It was a short 30 mile ride today from Boulder to Denver. We had a few steep hills those first 15 miles but nothing we couldn’t handle. Today is a pretty big day for the team because we will be meeting up with the North route as well as meeting some of our biggest sponsors at the friendship visit. With only about 10 miles to go a rain storm came into the Denver area and didn’t let up unto the afternoon. It’s the first big rain we have had riding since Seattle and I was quickly reminded how unenjoyable riding in the rain can be. Our stage up was at the Mile High stadium where we waited for the North 
team to arrive.
team to arrive. Picture: Eric (Middle) and his dad, we had some great conversations while riding those laps.
While waiting we had a sponsored lunch by Chipotle and were able to warm up some from the fresh burritos. The North team arrived shortly after and it was neat getting to cheer them in! I didn’t know anyone on the North route but there were other guys that had friends in their chapter who were on the route so it was good getting to know some of them. After everyone ate we all got a partner and lined up behind the police escort who took us into the city. This was no doubt our biggest arrival as we had about 8 police blocking traffic and intersections so we could pass through. Everyone stared and many were taking pictures as we rolled up to the capital. There were about 30 people waiting for us at the capital, mostly friends, family, sponsors and reporters. After some pictures and media opportunities we headed to the Marriot in downtown Denver, definitely a change of pace from schools and gyms we have been staying in. The hotel was extremely nice and I felt a little undeserving of the luxury of it all.
That night we had a one of my favorite friendship visits, Pedal for Pennies. What happens is about 15 people with disabilities get people to pledge a certain amount of money for however many laps they do around this small lake. We got to ride with them and cheer them on as they completed their laps. With so many people there we had about 30 people at the finish line cheering them on as others got to ride along with them. I had the opportunity of riding with a boy with Autism and his dad who were on a tandem bike (two seats). Eric could not communicate so it was a great opportunity to talk with his dad and learn how Autism has affected their family. It is amazing the strength of Eric’s dad and others with children with disabilities; they have so many things they have to fight with the schools and society just so Eric can have equal opportunities. Every time Eric came around the corner to where all 30 guys were cheering he would get a huge smile on his face and tak
e his hands off the handlebars.
That night we had a one of my favorite friendship visits, Pedal for Pennies. What happens is about 15 people with disabilities get people to pledge a certain amount of money for however many laps they do around this small lake. We got to ride with them and cheer them on as they completed their laps. With so many people there we had about 30 people at the finish line cheering them on as others got to ride along with them. I had the opportunity of riding with a boy with Autism and his dad who were on a tandem bike (two seats). Eric could not communicate so it was a great opportunity to talk with his dad and learn how Autism has affected their family. It is amazing the strength of Eric’s dad and others with children with disabilities; they have so many things they have to fight with the schools and society just so Eric can have equal opportunities. Every time Eric came around the corner to where all 30 guys were cheering he would get a huge smile on his face and tak
e his hands off the handlebars. Picture: Bruce Rogers, first guy to ever think up and do the Journey of Hope. Very nice guy.
Being able to be a part of Eric’s day in that way means so much, there are so many more abilities that people with disabilities have then many of us will ever know. For example, Eric loves to ski and bike, what a stud.
Later in the evening awards were given out to the people with disabilities and the head of the Special Olympics spoke. Among all of our big sponsors from KRG Capitol was a man named Bruce Rogers; Bruce was the inventor of Journey of Hope and made the ride solo in 1987, starting Pi Kappa Phi’s own non-profit philanthropy. Bruce is a great guy and gave $5,000 of his own money to the organization that night. After everyone was fed there was a huge dance that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great time making fools of ourselves as we all danced with the people with disabilities to some of the best oldies hits! The night was so much fun and the people with disabilities loved it, one girl was crying she was so happy.The friendship was a great example of how rewarding it is to be on this trip
interacting with these very special people. Tonight we were able to go out and explore the downtown area. Tomorrow we have a day off in Denver, should be fun and relaxing, I can’t wait to sleep in a comfortable bed.
Later in the evening awards were given out to the people with disabilities and the head of the Special Olympics spoke. Among all of our big sponsors from KRG Capitol was a man named Bruce Rogers; Bruce was the inventor of Journey of Hope and made the ride solo in 1987, starting Pi Kappa Phi’s own non-profit philanthropy. Bruce is a great guy and gave $5,000 of his own money to the organization that night. After everyone was fed there was a huge dance that everyone thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great time making fools of ourselves as we all danced with the people with disabilities to some of the best oldies hits! The night was so much fun and the people with disabilities loved it, one girl was crying she was so happy.The friendship was a great example of how rewarding it is to be on this trip
interacting with these very special people. Tonight we were able to go out and explore the downtown area. Tomorrow we have a day off in Denver, should be fun and relaxing, I can’t wait to sleep in a comfortable bed.Picture: Gary completed 7 laps and loved getting his dance moves on.
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