Update: Collard completes third week of 2,500-mile trek
As Dan Collard reaches Day 21 of his 2,500-mile bicycle journey from near the Mexican border to Canada, the retired Michigan K9 officer and bomb squad sergeant has now pushed through Arizona, crossed deep into Utah, and entered Wyoming on the next major phase of the Western Wildlands Route.
Three weeks into the ride, Collard has already completed roughly half of the total mileage while facing some of the harshest conditions yet – including snow, mud, mountain climbs, remote camping brutal headwinds, and long isolated stretches with few services. To put the challenge into perspective — this is not a casual cross-country bike trip. He is spending 40-60 straight days riding approximately 50-80 miles per day across remote mountain terrain, dirt roads, desert stretches and wilderness areas — often carrying all of his own gear while climbing thousands of feet in elevation daily.
Adding to the difficulty, Collard’s fully loaded bike and gear setup weighs more than 70 pounds before even accounting for his own body weight. Every steep climb, muddy trail, rough gravel road and headwind means pushing hundreds of pounds of combined rider and equipment through some of the most rugged terrain in the western United States. Even many drivers would hesitate to tackle 2,500 miles in a car – let alone on a loaded bicycle through remote wilderness for nearly two months.
Collard’s mission remains focused on raising awareness and support for Retrieving Freedom, the nonprofit organization that trains and places life-changing service dogs with veterans, first responders, and children with autism. Over the past week alone, he logged multiple long-distance riding days while climbing thousands of feet in elevation across Utah and into Wyoming. One of the toughest days came during his ride toward Evanston, Wyoming, where relentless headwinds battered him for more than 35 miles. After completing 83 miles and nearly 4,000 feet of climbing that day, he described the wind as “brutal and demoralizing,” while also battling severe calf cramps and exhaustion. Despite the difficult conditions, support from fellow riders, friends and trail angels has continued to help fuel the journey.
During a stop in Utah, Collard reunited with friends Howard and Monica, who helped provide a much-needed reset with clean clothes, hot meals, bike maintenance assistance and encouragement before he continued north.
A special thank you also went out to Gravity Coalition Bike & Ski for helping get the bike trail-ready again during a critical maintenance stop. The ride continues gaining attention back home on Pine Island as residents follow Collard’s progress daily online and through updates in the Eagle and Breeze newspapers. Now entering the Wyoming portion of the route on Day 21, Collard n still faces major mountain terrain and thousands of additional climbing feet ahead before eventually reaching the Canadian border. Supporters can continue following the ride daily and donate to the cause using the links below.
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.