Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, but it sure knows how to throw curveballs. It’s in those moments of chaos and heartache that we discover who we really are—or at least who we’re capable of becoming. For me, those curveballs have been heartbreakingly personal. I’ve said goodbye to loved ones far too soon and wrestled with grief that could have easily stopped me in my tracks. But instead of letting it keep me down, I chose to get up, dust myself off, and put my helmet on. Literally.
This May 17th, I’ll begin the ride of a lifetime—a 3,100-mile journey starting in San Diego and stretching across the Southern Tier on my trusty bike. It’s not just a physical challenge; it’s a testament to the human spirit, a tribute to those I’ve lost, and a light of hope for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their grief or unsure about moving forward.
Why This Ride?
I’ve been through some really tough times. Losing my fiancé and a close friend to cancer was heartbreaking. It made me feel lost and unsure of what to do next. But instead of giving up, I decided to keep moving forward. This ride is about showing that even when life is hard, we can keep going, one step—or pedal—at a time.
It’s also about helping others. I want people who are struggling to know they’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with grief, fear, or just feeling stuck, I hope this journey reminds you that you can keep going, too. Together, we can find strength and hope.
The Power of Community
Let me pause to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who’s already supported this wild endeavor. Whether you’ve donated, shared my story, or just cheered me on from the sidelines, you’ve made a difference. You’re the wind at my back (and trust me, I’ll need all the help I can get when I hit those uphill climbs).
Your support means the world to me, but more importantly, it shows others that we’re stronger together. Every dollar raised, every message of encouragement, is a reminder that kindness and community can light the way forward, even in the darkest times.
How You Can Help
If you’re reading this and wondering, “How can I make a difference?” here’s your chance. Supporting Put Your Helmet On is about more than helping me cross the finish line. It’s about fueling a movement that promotes resilience, mindfulness, community, and the power of the human spirit.
- Donate: Every little bit helps, whether it’s the cost of a meal, a flat tire fix, or a much-needed coffee stop (seriously, caffeine is non-negotiable).
- Share: Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else who might be inspired by this journey.
- Cheer Me On: Follow along on social media, send messages, or shout “You got this!” from wherever you are. Trust me, I’ll hear it in my head when the going gets tough.
A Little Humor Goes a Long Way
Let’s be real: biking across the country isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There will be sore legs, questionable roadside snacks, and more than a few “Why did I think this was a good idea?” moments. And there will also be breathtaking sunrises, unexpected acts of kindness, and a lot of deep belly laughs (probably at my own expense).
Life is like riding a bike—if you stop pedaling, you fall. So here I am, pedaling forward, fueled by love, hope, and an absurd amount of granola bars.
Join the Journey
At the end of the day, Put Your Helmet On is more than my story. It’s a story for anyone who’s ever faced a tough climb and kept going. Together, we can make this ride more than just a cross-country trek; we can make it a movement that inspires others to get back up, dust themselves off, and keep moving forward.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here for the inspiration, the humor, or just to see if I can actually pull this off, I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.
So, what do you say? Will you put your helmet on and join me?
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