“Why spend so much time telling stories?” It’s a common question, for the FREEDOM TOUR and most endeavors. What’s the big deal with the pictures, the videos, the constant effort to share the memories? It’s not a flashback to Glory Days. Storytelling, it seems, is essential for community. “Where common memory is lacking, where people […]

There’s a lesson I keep learning. Okay, maybe “learning” is the wrong word, because learning = behavior change. If I learned, I wouldn’t keep bumping into the same issue. I know it’s not about numbers. I know I should trust God to bring the right people into the circle, that He knows who should be […]

Bike tours have unexpected side benefits. Spectacular scenery. Community. Solitude. And (at least on the FREEDOM TOUR) lots of great food. You think you’re showing up to ride bikes, but all these crazy, cool things happen and you almost have to look at the pictures to remember there was a bike ride in the middle […]

My dad was a railroad man. Lots of cool perks for the son of the roundhouse foreman. Ride with the engineer and drive the train. Operate the turntable. Special times for a little kid. The biggest benefit, though, was free tickets. Train travel was dependable, clean, safe (and fun!). We rode any time – no […]

Camera pans and zooms out…cue Julie Andrews. Climb every mountain Ford every stream Follow every rainbow Till you find your dream While you’re reading this, the Colorado Mountain Tour team is claiming their third mountain pass. This morning it’s Fremont pass, following Vail Pass and Independence Pass. Our team is following a big dream as […]

Today begins the final episode of FREEDOM TOUR ’18. Our cyclists will ride from Buena Vista to Aspen. During the next 4 days they’ll climb 3 passes (Independence, Vail, and Fremont) and stop in Aspen, Eagle, and Breckenridge. 20,000 ft of climbing (and descending) in some of Colorado’s most iconic and stunning surroundings. I’m anticipating an […]

I’m grateful for wise friends. I’ve been thinking about Shared Sacrifice and teamwork. I got focused on each person’s individual responsibility to the team, a commitment to sacrifice personal comfort to accomplish a bigger mission. One of my wise friends suggested it’s a two-way road. He’s right, of course. Teams are relationships, and one-sided relationships don’t last. […]

In two days the COLORADO MOUNTAIN TOUR blasts off. Four days. Three passes. 280 miles. 20,000 ft. of climbing. It’s going to be a beautiful loop through four iconic mountain towns. It’s going to be a lot of fun. And it’s going to be hard. A dream is the God-inspired desire to share your unique gifts and […]

Our kids. That’s how I think of the children at the HOME OF HOPE, how I often refer to them. I’ve never met them, don’t know their names, haven’t listened to their personal fears and dreams. They’re no different than millions of children in difficult circumstances. But, in my mind, they’re “our kids.” They’re on […]

I enjoyed the Major League Baseball All Star Game. Gifted athletes showing their skills on a fun, relaxed stage, players laughing and interacting with fans. What’s not to enjoy about watching two teams of great players? I enjoy all the fanfare, including the celebration when three players from the Colorado Rockies (one hit a home […]