Southwest Atlanta Firefighter Among Freedom Riders Telling Story of Ride to Ground Zero on Facebook

The Aaron's Freedom Riders have begun Day 4 after a tough climb and a couple of spills, according to their Facebook page where the cyclists are providing frequent updates.

"Day 4: today the freedom riders ride 55 miles to Boone. Very steep climbs ahead," the group posted at 8 a.m.

"Day 4 for the freedom riders. Total of 300 miles in 3 days. Today is going to be a little shorter with a big climb. The team looks great and everyone is pushing hard," was the group's post around 6:15 a.m. Monday.

After a big sendoff at Buckhead's Terminus building Friday morning, the Freedom Riders paraded into downtown Atlanta, where they were greeted at another ceremony. Then they headed north to Ellijay, Ga. (See attached map of their first day's route and the elevation they climbed into the North Georgia mountains.)

The Freedom Riders are making a 1,035-mile trek to New York City for the 10th anniversary of September 11th where some 343 firefighters and paramedics lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks.

Jonathan Mason, a Beecher Hills resident, and the other cyclists trained and prepared for two years to travel on their bicycles in Freedom Ride 2011, sponsored by rent-to-own merchant Aaron's.

In addition to honoring the firefighters who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, the riders also seek to raise funds and awareness for the Atlanta Fire Foundation and a New York 9/11 fund.

To support the Freedom Ride and follow the group's blog, please visit the Freedom Ride page on the Cartecay Bike Shop website.

Donations also can be made at www.freedomride2011.com.