The FDNY Cross Country Bike Tour

It started as a trip to honor the fallen firefighters of 9/11/01, to raise funds for the Uniformed Firefighters Association (UFA) Widows’ and Children’s Fund; and to thank our countrymen for their support and compassion. It became a journey.

For 42 days, we traveled through small towns and big cities, welcomed each night by the local communities and always escorted by their police and fire departments. Many firefighters, politicians, and townspeople cycled alongside us. We were even escorted by the Wall Gang, a motorcycle club in Indiana. Girl Scouts, Cub scouts, a Girls and Boys Club, many students, and locals stood on the street corners and cheered for the riders as they came into town.

The firefighters greeted us with gourmet meals, a warm bed for the night, and most memorably, the sharing of stories. As we rode into each town, an American flag was always raised high to greet us. Each person had a reason to come out and support our riders. Each person had a story to tell about 9/11/01. Each of our riders had a brother to remember, a friend to honor.

Our firefighters were like a needle and thread, uniting people together.

The Navajo Nation, where many of their own do not have food or adequate heat, welcomed us with an incredible meal and a bed for the night. Elva Masters, who had just lost her grandson to SIDS, gave us shelter and a hot meal.

The Vision of the Author

I am a flight attendant for American Airlines. My husband, Al Ciraolo, is a firefighter for New York City. Both our lives and our jobs changed after 9/11/01. My definition of community also changed. 9/11 may have happened in New York City, Washington D.C., and Shanksville, PA, but it affected the whole nation and the whole world. We became part of a larger community, just as Oklahoma City before us, and New Orleans after us. Having both lost colleagues on 9/11/01, we felt this ride would be a perfect opportunity to honor the fallen and say thank you to America.

The Vision of the Book, “Journey Through the Heartland”

The book was created to give back to the local communities; to raise awareness at the local level of the sacrifices made by our police, military, first responders and firefighters. Our riders were Fire Department New York, but we hope that this journal of that ride will honor all of our local heroes. This book is dedicated to you!

By allowing communities to raise funds from this book, they will be able to support those in need in their own community. It is my way to “pay it forward”.

I hope you enjoy this virtual journey through the heartland, as well as the hard copy of “Journey Through the Heartland”, prints, and greeting cards.

My very best,

Amy K. Ciraolo
Author and Photographer
“Journey Through the Heartland”

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