About Eyes Up

It’s not over.

Distracted driving is a problem that continues to plague our country. Learn more about how you can make a difference and live #EyesUp

Watch the film from Day Zero of #EyesUpRide

August 20, 2021 | Day Zero Reflections

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Be here now.

My name is Ben Grannis. I grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. I am an Eagle Scout and a 2017 graduate of Kenyon College. For the past three years, I have worked for Overland Summers as a trip leader and logistics coordinator.

At Overland, I learned about TextLess Live More, an organization founded in the wake of a cyclist killed by a distracted driver. Their mission is powerful: end distracted driving forever and prevent future needless tragedies it can cause.

My mission extends beyond road safety. It’s to illuminate, illustrate, and demonstrate the benefits of life away from technology. When we put the phone down, it’s a lot easier to:

  • LOOK at the beauty around us.

  • LISTEN to the people we love.

  • LIVE life to the fullest.

Join me on this journey!

Ben’s dad, Roger, in 1977 after riding cross-country.

Ben’s dad, Roger, in 1977, after riding cross-country.

Since hearing about this ride, Ben has dreamed of following his dad’s path and spreading a message our generation needs to hear. Be here now.

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The Bracelets

I have been wearing a light blue bracelet (the same one, in fact) since June 2017. I was given one of these bracelets that says “Merritt’s Way TextLess Live More” after learning about the distracted driver who killed Merritt Levitan in 2013. It hasn’t left my wrist since then. Throughout the Eyes Up journey, I have shared these bracelets with whoever I can - everyone from middle school students to elite professional athletes. Want one? Reach out and I am happy to mail you one.

Jeremy McGrath, professional supercross racer

Kate Courtney, professional mountain bike racer

Rebecca Rusch, professional mountain bike racer

Three Segments.

  1. Provincetown, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington, ~5,000 miles

    • Late August to mid October

  2. Seattle, Washington to San Diego, California, ~2,000 miles

    • Mid October to Thanksgiving 2021

  3. San Diego, California to Jacksonville, Florida, ~2,900 miles

    • Early January to February 2022