Dear Friends:

I remained cautiously optimistic that I would ride my 10th consecutive Ride The Rockies until the official cancellation notice came in. My riding partner (Blind Stoker) Andre Van Hall and I rode June 27th for the first time since February. We ran into teammates John Pitek (aka ANIMAL), who rode 150 miles in one day to support MS (specifically his daughter) and Russ Shaw coming off the golf course.

FORE – June 25, 2020

Andre hunkered down for a few months riding on his indoor trainer, but Andre continues to amaze me with his positive attitude, and we are committed to doing some rides this summer – Stonewall Century is on the list for August 8th, but everything remains fluid as we move through this Corona Virus craziness.

One thing I believe is that the homelessness situation will grow during the next year. I am grateful for all who have given and I am blessed to have the support of my wife and family, and blessed to have work for my hands and our employees. I wish you the same!

Tom Schwein has coined Team Samaritan’s Goal this year:

Turning Lemons Into Lemonade

I am happy to report that on Valentine’s Day this year we learned we had eclipsed the One Million Mark for money raised for those less fortunate. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! https://ccdenver.org/team-samaritan-house-hits-1-million-mark-for-homeless-shelters/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoub3BRC6ARIsABGhnyZKaZq0LFS9AJQuz0ZQXnpolxwhAB39QdgNjCgSijz6DWq3NbMbwiEaAixdEALw_wcB

It has been a wild and great adventure. COVID was the double edge of our 10 year anniversary sword, but we are now committed to using the sword to turn some Lemons to Lemonade!

Was looking forward to a great route this year and a final full RTR with my 70 year old brother Tim when RTR was officially cancelled.

Lat/Long:38º 27' 14" N; 107º 24' 54" W

Anne and I decided to still take a trip to Southern Colorado and visit the week RTR was planned. Back from our Hot Springs 5 Day trip last Monday and instead of taking the bike, we took Golf Clubs, we hiked and visited Hot Springs (Cottonwood, Orvis, and Pagosa)Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Chimney Rock.

Cottonwood Pass – NOW paved on both sides!

Visited the “Great Unconformity” in Box Canyon (Ouray) and grateful to re-live a bit of my college rock passion 😊. Wondering if we should call these times we are in another great unconformity… One thing I believe is that the homelessness situation will get much worse over the next year.

Thankfully, Anne and I are both gainfully employed and our kids are out on their own and working. That makes it possible for us to give personally and through my new company (Colorado Water Well). We have agreed to match dollar for dollar up to $4,000 for all donations tagged with my name. Please support those less fortunate if you want to, but as always, it has no bearings on our friendship.

Team Samaritan House continues to grow in numbers and we are also doing shorter rides so that those who don’t want to do a week long ride can join Team Samartian House. Next year, I believe we will again be the largest team represented on Ride The Rockies, but most important, we are helping more and more people every year. I invite you to learn more about that and I would be proud to share some personal stories and/or take you on a tour at any Samaritan Shelter along the Front Range.

We have assembled the TEAM, and we are always willing to add YOU! Next year’s Ride The Rockies route has already been decided on – Same route as planned this year, so you can begin training early if you like… www.ridetherockies.com

Are you Hungry? - Are You Cold? – Do you need Clothing? – Are you Sick? - Do you need a place to Rest? – These are the questions asked at the shelters. Included in the “shelter system” is Samaritan House, The NEW Samaritan House Women’s Shelter; and The Mission and Guadalupe Shelters which serve men, women, and children.

A HAND UP It’s not just a place to sleep. We provide a temporary home, a place for new beginnings. Samaritan House provides a longer-term program to help our residents regain independence. Each of our residents is matched with a case manager who helps them navigate our 120-day Residential Program. The goal of the improvements is to meet the increased needs of the population we serve. Samaritan House serves 300 individuals every night including men, women, veterans and children. We help them on their path to becoming stable and productive members of our community. Samaritan House supports the Women’s Emergency Shelter serving up to 225 women each night at Samaritan House and at our Smith Road location.

To make it easier to track sponsors this year, if you wish to pledge, please click on my name at: http://cfnc.convio.net/site/TR/RTR/CCD?px=1026331&pg=personal&fr_id=1080

If you wish to write a check, please make your tax-deductible contribution payable to:

Samaritan House 6240 Smith Rd. Denver, CO 80216 Memo Line: Ride the Rockies (Tom Dea)

The new Samaritan House Women’s Shelter has been open for a year. It is located near Smith Road and Quebec. This facility is a blessing to many women.

If you want to pledge to a specific shelter, or for a specific cause, please do so. The homeless and the staff at the Shelters THANK YOU! Again, If you ever want to ride or take a tour of the shelters please let me know! Tom Dea ------ 303-882-3749 Fun videos from past rides below:

2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAVjggaWdz8 2012 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuOU3_hwWf4 2015 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLgFLEpF9A0 2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhcILoZQHdQ