8400 miles, and a whole lot of climbing through Mountain passes! Focusing on Gratitude
Scott is into what many would say is the most challenging part of the trip. Forget that he is doing only two weeks after having radiation, or right after having a Lupron shot that takes away all his testosterone! We like to say he is doing it after training for 10 months or over 8000 miles, to be ready for the climbing!
Earlier this week Scott had had his biggest climb to date – through the Washington Pass. Due to heavy snow cover the road had only been plowed through three days before his ride! The climb was epic, Scott was going uphill for most of the 6 hours of biking with only a few short descents. As is oh so Scott, he did not complain. But he did use “mental” breaks every 2 miles, and later every mile where he would stand up and change position. His body managed the climb well, and has been the case for him, the mental challenge of the relentless nature of the ride, was indeed the hardest part. Breaking up the ride into segments helps immensely. ( Another life lesson!)
Did Scott have a day off after this climb? Nope. The next day he was off on another 60-mile day with more climbing, and another pass named called “Lupe Lupe Pass”. Today- after one day off from biking- he has a 70-mile ride with another big elevation gain and another mountain pass and yet another tomorrow - check out the pictures of elevation and passes below!
When it gets tough, as it does get tough, Scott thinks about his “why.” He is doing this to honor the life God gave him, and his son Benny’s life, while he raises funds and awareness for the two charities we are supporting (links below). Another way to say this is Scott gives gratitude for his blessings. Day after day, ride after ride challenge, and for me for the ongoing challenges of the “support” items, we both focus on gratitude. I was once told there is always something to be grateful for! No matter what you are dealing with – whatever the challenge – you can always find something to be grateful for. We are alive, we are breathing, and that is a gift.
We appreciate the beauty of each day, and the beauty all around us. We appreciate the ability to undertake these challenges. We appreciate that we are never alone through it. Speaking of, one of the incredibly special things that happened on Scott’s big climb through Washington Pass was the number of friends that did virtual “pedal with Scott” rides all around the country, and those that sent words of encouragement too. All those rides and notes were deeply appreciated and brighten our smiles and spirits on those challenging days! Thank you! On to the last couple of days of riding in the state of Washington, then to Idaho and Montana next week. This leg is going faster... not long before we are in Minnesota.
Remember to mark your calendar for the final ride in and party on June 15th to Itasca State Park.
Donation links to the two charities:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/VA/Alexandria/MilesforMoney
https://sczaction.org/donate/ ( please reference Scott Freitag or milesformoney) Or the website has mailing addresses for both charities for checks. milesformoney.org
Thank you, Scott and Katy
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