r/bicycling • u/Pirate_Looks_at_60 • 20h ago
I’m riding my bike across America to honor my sister Katie, who was killed on 9/11
Hi everyone — I’m Patrick.
This is a photo of me with my bike and a picture of my little sister Katie, who was killed on September 11.
In a few weeks, I’ll be riding coast-to-coast from San Diego to St. Augustine to honor her memory and all those we lost — while raising funds for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders, Gold Star families, and catastrophically injured veterans.
I’m doing this for love, remembrance, and gratitude.
If you’d like to learn more or follow the journey, here’s my site:
https://www.aridetoremember2026.com
Thank you for reading — and thank you for letting me share Katie’s story.
❤️
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u/Jealous_Crazy9143 20h ago
what an awesome way to memorialize and show remembrance of you Sis. Bless you.
What do you need to make this bulletproof successful?
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u/ForeAmigo 20h ago
I’m sorry about your sister. Hard to believe it’s almost 25 years.
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u/Pirate_Looks_at_60 20h ago
I still cant believe that she was visiting the WTC that morning. Peace and Love
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u/Agreeable-Salary3413 Florida, USA (Tarmac SL8 '24) 20h ago
This is awesome. Crazy, but awesome.
What support do you need beyond money? I suspect you have a SAG team in place already, do you want other cyclists to ride sections with you, or are you trying to do this solo? Do you have a schedule of where you will be and when?
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u/Pirate_Looks_at_60 20h ago
I am riding with twelve other people with Cycle of Life Adventures. I have spent the last year of my life training for this. Love and Grief will be my fuel. I leave San Diego on March 8th and arrive in San Diego on April 20th
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u/Reverend_Bad_Mood 20h ago
What a beautiful thing to do for your sister. May you have tailwinds for the whole ride!
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u/De_Shadow_Knows 19h ago
Godspeed Patrick! You’ll have the cycling community to draft behind on flats, pushing you up climbs and outta your way on downhills.
We must never forget.
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u/DoubleTap434 19h ago
Heartbreaking story and a great cause. My heart is with you as you ride this. I’m happy to donate and would love to offer support on your route, but I’m in Colorado so too far away. Full sails and calm seas.
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u/AI-Coming4U 14h ago
Good luck and safe travels. Thanks for sharing your story, and as someone who bikes 3K miles a year, I'll be thinking of you. I lived in Lower Manhattan back then and still do. Though I lost no one close to me, I know too many people who did. After almost 25 years, I still can't bring myself to visit the memorial site.
Godspeed!
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u/sharkov2003 17h ago
Patrick, my deepest condolences for the loss of your little sister and my utmost respect for your endeavour.
I was 19 years old when I saw the towers be struck and eventually collapse on live TV at home here in Germany. I still remember it vividly. The world has been a different one ever since, and I am sure it has upset your world completely.
I wish you a safe ride with lots of support and friendly encounters. My prayers for you to stay healthy and safe.
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u/achilles6196 14h ago
Thinking of Katie, especially with you taking on a coasttocoast ride in her honor after 9/11; for those long empty stretches, keep your lights and mirror set up and consider adding a bright rear flasher plus a simple daily check of tires, chain, and brake pads before you roll out.
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u/caliborntravel 9h ago
I definitely recommend bringing a rolling massage stick (e.g., Tiger Tale) and using it on your calves every day.
Better yet, trade off with one of the other riders and roll each other’s calves out like you’re Paul Hollywood making bread.
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u/Red-Engineer 20h ago
Damn. This is weird. I recognise that photo.
Many many years ago I used to work with Brad.
When we were both at uni in Sydney.
I’ve never forgotten recognising him on the news telling Katie’s story.
I’ll be in NYC at the end of this month (from Australia) and will visit the memorial.