Long Island to honor and remember Jim's late brother John, his guide dog Hero and to support an organization that did so much for him. Jay is an triathlete and has completed three Ironman competitions. He respects the work The Seeing Eye does to help others who are sight impaired like John and enjoys the challenge of a multi-day bike adventure. Previous Events for the Puppies : 2021 - Washington, DC to Pittsburg, PA Puppy Ride 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride Kate and David Mickle This event and The Seeing Eye, Inc. are dear to Kate and David's hearts. They witnessed first-hand how their brother John’s life dramatically improved with his seeing eye dog, Hero. While family obligations have prevented them from riding, they love that they can help raise funds and awareness for the generous organization. The bonus is that they can support and cheer Jim and the Puppy Ride Long Island team! Kevin Green Kevin is thrilled to support Puppy Ride Long Island as the main Support and Gear (SAG) driver. Not only does he drive along with the team with all their gear and nutritional needs, he also puts in countless hours helping the riders find the next best spot to rest and eat and to make sure they are well cared for throughout the ride. Previous Events for the Puppies : 2022 - Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2023 - Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2024 - Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2025 - Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride Michele Kelly Michele is overjoyed to finally be able to participate in Puppy Ride Long Island. She is good friends with many of the riders, so it seemed like a natural fit for her to join the team. Michele has been cycling for years—tackling long-distance rides, jumping in for early morning spins before work and soaking in the connection and community that riding brings. This time, the ride is about helping others experience something many take for granted—freedom. A seeing eye dog can change someone’s entire world, giving them independence, confidence, and the ability to move through life with more ease and possibility. Being part of making that happen? That’s what makes this ride matter to Michele. Victor Fassano I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Freiss a few years ago. He told me stories of his brother John and what a difference Hero, his guide dog made in his life. The stories moved me so much that I wanted to help. Now I’m here helping to raise money for The Seeing Eye! Previous Events for the Puppies : Boston to Canada - 2024 Niagara Falls to Long Island - 2023 Cincinnati to Cleveland - 2022 Washington to Pittsburgh - 2021 Rick Chapman logistics co-captain In 2024, Puppy Ride Long Island stopped on their way across New York State for lunch in Rick's hometown, Lockport. Together with a few of his family members, they put together a picnic lunch for the riders. During lunch, Rick met and talked with all of the riders and was very impressed with their dedication and passion for The Seeing Eye, Inc. Rick has been a volunteer with many organizations and is a proud active member of the National Ski Patrol for the past 45+ years. He was thrilled to start a mountain bike first aid patrol and saw a natural fit to be SAG support for the puppy riders. Miriam Fein I have been an avid ultramarathon runner for many years, running distances up to and including 100 miles, which is how I met Jim Freiss, who I lovingly refer to as my “running dad”. I have been privileged to support him on some of his (crazy) endeavors, and he has always been a tremendous inspiration for me. Although cycling was never my sport, I have dealt with several serious injuries over the last few years and more than my share of surgeries, which has restricted my ability to run. I finally decided to take the leap and purchase a new bicycle, knowing that I wanted to join the Puppy Ride this year. I’m excited to be a part of this incredible team and help raise money for a wonderful cause that means so much to Jim- and therefore means so much to me.

Past Puppy Events To learn more about where we've been, click the title for a recap of prior event recaps. 2025 Poughkeepsie, NY Puppy Ride 2025 Cocodona 250 ultramarathon, AZ 2024 Boston, MA to New Brunswick, Canada Puppy Ride 2023 Moab 240 ultramarathon, UT 2023 Niagara Falls, NY to Long Island, NY Puppy Ride 2022 Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH Puppy Ride 2021 Washington, DC to Pittsburgh, PA Puppy Ride 2020 Solo Puppy Ride, across NY 2018 Zion 100 ultramarathon, UT

ABOUT US Puppy Ride Long Island is made of an enthusiastic group of endurance athletes who dedicate free time to fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc. The Seeing Eye, Inc. is the oldest guide dog foundation in the USA. They breed, train and match talented dogs with sight impaired and blind individuals to improve their mobility and independence. In The Seeing Eye's 94-year philanthropic history, they have paired just over 18,000 dogs with deserving program participants. Learn about our group by exploring the links at the top of this page, and if you can, support us in our upcoming events! In 2013, John Freiss, a man who lost his sight in the 1990s, discovered The Seeing Eye, Inc. and applied to be a candidate for a service dog from their foundation. He was so happy to be accepted, went through an extensive month long training and was matched with a wonderful labrador retriever named Hero. John was an international business man and Hero immediately changed his life. Hero and John were inseparable and accomplished so much traveling to many countries together. It was a beautiful partnership. John was so much more independent and he loved this freedom that Hero brought to him. Tragically in 2018, John died of an undiagnosed heart defect. Hero retired from his working life and went to live with John's brother, Jim Freiss. Jim was devastated by the loss of his brother. But he came away with the positivity of John's experience with The Seeing Eye, Inc. and decided to honor his younger brother by trying to help others who face sight impairment like John. Puppy Ride Long Island was born out of the sad days following John's passing. In 2018, there wasn't a name for Jim's philanthropic endeavor, but he went out and spread the word about The Seeing Eye, Inc. He dedicated endurance events to bring awareness to the guide dog organization and fundraising for them. A brief history from 2018-Present In 2018, Jim dedicated a 100 mile ultra-marathon run to John and The Seeing Eye, and in 2020, he rode solo across New York from Battery Park, NYC, to Buffalo, NY in John and The Seeing Eye's name. In 2021, friends who had supported Jim's charity through their monetary contributions, approached Jim and asked to join in on the adventures. That year, 5 riders bicycled from Washington, DC to Pittsburg, PA with Jim increasing fundraising and expanding exposure for The Seeing Eye through his selfless friends. 2022's fundraising event grew to eight cyclists who rode from Cincinnati, Oh to Cleveland, OH. In 2023, a new and exciting endurance challenge traveling from Niagara Falls, Canada to Long Island NY is in the planning stages for August. So far, five years after Jim began this athletic venture, more than $200,000.00 has been raised to benefit The Seeing Eye. About The Seeing eye, Inc All we do, we do for them, and all of the people's lives they have impacted and changed through their work! Please click the link below to visit the Seeing Eye's website and learn more about them. The Seeing Eye

In the news Puppy Ride Long Island has been featured a few times in the news. Check us out! 2023 Social impact Project Name This is your Project description. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start. Project Name This is your Project description. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background of your work. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start.

15,500 + miles ridden 4 + guide dog partnerships so far 576 + individual donors $305,000 + dollars raised Follow our 2026 coast-to-coast journey for the puppies with our interactive map below. Please help us spread the word about The Seeing Eye - the oldest guide dog foundation in the world and be generous if you can with your support!

Athelete's Bios Read More Victor Fassano Victor Fassano is fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc. Read More Glenn Morse Glenn Morse is fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc Read More Jim Freiss Jim Freiss is fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc. Read More Barbara McCoy Barbara McCoy is fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc Read More Bill Gironda Bill Gironda is fundraising for The Seeing Eye, Inc. Read More Bill Ude Bill Ude is fundraising for The Seeing Eye. Read More

< Back Jim Freiss Founder of Puppy Ride Long Island. I am involved with Puppy Ride Long Island to honor and remember my late brother John, his guide dog Hero and to support an organization that did so much for him. I know what we do here will continue to help others who are sight impaired like my brother. The Seeing Eye, Inc. is an awesome organization with an incredibly passionate team of employees and volunteers that deliver dignity and mobility to the blind through their guide dog foundation! I am all in with The Seeing Eye!” Previous Events for the Puppies: Zion 100 Trail Run - 2018, Solo Crossing Puppy Ride of New York – 2020 Washington DC to Pittsburg Puppy Ride - 2021 Cincinnati to Cleveland Puppy Ride – 2022 Upcoming Events Niagara to Long Island Puppy Ride - 2023

< Back Barbara McCoy Having lost my mom to cancer as well as supporting my husband who has been battling Parkinson’s disease for over 16 years, I was inspired to participate in fundraising activities for Leukemia Lymphoma Society and Michael J Fox Foundation. In 2021, my friend and fellow athlete, Jim Freiss, graciously assisted my husband in adopting a change in career seeing eye dog, Hunter, a precious Golden Retriever who as my husband’s companion has become beloved member of our family. That joined Jim’s 2021 Ride for the Puppies and last year’s 2022 Cincinnati to Cleveland Puppy Ride. I am honored and privileged to join this year’s Niagara to Long Island Puppy Ride in remembrance of Jim’s late brother, John, and his guide dog, Hero, to support The Seeing Eye’s great work.” Past Fundraising Activities Washington DC to Pittsburg Puppy Ride – 2021 Cincinnati to Cleveland Puppy Ride – 2022 Sprint, Olympic, & Half Ironman Events in 23 states (LLS & MJF Foundation) – 2014~2022 Marine Corp Marathon Team Chris – 2016 & 2017 5 Mile Swim LLS -- 2015 Upcoming Fundraising Activities: Ride for the Puppies -- 2023 Triathlons in Rhode Island, South Carolina, & Alabama – 2023

< Back Bill Gironda

< Back Bill Ude I was privileged to join our team leader Jim Freiss in 2021 and 2022 Riding for the Puppies in support of The Seeing Eye, Inc. I am looking forward to fundraising and riding the 2023 Niagara to Long Island Puppy Ride on the New York State Empire Trail in remembrance of Jim’s late brother, John and his guide dog, Hero and to support The Seeing Eye’s great work. I feel very blessed to be healthy and have the ability to help others. Last year we had the privilege of touring the facility in New jJersey, which deepened our support for this foundation. Previous cycling event for the Puppies. – Washington DC to Pittsburg Puppy Ride – 2021 – Cincinnati to Cleveland Puppy Ride – 2022 Upcoming events – Niagara to Long Island Puppy Ride

< Back Victor Fassano I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Freiss a few years ago. He told me stories of he’s brother John and what a difference Hero He’s Seeing Eye dog made in his life. The stories moved me so much that I wanted to help. Now I’m here helping to raise money for The Seeing Eye! Previous Events for the Puppies: Washington to Pittsburg Puppy Ride - 2021 Cincinnati to Cleveland Puppy Ride - 2022 Upcoming Events Niagara Falls to Long Island Puppy Ride 2023RAGBRIA 2023 My third in three yearsI’m competing in my first Iron Man 70.4 in July & my second one in September.

< Back Glenn Morse I’ve been doing multi-day and across state bike rides for 40 years, including several fundraisers for the South Dakota Lung Association. I was privileged to join our team leader Jim Freiss in 2021 and 2022 Riding for the Puppies in support of The Seeing Eye, Inc. I am looking forward to fundraising and riding the 2023 Niagara to Long Island Puppy Ride on the New York State Empire Trail in remembrance of JIm’s late brother, John and his guide dog, Hero and to support The Seeing Eye’s great work. This year’s ride will allow me to once again combine my passion for cycling while contributing to the premiere guide dog organization in the country.” Previous Cycling Activities South Dakota Lung Association Black Hills Rides Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (38 years) Cycle Oregon Ride Idaho Bike Virginia Ride the Rockies In addition to the 2023 Ride for the Puppies, I will be doing my 39th RAGBRAI in July.