On June 28, 2019, I'm going to attempt something a little crazy but very awesome, I'll be riding the Okoboji Break the Cycle 200.
I'm sure this announcement comes as no surprise to my friends, family and loved ones. Seems I've started to develop a bit of a reputation in the last few years for taking on some challenging and "crazy" rides. So you're probably reading this and thinking, "Yeah Rose, we're not that surprised." I'm going to take that as a compliment, thank you!
Since 2012 when I started my cycling journey and completed my first century ride, (wearing flip flops with flat pedals with a 10lb backpack...ok I was a total newbie and didn't know better yet but it makes for a great story!) each year I've gone on to ride longer distances and continued to challenge myself. In the past, I've always ridden for purely selfish reasons, personal growth and of course the joy of cycling.
Here it is, my bike is my happy place, my best friend, my church on Sundays, my transportation many other days of the week. Together we have gone places and seen things I had never imagined before. When I have a stressful day my bike is my salvation when I am frustrated working through a problem it's my therapist. When I need a good workout it's my go-to piece of equipment. I'm sure by now you get the idea, my bike and cycling are a part of who I am and who I will be for the rest of my life. Now my bike and I want to be a catalyst for change, together we are going to make a difference.
I'm not exaggerating when I say the idea of this distance and ride is intimidating and scary. But what's scarier is the fact that human trafficking exists and it takes place not just in far away countries but here in the US, across the midwest and yes, even in Iowa.
The Break the Cycle 200 (BTC 200) uses an epic one-day 200-mile athletic events to raise awareness and funds to break the cycle of human trafficking in the U.S. and SE Asia.
All of your support dollars will help break the cycle of trafficking by rescuing victims, reducing the causative factors of trafficking, and restoring survivors of human trafficking.
My bike and I are asking for your help. Since the only thing my bike can't do is talk, it's upto me to be the voice. So I'm asking you to please join us in making a difference and donating to this cause.
Thank you!
Rose & Tempest (my bike)
