Jim Freiss and Fellow Puppy Ride Long Island Team Members Tackle 4,000+ Miles from Beaches of Oregon to Beaches of New York in Most Ambitious Ride Yet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michelle Barlak
(973) 539-4425
mbarlak@seeingeye.org
June 8, 2026
MORRISTOWN, N.J. — When Jim Freiss watched his late brother, John, navigate the world with his Seeing Eye® dog, he witnessed something that changed him: the confidence and independence that came with that partnership. John was a graduate of The Seeing Eye, the nearly 100-year-old guide dog school that matches its expertly trained dogs with people who are blind across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. When John passed away, Jim found a way to honor him—he took his ultra-running and ultra-biking passion and put it to use the best way he knew how.
“John’s Seeing Eye® dog, Hero, was more than just a dog. He was a partner who gave John back the world,” said Jim Freiss. “John not only had greater independence but spent time advocating for people who are blind and espousing his own experience with The Seeing Eye and was a huge advocate for them. Watching John move through life with increased confidence and independence was inspiring to me. When we lost him suddenly, I wanted to do something for The Seeing Eye because they did so much for John. Running over mountains and riding across the country is my small way of making sure The Seeing Eye can keep doing what they did for my brother.”
“Jim has turned personal loss into a force for good, and the impact is real,” said Seeing Eye President & CEO Karen Leies. “Every dollar raised through Pedal for Puppies supports our mission to partner purpose-bred, expertly trained Seeing Eye® dogs with people who are blind and ready to experience the enhanced independence that comes with that partnership. We are incredibly grateful to Jim, his team, and everyone who supports and rides with them.”
To date, Jim’s team of cyclists and volunteers, Puppy Ride Long Island, has ridden more than 15,500 miles and raised over $305,000 for the organization. Now, they are taking on their most ambitious journey yet: a coast-to-coast ride from the beaches of Seaside, Oregon, to the beaches of Montauk, New York. Their planned route spans 4,000 miles and will take nearly two months to complete.
The ride is the centerpiece of Pedal for Puppies, a virtual fundraising campaign launched by The Seeing Eye that invites cyclists across the country to ride alongside the team, from wherever they are. Riders can participate on a trail, a road, a stationary bike, or a Peloton. Followers can track the Puppy Ride Long Island team’s progress through a map that shows their real-time location and route, and meet up with them at local spots along the way.
To create a personal fundraiser, make a donation, or track the cyclists on their cross-country journey, visit seeingeye.org/pedalforpuppies.
Established in 1929, The Seeing Eye provides specially bred and trained dogs to guide people who are blind or low vision. Seeing Eye dog handlers experience greatly enhanced mobility and independence, allowing them to retain their active lifestyles. The Seeing Eye is a 501(c)3 non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, bequests, and other planned gifts. The Seeing Eye does not receive government or insurance funding.
The Seeing Eye is a trademarked name and can only be used to describe the dogs bred and trained at the school’s facilities in Morristown, N.J. If you would like more information on The Seeing Eye, please visit the website at www.SeeingEye.org, call (973) 539-4425, or email info@seeingeye.org.
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