Why I Ride on the Samaritan House Team

Many years ago, I had heard about Ride the Rockies, an annual weeklong bicycle tour through the mountains of Colorado.   I remember thinking at the time that riding for nearly 500 miles over a bunch of mountain passes seemed impossible.

Then I bought a road bike. I knew nothing about cycling but I thought it would be a good way to get some exercise. After a couple of years, I did my first Ride the Rockies.  It was an amazing adventure with the beautiful scenery, the challenge and meeting other riders. Before I knew it, I was hooked.

On the ride in 2015, I approached some gentlemen I saw riding for Team Samaritan House and asked them about their team. I was already familiar Samaritan House’s mission in helping Denver’s homeless turn their lives around.  I decided right-then and there that I was going to join the team and start riding with them. No longer would I ride the tour alone, but I would become a part of something bigger. Not only would I be challenging myself physically, but I would be riding for a greater purpose, helping people who are struggling to survive on the harsh streets of Denver.

This is my ninth year riding for the team. It has been an amazing experience, the highlight of each year.

I’m so happy that the team has provided me with this opportunity to give back some of the many blessings that God has given me and a chance to share my Catholic faith with new friends that I have met along the way. I’m truly blessed that I know many generous people that have supported me in my cause to help shelter the homeless at the Samaritan House.