Meet the Athletes

Jim founded Puppy Ride Long Island in 2021 after a few solo charity events he organized, to honor his late brother John and his Seeing Eye guide dog, Hero. Jim formalized Puppy Ride Long Island with several good friends to give back to the organization that did so much for John. The collective team’s mission is to help others who are sight impaired by raising awareness and funds for The Seeing Eye, Inc. The 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.

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 has become a beloved member of their family. 

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 the 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.  

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 as well as having the ability to see the US while riding with his friends.

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., a 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, Inc.

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 a triathlete and competes in multiple endurance races. He respects the work The Seeing Eye, Inc. does to help others who are sight impaired like John and enjoys the challenge of a multi-day bike adventure. He has been cycling with the group since 2021.

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. 

Michele is overjoyed to participate in Puppy Ride Long Island. Michele has been cycling for years—and soaks up the connection and community that it brings. This time, cycling 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 is what makes this ride matter to Michele.​

Miriam met her “running dad” Jim at various ultramarathons and has been privileged to support him on his various long-distance events. As of late, Miriam experienced some setbacks with injury and surgery, preventing her from running. Jim motivated her to try cycling and she joined Puppy Ride Long Island in 2025. She’s looking forward to cycling alongside these inspirational people that raise money for a wonderful cause.

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 the riders and was impressed by their dedication and passion for The Seeing Eye, Inc. Their commitment and cycling passion paralleled Rick’s involvement with the National Ski Patrol and the first-aid mountain bike patrol he began.

Victor and Jim have been cycling together for about five years. As they chatted during long rides, Jim’s stories and love for his brother resonated with Victor as he lost his beloved niece too soon to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) a genetic bleeding disorder. Victor has been passionate about helping others and he’s honored to participate in Puppy Ride Long Island.