POTSDAM – James Matthews, a former heroin addict, stopped in Potsdam Thursday as part of his mission to bring hope to those battling addiction.

Hoping to raise awareness about the ongoing heroin epidemic s Matthews riding his bike from Ohio to Maine.

Matthews made a similar journey from West Palm Beach Florida to Philidelphia Pennsylvania. On that trip he traveled 1,300 miles in 18 days.

“With an increase in heroin deaths and newly relocated to Ohio my mission continues,” Matthews said in a release. “This ride is dedicated to Ohio now being called Ground Zero because of the amount of people we are losing everyday to this epidemic.”

Mathews says his mission is to spread awareness and let those out there still struggling with addiction know there is still hope.

“We do recover,” he said.

Potsdam is one of roughly 50 stops on Matthews planned on his journey. Other New York stops included Watertown and Syracuse.

Those looking to support Matthews can donate to his cause at https://www.gofundme.com/g2fme4-ride-for-recovery