Mike's Miles 2025: Pedaling for a Purpose
Why This Ride Matters
Every mile Mike rides is a step toward giving a veteran the support they deserve. This 1,000-mile journey isn’t just about endurance—it’s about transforming lives through the power of service dogs.
Mike isn’t the kind of guy to leave things unfinished.
In 2024, he took on a coast-to-coast ride, pedaling thousands of miles to raise awareness and funds to place service dogs with those who need them most. That journey helped provide a life-changing service dog for Ed McCaffrey, but one of his goals was left just shy of complete—funding a dog for an additional U.S. veteran.
So, in true Mike fashion, he’s gearing up for another ride! This time, he’s covering 1,000 miles from Key West, Florida, to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, determined to finish what he started. This is Mike’s first fully unsupported ride, and we feel honored he chose to support us in his mission!
This isn’t just a ride—it’s a challenge.
Mike and two fellow cyclists will travel the East Coast Greenway, carrying everything they need on their bikes. No chase cars. No supply drops. Just grit, determination, and a mission to change a veteran’s life.
With every mile, Mike is shining a light on the sacrifices of U.S. service members. His ride is a call to action—a reminder that we have the power to give back to those who have given so much. Help him accomplish his goal by donating to his campaign or sharing the journey!
One ride. One mission. One life-changing dog.
It takes $15,000 to fully train and place a service dog with a veteran. These incredible dogs provide mobility assistance, PTSD support, and, most importantly, renewed independence.
Mike is riding to complete last year’s goal—and with your help, maybe even surpass it.
- Donate Today – Every dollar Every dollar brings us closer to placing a service dog with a veteran.
- Share Mike’s Story – Spread the word and inspire others to support the cause. Facebook | Instagram
- Follow the Ride – Stay updated and cheer Mike on! We’ll be sharing his journey right here and on our social media (@retrievingindependence)
[Ed McCaffrey & Mike Hynes]
Where Is Mike Now?
Follow Mike’s journey in real time as he pedals toward his goal!
📌 Current Status:
✅ Arrived Vero Beach, FL
☀️ Conditions: Hot! 🔥
🚴♂️ Miles Completed: 335 / 1,000
📢 Latest Update:
“I (we) appreciate all the encouragement and heroes / heroines that have generously contributed to the cause … Y’all are doing the real work, I am just sweating and being the recipient of old man jokes (deservedly so).”
💛 Support Mike’s Ride:
Where Has Mike Been?
A look back at the milestones Mike has reached along the way!
Day 0 | March 5 | Key West, FL | 0 Miles Completed
Mike has arrived in Key West, Florida! 🌴☀️ Tomorrow, he officially kicks off his 1,000-mile ride to South Carolina, raising awareness and funds to support service dogs for veterans.
This ride is a big step—Mike’s first fully unsupported journey! Without a support vehicle, he’ll be carrying all his gear on his bike, making this an exciting challenge in both endurance and planning. He won’t be completely alone, as he’s starting out with two other cyclists, but each rider is taking on their own adventure.
For now, it’s all about final preparations—getting the bike ready, packing up, and enjoying a little bit of Key West before the miles begin. Tomorrow, the ride starts with an 85-mile stretch to Islamorada, FL.
If you’d like to support Mike on this journey, the best way to do so is by donating to the cause he’s riding for—helping provide service dogs to veterans in need. Stay tuned for updates as he pedals forward for a great cause!
Day 1 | March 6 | Key West, FL | 88 Miles Down!
🚴♂️ And He’s Off! Mike’s Miles 2025 Has Begun! 🚴♂️
Mike officially hit the road this morning, leaving Key West, Florida, and starting his 1,000-mile journey north! With the sun rising over the water, he set off, fully loaded with all his gear and ready for the challenge ahead. He has safely arrived at his first checkpoint, Islamorada!
Stay tuned for more updates as Mike continues his trek up the coast! Want to support Mike’s journey? He’s riding to help fund a service dog for a veteran in need. Every donation makes a difference!
Day 2 | March 7 | Miami Beach, FL | Another 84 Miles In The Books!
Day 2: Headwinds, Highways & Miami Nights 🚴♂️
Mike pushed through 84 miles today, bringing his total to 172 miles! Strong headwinds out of the Keys made for a tough morning, but he and his fellow cyclists knocked out 47 miles by noon.
The afternoon brought slowdowns—construction and Miami traffic tested his patience, but he made it to Miami Beach just in time to recover poolside with seafood and live music.
“Sitting by a pool eating calamari, bang bang shrimp, and octopus while listening to a band play Earth, Wind & Fire has a way of soothing a sore saddle!”
Tomorrow, he rides on! Support Mike’s journey by donating to help fund a service dog for a veteran. 🚴♂️🔥
Day 3 | March 8 | West Palm Beach, FL | 83 More Miles Down!
Day 3: Miami Send-Off & Inspiring Encounters 🚴♂️🔥
Mike clocked 83 miles today, bringing his total to 255 miles! The day started strong with a Marine training escort out of Miami Beach, riding past runners, cyclists, beach volleyball games, and outdoor gyms.
One of the day’s highlights? Meeting a 93-year-old bike shop owner who reminded them that experience (and mileage) comes in all forms. Through it all, he’s fueled by the encouragement of everyone supporting this ride:
“Y’all are doing the real work—I’m just sweating and being the recipient of old man jokes (deservedly so).”
Tomorrow, the ride continues! Want to support Mike’s journey? Every donation helps provide a service dog for a veteran. 🚴♂️🔥
Day 4 | March 9 | Vero Beach, FL | Another 80 Miles!
Day 4: Heat, Honor & A Lesson in Resilience 🚴♂️🔥
Another 80+ miles down, bringing Mike’s total to 335 miles! The biggest challenge today? The heat—85+ degrees made for a grueling ride.
Before wrapping up the day, the team made a surprise stop at the National Navy SEAL Museum, where a sign at the obstacle course entrance read:
“The easiest day was yesterday.”
A fitting reminder as the ride pushes on.
Inside, Mike’s teammate Jay shared a powerful story—his son, Jack Kuenzle, was 1 of only 11 out of 250 candidates to complete SEAL training. Jack went on to serve five years on SEAL Team Eight before tackling new challenges as an ultra-marathoner and skimo racer—even setting a record for ascending and descending Mt. Hood… in his underwear.
Another takeaway from today? Service dogs trained alongside Navy SEALs, proving that like Jack, Retrieving Independence dogs are trained for resilience, adaptability, and success in multiple roles.
Tomorrow, the miles continue! Want to support Mike’s ride? Donations go toward providing a service dog for a veteran in need. 🚴♂️🔥
Got Questions?
Here’s everything you need to know about Mike’s Miles 2025!
How Can I Support Mike?
- 💰 Donate to the Cause – Every dollar helps fund a service dog for a veteran.
- 📢 Spread the Word – Share Mike’s journey on social media! Facebook | Instagram
- 📍 Follow the Ride – Track his progress right here.
- 🎉 Cheer Mike On – Send messages of encouragement! DM @retrievingindependence on any of our socials!
How Can I Donate?
💛 Just click any Donate Now button or click here!
- Donations go directly to Retrieving Independence to fund a service dog’s placement with a veteran.
- Every dollar makes a difference!
How Can I Get Updates on Mike's Progress?
📍 Right here on this page!
- Live Updates: Check the “Where is Mike Now?” section for a quick glance.
- Past Updates: Check the “Where Has Mike Been?” section for a more detailed look at Mike’s journey!
- Social Media: Follow Retrieving Independence (@retrievingindependence) for more photos & stories.
What Happens if Mike Has to Stop?
🚴♂️ Safety comes first.
- If weather, injury, or unforeseen events cause delays, we’ll adjust accordingly. Mike’s safety comes first!
- The goal remains the same: 1,000 miles to fund a service dog! We’ll keep you up to date on his progress right here!
Who is the Fundraiser/Service Dog for?
How is the Money Used?
💰 Every donation supports:
✅ Training and caring for a service dog
✅ Food, vet care, and gear
✅ Final placement with a veteran
📊 Want to learn more? Check out our cost breakdown.