The Summit Challenge:

A chance to celebrate success. 

The National Ability Center hosts a great bike ride every summer.

When I broke my neck at the age of 22 and was paralyzed from the neck down, fear of the unknown became my constant companion. Would I walk again? Would I have any kind of life again? What would the future hold? I had to constantly put fear behind me and take each day as it came.  Today, even though I've recovered substantially, I still battle fear every time I get on my bike.

At the top of the first climb, there's always a smile to be found.

That’s why it’s important that I ride in The Summit Challenge to benefit the National Ability Center. It’s an opportunity to put fear in its place yet again. You see, I’m afraid of that climb up Highway 248 from Park City to Kamas. And I’m afraid of the climb up Brown’s Canyon at the end of the ride, even though I’ve done both four times. I know I can do it. But I’m still afraid. I’ll be scared right up to the time I start up the hill. Then fear quickly turns into resolve and determination.  I’ll make it to the top again, just like I did before. And I’ll celebrate, just like I did before.

The Summit Challenge is for riders of all abilities.

I’ve learned that it’s the longest climbs, the coldest rides, the windiest rides--they are the ones I remember. Cyclists call their toughest rides “epic”. Epic also means “heroic, majestic, and impressively great.” All reasons to sign up for the Summit Challenge on August 27th in Park City. But probably the best reason is that it raises money for the National Ability Center to continue providing life-changing recreation for people with disabilities, from toddlers with autism to war veterans with post traumatic stress disorder. 

The best way to overcome fear is to just start riding.

And if you don’t feel like an “epic” ride that day, there’s a delightful 20 mile route around the Snyderville basin that’s just plain fun. I’ve done that one too. Join me and hundreds of other cyclists in Park City on August 27th. It’s a great ride, with terrific support, lots of food and a bunch of fun. You can sign up by clicking here. I guarantee it will be epic, in all definitions of the word.

Come ride with me in Park City!