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On April 25, 2009 - May 12, 2009, Joe DeLamielleure, National Football League Hall of Fame member, Eljay Bowron, Retired Director of the United State Secret Service, and John Shinsky, and educator, former orphan, and co-founder of Ciudad de los Niños embarked on a remarkable 2000 mile bike ride for the sole purpose of raising resources to support Ciudad de los Niños, the orphanage and new home that will eventually serve 140 abandoned and neglected children in Matamoros Mexico. Joe, Eljay, and John were former football teammates at Michigan State University in the 1970's. The common thread between each of them throughout their adult lives and careers is that of service to others. The bike ride was one more way for the team to demonstrate their lifetime commitment to making a difference in serving others. Dick Comar, an educator and former football coach joined the team driving the support vehicle and supporting the riders throughout the trek. It is difficult to describe all of the aspects of the bike ride and the emotions behind the effort. However, the following pictures offer some insight as to the many wonderful experiences they had throughout the ride and the joy they received by giving back to children in need.
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The Riders John Shinsky, Joe DeLamielleure, and Eljay Bowron
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Joe and John MSU Football Players Send Off
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MSU Player Send Off with Eljay
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Coach Dantonio Send Off for Riders
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Truck with Bikes Leaving MSU Stadium
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Vehicle at MSU Stadium
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Tough Riding in 9 Days of Storms
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Riding Over Large Bridges
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Tough Riding on Gravel Roads
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Joe DeLamielleure and John Entering Texas
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John & Eljay in Madisonville
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Joe D Always Losing His Gloves
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Going Over the Border Coach Comar Included
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Major Hills Along the Way
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Storm Damage Along the Way
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Construction Along the Way
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Traffic Jams Along the Way
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Damaged Houses in Galveston Texas
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Eljay Sharing His Bike with Child
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John Sharing Bike with Children
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The Riders with The Children
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