This month my father and I traveled to Dalton, Georgia, to join my friend and former teammate Saul Raisin (pictured right with me) for his annual Raisin Hope Ride to benefit brain injury treatment and awareness. The ride was a nice way for me to start getting back into training while taking in a lot of quiet back roads around Dalton, including the climb up Fort Mountain, one of Saul’s favorite testing grounds. It was a fantastic weekend and I met some truly amazing people.
The stories people had about the recovery they had gone through to be able to ride in the event were truly astounding. It makes me realize how lucky I am that I will be able to race again next season. Many people with head injuries not much different than mine have had to deal with far more drastic and permanent changes in their lives. It was inspiring to talk to the other Raisin Hope participants and hear their stories of dealing with brain injuries and their affect on their loved ones.
One thing everybody I met shares is a passion for life, and in several cases, a passion for the bike. Like Saul and I, many found that the bike provides the motivation they need to regain what they once had before their injury. The simple action and joy of just riding a bicycle is enough to keep you pushing forward and stop you from giving up — even when recovery seems on a different planet.
A big thanks to Saul and his parents, Jim and Yvon, for putting on this event and for their hospitality all week long. For more info and photos from Raisin Hope check out www.RaisinHope.org
Timmy
