Honoring 9/11 Heroes on a Cross-Country Bike Journey

A 45-day cross-country bike ride with 20 firefighters brings unexpected humor and challenges. On the Bay to Brooklyn Memorial Bike Ride, John Byrne stood out for many reasons. The ride honors the 343 firefighters who died in the World Trade Center on 9/11.

The team, including Byrne, stopped at Merrillville Fire Station #73 thanks to Phil Hasier, a Merrillville Fire captain on his first ride. This event, held on August 29, 2026, was organized by the ride’s creator, retired Santa Clara Driver-Engineer Darrell Sales Sr., to honor 9/11 anniversaries.

Byrne faced multiple flat tires starting from Santa Clara, California, and continued to have the same problem after a two-week break. Additionally, his choice of riding shoes created humorous situations when his ‘new’ pair bought online required duct tape to stay together. Byrne humorously remarked, “God gives you only what you can handle.”

Sales Sr. started the ride in 2011 with his son’s encouragement to honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11. His son suggested cycling across the country with regular bikes rather than motorcycles. Team member Dave Lombardo praised this as a fitting tribute. Organizing such a ride involves meticulous planning, as highlighted by John Berlow, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant and first-time participant.

Berlow described the mission as a “rolling firehouse manned by family,” emphasizing the camaraderie among the participants. Lombardo noted that each firefighter naturally falls into their role, contributing to a smooth operation. Participants not only support each other but also engage deeply with the communities they visit.

Retired Ventura County battalion chief Steve Winter mentioned the profound conversations riders have during the journey. The group often ponders whether they would have made the same sacrifices as the 9/11 firefighters.

During their stop in Merrillville, the team enjoyed local cuisine. Hasier, who first met Sales Sr. during the 20th anniversary ride in 2021, was moved by the event’s power and committed to participating in future rides. Although he prefers off-road biking, Hasier appreciates seeing the country by bike, noting the beauty of the landscape such as sunflowers on U.S. 20 near the Wyoming-Nebraska border.

Merrillville Fire Chief Ed Yerga voiced his pride in Hasier’s involvement, highlighting the strong support among the team members.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.