Monroe, NC → Cheraw, SC
Sometimes the most memorable part of a journey happens before you even begin.
And that's how my first day of the ASAP Cycle to the Sea ride started.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the acceptance into the group of riders on this 3-day journey. It was my first ride with this group. I had barely arrived at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, North Carolina, and hadn't even unloaded my bike when another rider came over and introduced himself. While waiting to check in I met other riders each approaching me - what a friendly bunch. Not to mention how friendly the volunteers were that helped me check-in and get ready for the ride. By the time check-in was complete I had met many other people and already felt like I belonged. I began to feel that this was going to be much more than just a bike ride.
This morning, our starting line was Atrium Health Union. Tonight, we're in Cheraw, South Carolina. Cheraw is a town on the Pee Dee River in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
I would love to tell you exactly how many miles we rode, but there is a small problem. I forgot to turn on the app that records my rides. And, just to make sure I couldn't figure it out later, I also forgot to check the starting mileage on my bike computer. I’m sure the others have the milage but for now let’s call it 60 miles.
The ride for the day was great; the weather was cool and partly cloudy to start and went into the 70’s during the afternoon. I could not ask for better weather. Most of the route took us through countryside with rolling hills, beautiful scenery and small towns along the way.
And best of all, there were no spills, injuries, or unfortunate adventures along the way.
But the scenery and weather weren’t what made the day special. It was the people. Throughout the day I watched riders looking out for one another. Encouraging each other. Making sure nobody was forgotten. And what struck me was that many of these same people were facing challenges of their own. Yet they were still finding ways to help someone else. There's something pretty remarkable about that.
Ultimately, between those two places were a lot of miles, some interesting facts learned, new friends made, a few tired legs, some memorable moments—and a reminder of why we're doing this in the first place.
A little history along the way: Cheraw is the birthplace of Dizzy Gillespie. The Jazz legend John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie was born in Cheraw in 1917. He became one of the founders of modern jazz and was famous for his bent trumpet, puffed-out cheeks, and extraordinary playing. He later performed at the White House for presidents from Eisenhower through George H. W. Bush. Cheraw honors him with a statue on the Town Green and the Dizzy Gillespie Homesite Park.
But another piece of Cheraw's history caught my attention for a very different reason. Cheraw also played an important role in the beginning of South Carolina's state park system. Local citizens helped purchase land for what would become Cheraw State Park—and even schoolchildren reportedly collected pennies to help. People came together so others would have a place to enjoy the outdoors.
There seems to be an appropriate connection between Cheraw State Park and our ASAP Cycle to the Sea ride. Cheraw State Park was built so everyone would have place to enjoy the outdoors and those on the ride believe recreation, sports and adventure should be available to all people including people whose physical challenges might otherwise put these experiences out of reach.
And isn't that really what this ride is about? We're riding to raise funds and awareness for Atrium Health's Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program (ASAP). The program helps make recreation, sports, and outdoor adventures possible for people whose physical challenges might otherwise put those experiences out of reach. Nearly a century ago, people in Cheraw came together to help others enjoy the outdoors. And today, in our own way, we're doing something very similar. A pretty neat connection.
The Road Has a Way of Teaching You Things. Somewhere along today's ride, I began thinking about my own journey following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The TBI journey and this group bike ride share more at the core than most people would realize. When you lay them side‑by‑side, the parallels become powerful, especially for survivors, families, and caregivers who’ve lived the journey.
· At the start of the ride, something struck me: everyone moved in their own rhythm. No two riders share the same cadence. I’m getting the sense any (catastrophic medical event) group are much the same whether TBI injury or physical injury; some days you soar; some days you crawl. Both roads teach you to honor your own speed.
· The road changes. A bike ride shifts from flat pavement to hilly or curvy, rough to smooth. TBI recovery does the same; easy days, hard days, setbacks, breakthroughs. You learn to adapt to whatever the “road” gives you.
· And third, nobody should have to make the journey alone. On a group ride, people encourage each other, wait for each other, and help one another through difficult stretches, drafting, pushing, and cheering for each other. TBI recovery is built on the same support; family, clinicians, friends, other survivors. The community keeps you upright when your legs or arms shake or wear out. May I celebrate all those who participated in this ride.
Tomorrow morning, we'll climb back onto our bikes and head farther into South Carolina's Pee Dee region toward Marion and Mullins. And there's an interesting story waiting for us there involving swamps, a Revolutionary War legend—and a crop that transformed an entire South Carolina town.
But that's tomorrow story. For tonight, Day 1 is in the books. And if you hear a strange noise coming from South Carolina tomorrow morning, don't worry. That's just a group of cyclists trying to stand up.
Follow along tomorrow as we continue our journey toward the ocean, raising awareness and support for Adaptive Sports and Adventures.
Because adventure should not be limited by ability.
