An epic ride

Jim O’Brien ’78 and Mike Moriarty ’78 are no strangers to adventure. Their 50 years of friendship have included annual trips from the woods of Yosemite to the mountains of Greece.

After biking from Canada to Mexico a few years ago, O’Brien planned a new challenge: a West-to-East Coast bike trip for two. He invited Moriarty to join — biking when possible, driving a support van when needed.

But the pair decided they needed the support of a few Flyers along the way.

“We all get along so well — the UD community helped make each leg a little different while assisting with flat tires and finding hotels,” O’Brien said.

Soon, the roster for driving the van was full — and Moriarty ended up biking the entire trip, nearly 3,600 miles, with his friend. Each week, a new group of UD friends and roommates joined, turning Mondays into mini-reunions.

The pair biked through mountains and plains, rain or shine. The most meaningful day? Biking up the Great Miami River to UD’s campus on O’Brien’s birthday. They stopped by the bookstore for some Dayton gear and their old house at 460 Lowes.

“Our 50 years of friendship are emblematic of what UD has formed in us: a willingness to share and have a good time together."

“Our 50 years of friendship are emblematic of what UD has formed in us: a willingness to share and have a good time together,” Moriarty said.

This fall, they plan to take their adventures overseas to Vietnam.

Any Flyers have a Vietnamese driver’s license? Asking for a friend.

A version of this article appears in print in the Fall 2025 University of Dayton Magazine, Page 52. EXPLORE THE ISSUE — MORE ONLINE