Meet Two Bold Guys

Rustin Hughes and Dustin Speakman are following a dream. Along a river. On bikes.

Sounds familiar, huh? This week these two Army vets are cranking 560 miles from Fort Collins to Omaha. They’ll complete the Platte River Memorial Ride, Rustin on a handcycle and Dustin on a recumbent, to raise funds for the family of a young woman battling brain cancer.

Rustin’s an amputee and Dustin has combat-related nerve damage, but I’m not sure I’d call them “disabled.” They met during recovery, discovered their mutual love of cycling, and decided to use their passion to benefit others. Their nonprofit, B-BOLD, is all about encouraging people to defy the odds and continue the journey.

You can read more details of their amazing story here and here.

So these big, tough warriors are doing this incredible project. They’re riding an insane number of miles in a week. They’re rising money. They’re supporting a worthy cause. They’re encouraging others to keep going, to overcome, to never give up.

And when I talked to them at their sendoff party I got the clear impression that deep down, Dustin and Rustin would tell you that their ride, and all of the training that went into it, isn’t about miles. Or dollars. Or causes.

And it certainly isn’t about them.

It’s about being part of a story bigger than themselves.

These guys are writing the early chapters of an incredible story. I look forward to following their journey, getting to know them better, and seeing how our paths might cross.