Health & Fitness
WELLNESS
My Own Path
Why I created a bike ride event to support Crohn's & Colitis.
Paul Fried
Columnist
G
et Your Guts in Gear (GYGIG)
sponsors three long-distance
fundraising bicycle rides annually,
each event in a different part of the country.
multi-day cycling rides benefit and
support inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
organizations such as the Crohn's & Colitis
Foundation of America (CCFA) as well as
patient advocacy groups.
The GYGIG events were not designed
to be easy. Participants
would ride an average of
75 miles each day for three
days total, pitch our own
tents each night and ride
through potentially dif-
ficult weather conditions
(rain, heat or cold). The
terrain was challenging,
with occasional steep hills
and extended inclines,
some at least one-half mile
or longer.
When I heard about this
three years ago, I briefly
considered the obstacles I
would face due to the chronic health issues
related to my illness as well as my age (57
at the time) and, more importantly, the fact
that I hadn't been on a bike in more than
15 years. Not one to turn down a challenge,
though, I registered for the most difficult
event in the series, which took place outside
of Seattle, Wash.
I trained hard for four months, flew to
Seattle and participated in the event. Much
to the surprise of family, friends and even
myself, I completed the entire distance (216
miles) on my own. It was an unbelievable
experience; and I couldn't wait to repeat it
again in 2008.
Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. Two
months after completing the GYGIG event,
I ended up in the hospital due to intestinal
bleeding. My hemoglobin and iron levels
dropped significantly and my energy and
stamina were considerably decreased as a
result.
Initially, I was upset over not being able
to repeat the challenging adventure that
I had looked forward to for almost an
entire year. However, because I have had
so many health setbacks over the years, I
have learned to maintain a positive attitude
about these things.
Not willing to give up entirely, though,
I organized the Paul Fried Charity Ride to
Support the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of
America (CCFA), a local 50-mile event held
at Kensington Metropark in Milford, on
Sept. 5, 2008. Participants could also choose
to ride fewer miles if they wished (each lap
around the paved bike trail through the
park is 8.4 miles).
I contacted the local CCFA chapter office
for assistance and everyone there was very
supportive. They set up a website for the
ride and helped to pro-
mote the event. That first
year, 27 riders and seven
volunteers participated.
Approximately $7,500 was
raised in donations, 100
percent of which went to
CCFA. Most of the event's
expenses were covered by
financial sponsors; I cov-
ered the shortfall.
The second annual char-
ity ride was held last year
on Aug. 22, once again at
Kensington Metropark.
I reduced the riding dis-
tance from 50 miles to 25 miles, hoping
to encourage more people to come to the
event. It must have worked because 54 rid-
ers participated. More than $8,500 in dona-
tions was raised; once again, all of it went
to CCFA.
What a wonderful feeling it was to have
people come up to me afterward and
comment as to how much they enjoyed
the event and how terrific they felt after
completing more miles than they originally
thought they could ride! This for me was
the icing on the cake.
Part of my goal in organizing the local
charity ride was to have the participants
experience (even in smaller measure) the
same thrill and sense of accomplishment
that I felt from completing a goal that I
previously thought was unattainable. It is
truly a rewarding feeling, one you never
forget.
I am currently organizing the third
annual Paul Fried Charity Ride to Support
the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of
America, again at Kensington Metropark,
starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 21. The
ride is scheduled for 25 miles, but par-
ticipants will have the option to complete
Because I have
had so many
health setbacks
over the years,
I have learned
to maintain a
positive attitude.
40
August 5 • 2010
JN
Paul Fried readies for the 2009 GYGIG 210-mile Midwest ride.
fewer than three laps around the park. My
goal this year is to have at least 70 riders
participate and raise $10,000 in donations
for CCFA.
Bagels and cream cheese, doughnuts,
bottled water and Gatorade as well as a
free event T-shirt will be available for all
participants. D.
To make a donation, participate or to obtain additional information, visit the
event website: http://online.ccfa.org/paulfried2O10.Or e-mail paf123@aol.com
to have forms e-mailed or mailed. Sponsors ($300 minimum) can help cover the
costs of the event. Sponsors will have their company name and/or logo printed
on the back of the event T-shirts.
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