The Band of Brothers finished Ride the Rockies Sunday about 3:30 pm MDT in Breckenridge--screaming down from 11,500 ft. Hoosier Pass together and in style. What an experience, almost hard to put into words at this point--I am still processing all that we saw, did and felt on the Ride.
You may remember that Lance Armstrong wrote a book not too long ago called "It's Not About the Bike", his story of beating cancer, cycling and life. So, what I do know at this point is that Lance got it right. I have seen the profound impact that hope, friendship and a relentless commitment to pursuing a goal have on a two-time cancer survivor and his close friends. Not to mention another 2500 riders including 10 year-old kids, 75 year-old men and women, paraplegics, quadraplegics, recovering alchoholics and even guys wearing tennis shoes riding old mountain bikes--they and their stories were all part of the Ride.
On the surface, riding 430 miles in 6 days at altitudes up to 12,000 feet seems pretty crazy. Sure thought so when I first heard about it. But, my judgment is that the ride is that unique opportunity for folks to challenge conventional wisdom and/or their own fears and in finishing, declare victory over the voices they've likely heard for too long, telling them they are not good enough. This is about people reaching down deep and touching their souls, perhaps for the first time. Indeed, when we all finished the Ride the elation and triumph written on so many faces told a completely different story. The Ride is about conquering life's obstacles and winning--it's not about the bike.
For me and especially in the context of what we do at Adventure Central, the Ride was a great and transformational adventure. Like we are fond of saying, I've come back just a little bit different, likely changed in subtle but important ways that will reveal themselves over time. The experience supports my passion more than ever for Connecting the World to Great Adventures because I have seen the magic it works in people's lives. I am certain many of you have had similar experiences as well. How cool is it that Adventure Central's charter is to make that happen, and just maybe move the the needle a little on world happiness?
And to my Brothers, dudes, I salute your courage, fortitude, commitment and spirit. Riding with you was truly inspiring and a remarkable gift. Let's keep peddlin'.
Dick Schulte
