cycle to the sea!

one of the most devastating things about my stepdad's stroke was the loss of his ability to do the physical activities he loves. he's a marathon runner and a double black diamond skier. he's been an athlete his whole life and a damn good one. so after his inpatient rehab, he started playing wheelchair rugby through his adaptive sports program. and through rugby, learned about this little event called "cycle to the sea," which is one of the two annual fundraisers to raise money for their program.

cycle to the sea is a 180 mile bike ride from monroe, nc to cherry grove, sc. the team completes the distance in 3 days, going 60 miles each day. as most participants are quadriplegics or paraplegics, their "bike" is actually a hand cycle. they ride with "able bodies" who assist when the hand cyclists need help up hills or just need a little extra push. i could go on for several blog posts about what a wonderful group of people it takes to pull off this event, but it still wouldn't do it justice. there are some pretty amazing people in our world.

each cyclist had to raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in the ride. brian raised over $15,000, and there are still more donations coming. the most money ever raised by an individual before brian was $3,000. we are so lucky to have family and friends who believe in brian and what he is doing. this money will allow the program to continue to function the way it does - giving people who have lost everything something to hang onto. i am so grateful.

brian, proud doesn't even begin to cover it. you inspire me daily. you are a true testament to what it means to never give up.  i love you, b!

{taking off on day 1 from monroe}

{after i surprised brian on day 2 at their hotel. this is him & his best friend dan, who rode all 180 miles with brian. so thankful for friendship.}

{crossing the finish line!}

{champs.}

{team freak!}

{the whole gang.}

visit brian's fundraising page here.


brian's press:

charlotte observer article

news 14 carolina interview