The reason I have chosen Alzheimer’s as the cause that I wanted to support via a century ride is my grandparents. It just seemed fitting to pick a disease that has afflicted my family, but also it was the people that it afflicted. My grandparents were an inspiration to all. They picked up and moved to Colombia, South America with very small children, traveled the world and the states, started a very successful business upon return to the United States, but most amazingly in my mind made time for people around them and their community. They continually volunteered teaching English as second language, reading and many other things. I wanted to do something that was giving and it just felt right to pick Alzheimer’s as it impacted their lives significantly.
We are riding in memory of Jim & Grethe Murphy, Max Millis (close family friend), Tom Burgess (Erin’s great uncle and Oregon “Grandpa”) and in hope for our family and many others who could be impacted or are impacted today.