Buffalo, New York is aptly known as the City of Good Neighbors. The communal strength and steadfast loyalty to its people. From the Bills’ Mafia, to a fundraiser that benefited a personal friend in their time of need–the kindness and power of this city is renowned. And that makes it the perfect location to begin this journey of community.
The Miles Together will kickoff their 565 mile ride along the Empire State Trail tonight, at 6pm with Slow Roll Buffalo at Big Ditch Brewing Company. Every mile is in honor of our friend, Nick Henry, who is battling a rare and difficult cancer that requires traveling to specialists, expensive treatment and lots of rest. We are trying to take some of the burden off of Nick and his family so they can focus on healing and spending time together.
Slow Roll Buffalo is a branch of a really incredible organization that pulls neighbors together in order to support each other, and foster interactions between people who may otherwise not find each other. Their mission to “ride with communities, rather than through them” is forging a stronger, more tight-knit community that is certainly living up to Buffalo’s admirable moniker.
Big Ditch Brewing Company is a keystone itself within the Buffalo community. They were just awarded the title of “Best Local Brewery” in WNY by Buffalo Spree magazine–which is no small feat in this prohibition-bucking city that is proudly home to almost 50 local craft breweries. The Big Ditch Brewing Company has been hosting block parties, Bills’ events, fundraisers, and running and cycling clubs for over 10 years now. The brewery envelopes everyone in the community–even providing Buffalo’s first canned NA beer, and beer pong tournament.
Within that setting, is our fearless leader, Megan James. Also known as Dr. James, and Coach Meg, she is well equipped to lead this amazing trek of 565 miles through the state. Meg is an avid runner who dabbles in cycling. She ran with Nick during both high school and college. She now runs her own physical therapy practice, bakery and coaches her former high school team. Meg was inspired by Alex & Colin’s 2010 cross-country bike trip to honor another teammate and family affected by cancer, and wanted to embark on a journey that would be meaningful and impactful to Nick, his family, and our community.
Nick is an avid sports fan, and sports present great metaphors for life, so what better way to show Nick we care than through sports? There are times when we feel alone, or challenged, or that some goal is insurmountable. There are times when everything feels seamless, smooth, and perfectly enjoyable. There are times when we want to fly solo and be with our own thoughts; there are times when we need the support of people around us to get us through. This ride encompasses all of that, right alongside Nick and the journey he is currently on.
Megan James
Meg is married to Alex, a participant in the cross-country ride that honored another teammate, Eric, and his sister, Lauren. Both of these incredible people fought valiantly and lived a life full of laughter and adventure. In an attempt to match that vivacious legacy, Alex and 3 other teammates, rode across the country in 2010. They were able to raise $20,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That ride has inspired this one we begin today.
The Miles Together team will continue their journey behind the hallowed streets of the City of Good Neighbors–all the way down the the City That Doesn’t Sleep. The itinerary of the route is as follows, with each number corresponding to a stop identified on the Empire State Trail.
- Mon 7/21: Buffalo Harbor State Park (#1) to Tonawanda Gateway Harbor (#3)
- Tues 7/22: Tonawanda (#3) to Brockport (#8)
- Wed 7/23: Brockport (#8) to Palmyra, Pal-Mac Park (#11)
- Thur 7/24: Palmyra (#11) to Syracuse Inner Harbor (#16)
- Fri 7/25: Syracuse (#16) to Utica (#21)
- Sat 7/26: Utica (#21) to Canajoharie (#24)
- Sun 7/27: (Field Day 1-4); Canajoharie (#24) to Schenectady (#26)
- Mon 7/28: Schenectady (#26) to Kinderhook (#18)
- Tues 7/29: Kinderhook (#18) to Holmes (#9) **100 mile day**
- Wed 7/30: Holmes (#9) to NYC/Battery (#1)
We invite you all to join us at any point on this journey. You can reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or via email at team@themilestogether.com.
As the riders pass through Nick’s hometown, a small town with no recognizable nickname, we will be hosting a community celebration.
Field Day for Nick
Sunday, July 27th
1-4pm
Elmer Smith Memorial Park, Charlton, NY
We hope everyone to see you all in the saddle, at the field day, or just cheering along the trail.
If you are able to donate to support the Henry family, please do so–as that is the meaning behind our miles.
See you all out there!
