Maxxis supports Eyes Up Ride digital wellness campaign

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Maxxis International is partnering with the organization Eyes Up Ride, and its founder Ben Grannis, to support digital wellness and the dangers of distracted driving.

Connecticut-based Grannis has been cycling cross country to raise awareness about the benefits of a life away from screens and sound the alarm about the thousands of injuries and fatalities caused every year by distracted driving, as well as support for the organization Text Less Live More.

"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," Eyes Up Ride said on its website.

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During his cycling journey last year, Grannis interviewed Maxxis-sponsored athletes across the U.S. to hear their perspectives on digital wellness, speaking with 24 athletes in 21 states between Oct. 22 and Nov. 19.

Interviews with those athletes are premiering on the Maxxis YouTube channel at youtube.com/@MaxxisTiresUSA.

"It's been amazing," Grannis said of the interviews. "So far these guys are just the nicest people I've met. We've had the greatest conversations. With each conversation, I'm feeling more and more excited about how it's going to turn out."

Grannis said folks have responded well to his cross country trek.

"Since I started the whole campaign [in 2021], the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and there's not a person who's questioned the mission," he said.

Maxxis also donated Rambler tires for Grannis' bicycle and RAZR AT tires for his truck.

"I just hit 1,500 miles on the truck tires. They're fantastic: super-smooth and fuel-efficient. I've noticed that the fuel efficiency has gone up quite a bit since having them put on. The bike tires are also great; I rode 800 miles on the same set of tires on the Pacific coast late this summer," Grannis said.

"Maxxis is the perfect brand to take the lead in spreading the word about digital wellness and safety. We're all about living life to the fullest, adventure and promoting an outdoor lifestyle," Chris Jenkins, automotive programs manager at Maxxis, said.

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"Maxxis has succeeded on and off the road as we continue to lead the way in off-road racing, road racing, SxS (Side x Side power sports) and bicycle. We have dominated these disciplines for years and have been able to translate that heritage and technology to our everyday consumer product. Along with that comes a responsibility for Maxxis to support all of our athletes and encourage everyone to be more aware and to be a safer driver and/or biker."

To learn more about Eyes Up Ride or support Grannis' mission, see his website at eyesupride.com.