Hi, I’m John Tate, a father of two from Oregon city, Oregon. I enjoy hiking, hunting, climbing, dogs, horses and cycling. I ride to stay healthy and to explore the world at a pace where I can really see things. I also ride to fight Multiple Sclerosis and to support other groups that help people who really need it. I once towed my dog Jax behind my bike from Oregon to Florida to raise money and awareness for K9s for Warriors, a group that rescues dogs from kill shelters and trains them to become service dogs for disabled military veterans. The people we met during those three months — from all walks of life, all across America — restored my faith in humanity. Some fed us, others gave me route advice, helped find campsites, took us into their homes, helped fix my bike, or gave money to the cause. Just about everyone I met wanted to help in some way. Although I did all the pedaling, it felt like humanity actually picked my dog and me up and carried us across the country. Now I always assume the best about everyone, before I even meet them. I hope you’ll assume the same when you encounter a bicyclist out on the road!