Reporting by Keilani Porter and Shaye Olander
Photo Credit: The Catholic Alliance
For a dedicated group of cyclists, Ride the Rockies 2017 was more than just an opportunity to travel through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. It was a chance to give back to others by riding for Team Samaritan House.
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The seven-day journey began in Alamosa and ended in Salida, presenting some of the most beautiful, but also some of the most challenging, cycling in the country. Beyond the physical impact the ride had on their bodies, the teamwork, the camaraderie and the memories they gained are sure to leave an impact on the riders and their perspective of charity. The stories they shared remind us why it is important to help others as much as possible.
Mile High Sports had the privilege to document their journey by catching up mid-race with several of Team Samaritan House’s 40+ riders. These include members like blind rider Andre Van Hall, one of the few female riders on the team, Paulina Gutierrez, and even team captain Tom Schwein. Other dedicated riders we heard from include Ray Olson, Mike Sullivan, Adam Dawkins, Tim Monihan and Guy Mendt.
Team Samaritan House has been a longtime participant in Ride the Rockies, creating and growing awareness for their organization and raising over half a million dollars. To discuss their longstanding journey, we spoke with Deacon Geoff Bennett who taught us more about Team Samaritan house and their history.