When Jon-Marc Eyer picked up the phone early on Monday, March 9, he did not expect to be speaking to a former Spartan football star.

And yet, he was.

Eyer, the MSU Bikes' shop supervisor (Laborer II), received a call from John Shinsky, a former MSU football player. Shinsky is the founder of the City of Children of Matamoros, a Mexican orphanage which is scheduled to open in May. He is planning a fundraising bike ride from East Lansing to Matamoros, and was hoping the MSU Bikes Service Center could help his fellow riders and him prepare. Tim Potter, MSU Bikes' marketing and sales coordinator, and co-workers Eyer and Laborer I Melissa Stewart, were happy to oblige.

"We started giving them advice in terms of how to equip the bikes and how to set them up," said Potter, adding that they had to take into account the length of the roughly 2,000-mile ride. For a trip that distance, comfort is a major concern. Potter advised Shinsky on considerations including seat styles, handlebars and pedals. Because Shinsky is a former athlete, Eyer (a veteran bike racer and race-certified mechanic for more than 20 years) suggested special pedals with more side-to-side mobility, which are easier on the knees.

Shinsky's team includes NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure and former director of the United States Secret Service Eljay Bowron. The group will be assisted by former MSU football coach Dick Comar. Since they will be on the road alone for nearly three weeks (the trip is an expected 18 days), MSU Bikes staff will be advising them on bike maintenance and common road repairs. One common problem is getting tire flats. Potter suggested Kevlar-belted tires as a preventive measure.

"The other difficulty I imagine they're going to run into is their bodies being sore, tired and painful," said Potter. "We gave them some ideas on how to get their bodies ready." Tips included neck-strengthening exercises, knee conditioning and equipping their bikes with clip-on/aero handle bars (often seen on triathletes’ bikes) to provide additional riding positions that would help on the journey to Mexico.

Shinsky was grateful for the aid, commenting that MSU Bikes was "just fabulous." He will continue to contact them for advice until he embarks on his journey. Commenting on why he chose a bike ride for the fundraiser, Shinsky said, "I think the bike ride encompasses everything we're about." That includes determination, hard work and cross-border cooperation. Yet above all, taking 18 days out of their busy lives for a cross-country bike ride demonstrates the commitment of Shinsky and his team to the orphans in Mexico.

The trip itself will start on April 25 in Spartan Stadium at the 50-yard line after the Green & White game. Through sponsors and donations, Shinsky hopes to put a dent in the $1.7 million of orphanage needs projected over the next three years. According to Shinsky, MSU has been at the heart of the project all along. Among his many supporters, he is grateful to the MSU Bikes Service Center. "I think MSU Bikes is a great place," he said, adding he could see that "they are interested in contributing so we can help these children."

For more information about the fundraising bike ride, visit www.orphanagefundraiser.com.