Update: Collard completes over 600 miles of bicycle trek
An update has been provided on Pine Island resident Dan Collard’s “2,500 Miles for One Life” charity bicycle ride benefiting Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit organization that trains and places service dogs for veterans, children with autism, and families in need.
As of this week, Collard has completed more than 636 miles of the 2,500-mile Western Wildlands Route stretching from the Mexican border north toward Canada.
He has now officially completed Segments 9 and 8 of the route and (as of this update) is currently making his way through Utah.
The past several days have tested both endurance and determination. Dan has been riding through remote mountain terrain with temperatures dropping into the 20s overnight, strong winds, snow showers, and multiple climbs above 10,000 feet elevation. Some days required hours of climbing for relatively few miles traveled.
One recent overnight stop at Posey Lake Campground included snow flurries and freezing overnight temperatures. Despite the harsh conditions, Collard has continued pushing forward, often camping alone on remote public lands between towns.
During one stretch this week, Collard logged 52 miles and more than 3,200 feet of climbing before continuing an additional 12 miles at night to reach a safe stealth camping location on Bureau of Land Management land outside Salina, Utah.
Along the way he has encountered incredible scenery and wildlife including deer, cattle, and pronghorn antelope while traveling some of the most isolated back roads in the western United States.
The ride continues to raise awareness and donations for Retrieving Freedom and the life-changing service dogs they provide.
Community members can follow the ride and learn more at https://www.facebook.com/share/1EDYrAumYa/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
Donations may be made at https://www.retrievingfreedom.org/2500milesforonelife.