Fijis Across America

10th June 2010

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June 9, 2010

Late night in Colorado Springs! It’s been a rough day in comparison to the beginning of the week. The guys rode 114 miles today, biking on terrain that turned to hills that rolled as far as you could see and cross-winds that would nearly knock you off your bike. But as always, they pushed through it and we made it to Colorado Springs late tonight! Every day I’m inspired by each of them and their devotion to this trip.

Every morning we dedicate the day of riding to a specific individual that we have come into contact with, someone who has either been directly affected by Alzheimer’s or were close to someone affected by the disease. This morning we rode for William Graubard. We met his son in the beginning of the ride while riding through Arizona, and got to hear his story of his father’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. William Graubard was a WWII veteran. He had early onset Alzheimer’s and the side effects were evident. His son said he would drive to work in the mornings in a car pool, but sometimes miss the turn to go to his office, never really noticing it until someone in the car pointed it out to him. He also said that his father began worrying about a lot of little things, something very out of character for him. William Graubard was completely brain dead by the age of 65 and finally passed away at the age of 70. Today we rode for him and his son.

It is easy to see the pain that this disease brings when you actually talk to people with stories like this. I have talked to so many people on this trip that have been directly affected by Alzheimer’s, usually a loved one of someone passed away. It is terrible the stories of people’s minds just deteriorating helplessly. I have a strong respect for the sons, daughters, and spouses that have had to go through something so intense and wretching. But this is why we ride. We have gone over 1,000 miles already, and the impact God is making through us is evident every day. I’m thankful to be riding with men that care so much about this world, and honored to be riding for the people that have had to cope with this terrible disease.

In a place where proactivisim is rare: Let’s bring change. Let’s bring hope. And let us always move forward, respecting the past, living in the present, and hoping for a better future.

I’m heading home to Louisville, KY tomorrow for a day, then on to Florida for a short vacation while the other guys enjoy a few days in Colorado. Pray that their bodies gain strength while they rest and their muscles are ready to ride hard when we get back on the open road. We still have a lot of ground to cover!

Press On,
Jordan Minton