Monroe, NC → North Myrtle Beach, SC

Twas the Night before the Ride
     Tomorrow morning, a group of cyclists will gather at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, North Carolina, climb onto our bikes and begin a three-day journey to the coast. A ride that will be around 180 miles in three days and two states. And one destination, the Atlantic Ocean at North Myrtle Beach.
     But this ride isn't just about getting to the ocean. We are riding to support Atrium Health's Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program (ASAP), a program that helps children and adults with physical challenges discover or rediscover the freedom, confidence, and adventure that sports can bring. Sometimes life changes the way we thought our story was going to be written. An injury, stroke, illness or disability may change how someone does something, but it doesn't have to mean they stop doing it. As we will see on this ride sometimes the bicycle has three wheels instead of two, sometimes hand power vs foot power, sometimes equipment must be adapted, and sometimes the goal itself must change.
     And to those who have had a life changing injury, let this be a nudge on don’t give up hope. There are still starting lines to cross, finish lines to reach and adventures waiting down the road. If your goals are different now, that is ok.
     The ASAP group is leaving from Atrium Health Union. There's something fitting about beginning this journey at Atrium Health Union. The hospital's history reaches back more than a century, to the opening of the 18-bed Ellen Fitzgerald Hospital in Monroe in 1918. For generations, people have come here seeking healing and recovery. Tomorrow, it becomes our starting line. As it was in 1918, the beginning of healing and recovery, it will be the beginning or continuation of healing and recovery for some in this group.
     Our first day's destination is Cheraw, South Carolina, the shortest day of the ride. I suspect there will be tired legs and probably be some sore muscles. I'm sure there will be a few unexpected moments along the way. And that is what makes more than a ride but it is an adventure.
     Over the next three days, I'll take you along, not just with the miles we ride, but with some of the people, places, history and stories we encounter along the way.And hopefully, by the time we reach the ocean, you'll not only understand why we're riding, but read some stories about real people in their real journey. Each and everyone of the riders are truly Champions.
      Before I end, let me give a shoutout to Johney Nerd-Out for the help, advice and getting me all the e-assist parts in time to make this ride. Thank you, sir.
And let me give a shout out to Charles from Excite Bikes in Locust, NC for getting my de-railer straight and making sure nothing was going to fall off on the trip. Thank you.
     And let me leave you with this, to bring a smile to your face and prepare you for the season coming soon: 
’Twas the Night Before the Ride’
Twas the night before the ride, and all through the house,
Not a cyclist was asleep, not even their spouse.
The helmets were waiting, the water bottles filled,
The tires pumped up and the chains freshly oiled.
The jerseys were laid by the bicycles with care,
In hopes that tomorrow, our legs would still be there.
The snacks had been packed—enough food for a crew,
With bananas and bars and some energy goo too.
One hundred eighty miles lay ahead on the way,
But no need to worry—we’ll take it day by day.
From Monroe to Cheraw, then onward we’ll go,
With sore legs behind us and the ocean below.
So tonight we will rest—or at least we will try,
While visions of tailwinds dance through our minds.
And before we turn in, there’s one thing left to say:
Happy cycling to all—and to all a good ride!
Till Tomorrow...Monroe → Cheraw.