“You Only Get One Shot” at Life, Says 9/11 Fire Captain and Cross-Country Cyclist

As Joe Matthews notes in his inspirational story Cycling for a Cause, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. You only get one shot at it, so why not try and make it count.”

Matthews made his life count by cycling across the country and raising funds for those affected by the invasion of Ukraine — although his underlying message is that even small acts of kindness or charity can profoundly change someone else.

In this recent interview, Matthews described his journey, what inspired it, and what he took away from it.

Q: Your journey began with a major physical challenge: recovering from bilateral knee replacement. How did that experience shape your mindset for tackling the even greater challenge of cycling across America?

A: As I think back, my recovery from the surgery was challenging. My Peloton stationary bicycle was an essential tool I regularly used during my recovery. As my fitness improved, I became more confident that I could return to my previous fitness level. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but it did not deter me from attempting to cycle across the United States to raise money to feed Ukrainian refugees.

Q: The book highlights your reaction to the invasion of Ukraine as a turning point. What was it about that particular event that inspired you to take action?

A: On February 24, 2022, I was rehabilitating my knees with a Continuous Passive Motion Machine. This machine, which you can use while lying on your couch, continuously moves your legs like a bicycle. When my television broadcast the news of Russia invading Ukraine, I could not help but feel empathy for the people of Ukraine. It brought back memories of 9/11/2001 when terrorists attacked the U.S. I remember the world coming together and people all over wanting to help us. I wanted to do my part and help the people of Ukraine.

Q: Your story emphasizes the importance of resilience and getting back up after setbacks. Can you share one of the most difficult moments on your ride and how you found the strength to push forward?

A: One of the most challenging days I faced during my bicycle ride across the country was the day I biked 67 miles from Pampa, Texas, to Amarillo, Texas, against a steady 25-mile-an-hour headwind. That day took a toll on me, and I never fully recovered. For the remaining five weeks of the journey, I had to battle with bouts of anxiety and insomnia. I had to remind myself time and time again of the difficulties that the Ukrainian people must be facing, and that motivated me to carry on.

Q: You encountered incredible kindness from strangers during your journey. Were there any particular moments of generosity or connection that stand out?

A: We once stopped at Stroud’s Diner in Mayflower, Arkansas, for lunch. As John and I chatted with locals, they became intrigued by us. When it was time to leave, John and I approached the cashier to pay. We were surprised to hear an anonymous person had paid for our lunches.

A connection came while staying in Choctaw, Oklahoma. After finishing breakfast, I became worried. I was not in the mood to bicycle. An 8-year-old girl approached me and asked what I was doing with my bicycle in the hotel. When I told her I was attempting to bicycle across the country, her eyes lit up, and her smile was all I needed to get back on my bike that day.

Q: Balancing physical recovery, mental health struggles, and an ambitious charitable mission is no small feat. How did you stay motivated and keep your mission in focus throughout your adventure?

A: Staying motivated during a long adventure takes work. I had yet to learn of the many adversities that I would face. There were more good days than bad, but I focused on small goals during the tough times. It could be something like: “I know I can bike for half the day today,” or “Let me make it to our first break two hours from now.” I could even break those smaller goals into even smaller goals. “I know that I can make it another five miles,” or “I know I can make it to that building in the far-off distance.” Breaking what may seem like an impossible goal into smaller, more manageable goals helped me immensely throughout the adventure.

Q: The book’s proceeds are being donated to six charities. How did you select these organizations?

A: Here is how I selected them:

• The World Central Kitchen because it was feeding Ukrainian refugees, and it was the charity for which I was fundraising.
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Research Foundation — took care of a dear friend of mine during a cancer scare, and they have done exceptional things for other firefighters.
• NYFF Burn Care Foundation subsidizes the Burn Camp, where I volunteer and help New York burn survivors.
• Shriner’s Children’s Hospital takes care of some of the campers at the Burn Camp, where I volunteer.
• Tower to Tunnels is another firefighter favorite organization that builds homes for those in need.
• St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is a charity that I have donated to for over 30 years.

Q: For readers inspired by your journey, what advice would you give to someone looking to turn their personal challenges into opportunities to help others?

A: Why not do it? My book inspires people in many ways. You do not have to take on a significant or complex challenge to help people. Even small acts of kindness or charity can profoundly change someone else. Lend a helping hand if you can. Volunteer a day at your local church, hospital, or soup kitchen. One of the lines in my book is, “Life is not a dress rehearsal. You only get one shot at it, so why not try and make it count.”

Cycling for a Cause is available on Amazon.

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9/11 Firefighter Makes a Difference by Cycling Across America