My Virtual Bike Ride Through Montana to Raise Money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation

So this year I had a resolution for myself to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. I signed up for a few trail runs and thought I can use these as opportunities to raise the money. Obviously, those runs got postponed until the fall and who knows if by then everything will be back to normal. I’m guessing it won’t.

I wanted to run these races to prove to myself that I can still do those particular activities despite my disease. I wanted to prove that I could still do the things I want to do and be fit.

So it got me thinking, there are still causes out there that need our help, communities that still need money. Since I live with Colitis it only makes sense that I get involved with that foundation. Also I still have the desire to prove to myself that I can be fit again.

Instead of sitting around thinking about doing it, knowing I can’t with the trail runs, I’m going to put my Christmas present to good use. My husband got me a spin bike this past Christmas that I have only used about once a week. He even got me a Peloton subscription! I really have every tool at my disposal which is why there is no excuse not to exercise. I can use it to do a virtual ride that will raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation.

I am actually really excited about this! Its always easier for me to have a purpose when I’m exercising other than just being fit. I have always wanted to ride one of the routes from the Adventure Cycling Association, but never felt I was ready. So instead I’m going to use my spin bike to virtually ride one of the routes, track it in my blog and on social media and raise money for the foundation.

The ride I chose is Cycle the Divide - Montana. This loop is 252 miles in Whitefish, MT. I chose Montana because I’m thinking we probably won’t make in there in person this year for vacation so I’m visiting in my daydreams. For people who are used to riding long distances this ride would normally take 7-10 days. For me it’s going to take a little longer, not sure how long, but I am sure I will build up mileage as I go.

I would like to raise one dollar for every mile I accomplish and you can do that by clicking this sentence (only if you're able, obviously). I have my fundraising goal set for 252 dollars for the 252 mile loop. This week's goal was to ride the first leg of the loop from Whitefish to Bigfork, Montana. So far I have completed 16.8 miles. I have 27.2 to ride today, but knowing myself that will take two days to ride. First, week will end a little late, but that's OK.

Next week is a longer ride from Bigfork to Condon, Montana. It's a 62 mile route in the mountains. You can read about this route at Adventure Cycling Association Cycle the Divide - Montana. 

​Someday I would love to do this ride in real life because right now, the situation we are in, doesn't feel real. But for now I will just have pretend and show you pictures of Montana that I have taken while visiting family there. We can dream together!

​You can follow and see my rides on Instagram or keep up with this blog. Thank you for your support and your donation to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation.

From Bigfork to Condon. Next week's ride!