Why I ride

"I am riding in the Courage Classic for kids like Noah. Noah was born with a congenital heart defect. Within his first few months of life, Noah’s treatment involved a hole being punctured in his heart and eventually open-heart surgery. Noah is now a healthy 13-year-old who rides in the Courage Classic thanks to the care he received at Children’s Colorado. His favorite day is not Christmas or even his birthday, but day 3 of the Courage Classic when he gets to hand out medals at the finish line."

The above paragraph is the default dialogue for fundraising pages.  I can't imagine what Noah has gone through in his short life.  I'm healty, have always been, and now that I'm older, I'm very fortunate that I'm still in good health. 

Nine years ago, I rode my first Courage Classic.  My family and friens supported me, but they thought I was a little crazy.  Mountain passes?  Altitude?  How will you do it?  But I took it as a challenge.  I wanted to see what I could do. And I was blown away (and still am) about what the human body is capable of making, doing, performing.  

I ride for kids like Noah that want to ride but cannot. Every year the finish line brings me back. The challenge of the route brings me back. 80 miles in one day is a goal; 80 miles in one day climbing over a mile in the moutains is an achievement.  And even though most of team Courage (kids riding that have or are having treatment at Children's Colorado) don't ride up all the passes, don't ride every mile, or maybe only rode one day because they had a chemo treatments and couldn't get out of bed for two days after.

Those are the kinds of things that motivate me to ride mountains for them.  They motivate me.  Riding mountains hurts. But it doesn't hurt the same; my pain only lasts for the day, not a lifetime.

Support me supporting these kids.  I totally believe that handing out medals at the finish line is Noah's favorite day ever.  Being on the receiving end is even better.

Come ride with me.  Or donate to my effort because I have chosen to ride for them.  Thanks.

Mike