Finally, after weeks of wanting and talking about doing a ride together... it happened! Crazy to think it was dumping snow just 24 hours ago. It was a beautiful day and great ride. Today we did a little over 40 miles and it felt good to get on a real bike and not be on the trainer. Lets hope Spring is finally here and we can get some consistent rides together. Today it was Brandon, Eric, and Matt A. We missed Matt L. as he was getting in a final day of skiing? Alright Matt, time to put up the skis and get on the bike with us. Hopefully next weekend we can do a butt kicking hill climb!

--matt anderson




Brandon droppin' the hammer on us...




Nice view... I'm talkin' about the mountains!



Eric feelin' it...

the HANGOUT

Eric, thanks for getting this blog started! It will be exciting to share the process and the event with others. I am sure donors, friends, family and the HANGOUT members will enjoy reading about our efforts to support survivors of TBI.

I am extremely excited and honored to be riding the Bicycle Tour of Colorado this June on behalf of the HANGOUT and individuals living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Along this epic seven day, 513+ mile ride amongst the peaks of the western slope we will pedal our way over 44,000 feet of elevation gain to raise awareness and funding for the HANGOUT.

While I myself have not sustained a traumatic brain injury, my family and myself have been personally touched by those who have. TBI, known as the silent epidemic, is the third largest disability affecting 1.4 million people per year in the United States. In Colorado alone, 5000 people are hospitalized with a moderate to severe TBI annually. This number does not reflect those seen in the ER, doctors office or those that do not seek medical attention.

Thankfully, those living with and recovering from a TBI have the HANGOUT – a place where individuals with a TBI can go, belong, and work on socialization and rehabilitation goals in the community! Anyone can sustain a TBI and it is reassuring to know that people have somewhere to go. That’s why the fundraising mission of The Bicycle Tour of Colorado is so important to survivors of TBI.

I am looking forward to many miles with friends Brandon, Eric and Matthew. And, more importantly, I look forward to the fundraising opportunity we have to help the HANGOUT remain a valuable place for community based healing and support! If you are reading this blog and want to get involved, we would appreciate your support and involvement in this mission by donating all that you can, whether that be a per mile or a flat dollar donation. Please, dig deep into your heart and pocket and help us keep the HANGOUT a place for survivors!

--matt anderson
For more information , please feel free to e-mail me at 3.manderson@gmail.com