Islander takes on 2,500-mile bicycle journey to support service dogs
One of Pine Island’s own is taking on the ride of a lifetime and doing it for a cause that changes lives every single day.
St. James City residents Dan and Jodi Collard are helping lead awareness and fundraising efforts for the “2500 Miles for One Life” campaign benefiting Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit organization that trains and places service dogs for veterans, first responders and children with autism.
Dan, a retired Michigan K9 Officer and bomb squad sergeant, recently began an incredible 2,500-mile bicycle journey along the rugged Western Wildlands Route — traveling from near the Mexican border all the way to Canada.
This is far from your casual bike ride.
The route includes remote wilderness terrain, mountain passes, desert stretches, dirt roads and more than 185,000 feet of climbing over the course of nearly two months. Dan is expected to average roughly 50 miles per day while often camping in isolated areas along the trail.
But for the Collards, this journey is about something much bigger than the miles.
The mission is to raise awareness and support for the life-changing work of Retrieving Freedom, whose highly trained service dogs provide independence, safety, confidence, and emotional support to people facing tremendous daily challenges.
“Service dogs truly change lives,” said supporters following the ride. “For many veterans and first responders living with PTSD or trauma, and for children with autism, these dogs become trusted partners that restore freedom, hope, and confidence.”
Training and placing a single service dog can cost between $25,000 and $35,000 and requires nearly two years of specialized training, veterinary care, and ongoing support.
Throughout the ride, Dan has already faced intense heat, long isolated stretches, difficult terrain, and physically exhausting days on the trail — all while continuing to push forward mile after mile for the mission.
Friends, family, and supporters from Pine Island and beyond have been following the adventure daily through social media updates, photos, and trail reports.
The campaign has quickly become a source of pride for the island community as residents rally behind the Collards’ efforts to make a difference.
Community members who would like to follow the journey or support the cause can visit the official campaign pages below:
Facebook Ride Page: 2500 Miles For One Life Facebook Page
Donation Page: 2500 Miles For One Life Donations
Supporters say as Dan pedals northward through mountains, deserts, forests and wilderness, Pine Island proudly rides along with him in spirit — one mile, one dog and one life at a time.