I Find True "Courage" High in the Mountains

I just spent the last three days in Vail, Colorado with my great college friend Laura. We cycled for 125 miles to support Children’s Hospital Colorado. Riding up and down the high Colorado passes was beautiful and challenging. The ride stretched us physically and emotionally, but our real reward was the opportunity to ride alongside Team Courage. Team Courage is comprised of former and current patients of Children’s Hospital Colorado, as well as some amazing adults. It was a humbling experience for me to pump my way up Battle Mountain (9400’), thighs burning, barely able to breathe, only to ride up behind a member of Team Courage, propelling himself up very same the hill on a hand-pedaled bike! Unbelievable!!! 

Our final climb up to Leadville (10,100’) was a real tearjerker. As Team Courage rode up toward the finish line, one hand pedal cyclist cried out in anguish, “I can’t make it!” The crowd was spellbound and I felt my insides tighten up. The other cyclists, volunteers, family and friends shouted out, “you can do it, you can do it!” Bolstered by their support, he pulled out everything he had and began to move forward. The crowd roared as he crossed the finish line. There wasn’t a dry eye among us. He made it, and you know what? Most of us barely did.  He and the other Team Courage kids are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.  

Team Courage 2011

Our team at the Courage Classic was called The Rocky Roadies.  Form your own team for this event at www.couragetours.com or join up with a walk, hike or ride in your hometown to support strong kids everywhere!

Since this is the Morningside Soapbox, I want you to know that I am a committed child advocate, and you can help kids too, by buying Morningside products.  I have formed a foundation called Every Child is an Original. A percentage of the proceeds from sales of every Morningside product go to this foundation. It supports advocacy for children on a range of issues. Our goal is to help better position children in life, with the tools they need to become successful adults.  So, please explore our site and stock up for every occasion at www.morningsideproducts.com. You’ll feel doubly good as you lather and moisturize yourself with our wonderful, quality products knowing that you are also helping kids.