Getting into cycling hardcore has been a great deal of fun. One day I’ll go on a 20 mile ride and the next day 40 miles of rough, rolling terrain. Hills are my nemesis and were never designed for clydesdales such as myself. At 6’5” 250 pounds, getting up a hill with a giant bike and 4 water bottles is not an easy task. However that difficult task is negated by the fun of going down a hill. My momentum is usually so high (due to my weight) that I fly down hills past everyone by simply coasting and a couple days ago I hit 48mph down a giant descent on Highway 360.

However the trill and the comradery of riding with my teammates always masks my true hindrance in my life, the constant, relentless pain that I experience. Approximately, 10 months ago I ruptured two disks in my neck due to a powerlifting accident. After months of discomfort, I finally went and got a MRI and confirmed my worst fears. Every second of everyday, I live with this pain. The pain is worst in my neck and has altered the anatomy of my scapula so much that the muscles and nerves around them are damaged as well. The pain is augmented when I ride but is something I have been dealing with. Painkillers, muscle relaxants, and various other interventions surround my life when no one is looking. I try not to show how much pain I’m in when I’m around others but it definitely exists.

The nuisance of my life however has served another purpose. When climbing those insurmountable hills and the pain is radiating all over, I think of those that have fought the battle of cancer. Though not completely analogous, it serves as a humble reminder of what those true warriors go through. I ride for those who live their lives with the Fentanyl maxed out. I ride for those who despite all the pain live on and continue to brighten others’ days. This journey means a great deal to me in many regards and being able to get through a trek like this would lead me to the notion that I can accomplish even the greatest of feats.

This month I ride for my dear friend Lauren Waldrop’s mom and their family who are dealing with a battle with cancer. I will keep them in my prayers and pray that strength will prevail.