Today marks the final day of this year's Great Cycle Challenge, and I have some mixed feelings as I wrap up another year.
This year didn't go quite as I had hoped. Between working more, dealing with weather that seemed to alternate between excessive heat and never-ending rain, and simply not being in the same shape I was in years past, finding the time and energy to ride was more challenging. I also wish I had been able to spend more time keeping everyone updated and sharing the journey along the way.
But this year was especially meaningful for a very personal reason. For the first time, I rode in memory of Jimmy, the son of my cousin and his wife.
Although I knew bits and pieces of their journey, I had no idea just how much Jimmy and their entire family had been through, or how long that journey lasted during his illness. Before the challenge, his parents were kind enough to share more of their story with me, giving me a much deeper understanding of Jimmy, his life, and the person he was.
I wanted to do more than simply dedicate my miles to his memory. I wanted to share his story and help honor the person he truly was. Having his parents open up and trust me with something so personal was a privilege, and one I am grateful for.
Learning more about what Jimmy and his family went through also brought home just how important this cause is. It's why we need to continue raising money for cancer research and bringing awareness to as many people as we can. Hopefully, through continued research and awareness, we can help prevent other children and families from having to experience this kind of heartache.
This is my seventh year participating in the Great Cycle Challenge, and while every year has had its own challenges and rewards, this one has given me an even deeper appreciation for why I keep coming back.
I especially want to thank those of you who have supported me year after year. Some of you have been following this journey since the very beginning, and seeing your names come up year after year means more to me than you know. Your generosity, encouragement, and continued support never go unnoticed, and I never take any of it for granted. I'm also grateful to everyone who has joined me along the way. It means a lot to have you all in my corner, and I'm thankful for each and every one of you!
My riding season may not have gone exactly as planned, but I'm finishing this challenge with a renewed appreciation for its purpose and a very special person in my thoughts.
Thank you for being part of this journey. ❤️Jimmy
From Neighborhood
From Neighborhood to Neighborhood