Why I Ride on the Samaritan House Team

I had heard about Ride the Rockies quite a few years ago from people I worked with that had done the ride. I remember thinking that they were crazy at the time. It seemed impossible to go 500 miles over a bunch of mountain passes on a bicycle.

Well about 15 years ago I bought a road bike. At the time I knew nothing about cycling but I thought it would be a good way to get some exercise. After a couple of years I set a goal for myself to do my first Ride the Rockies in 2010. I had no idea what to expect. It was an amazing adventure with the beautiful scenery, the challenge and meeting other riders. Before I knew it I was hooked. I did the ride a couple more times over the next few years.

On the ride in 2015, I approached some gentlemen I saw riding with Samaritan House jerseys in the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction and asked them about their team. I was familiar with the mission of the Samaritan House as my wife had been volunteering there for quite some time. I decided right-then and there, that I was going to look up the Samaritan House team the following year to ride 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 sixth 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.