Bike for Mike

Having only known Mike for a few weeks now, most of you to whom this appeal is directed likely know him much better than I.  This gives me a clear advantage to make this appeal because my vision has been narrow, yet extremely compelling due to my poignant recognition of a man in need of intervention.  In reality, this is not so much an appeal of mercy as it is an appeal for continued celebration of a life lived well and with purpose, yet one that has taken some turns toward the inevitable disintegration that we all face down the road, or perhaps now.

As many know, Mike has been an avid bicyclist for several years.  He makes the claim that he is still a novice, but it is apparent that his knowledge and remaining skill are well above the novice category.  At age seventy-five, Mike has two replaced knees, one replaced hip, one fused ankle and another fusion awaiting the cessation of the blood thinner that he now takes until his recovery from a recent heart attack and subsequent surgery.  Yet, I had the privilege to accompany Mike and his wife, Stephanie, on a recent mountain bike ride here, near Fruita, in which Mike fought his way, sometimes very deftly, but often with great struggle and a few tumbles, over the rough, rocky and hilly terrain along the Colorado River.  It’s hard to imagine an elderly man more giddy about an activity he’s struggling with!!

I learned very quickly that this man has the will and determination to keep his life on a path of health and healing activity like few I have ever known in my 65 years!  He absolutely refuses to give in to deterioration!  Both Mike and Stephanie are now committed to a vegetarian diet.  Stephanie tells the story of his heart specialist suggesting that he may need to have a pacemaker, unless his heart could heal well through other means.  Mike was told that in the event of a pacemaker, he would no longer be able to use an arc welder.  At that, Mike became visibly disturbed, desperately declaring, “but I have a project I need to finish”! 

If there is such a thing as a need for an electric motorized, peddle-assisted mountain bike, an e-MTB, Mike is the quintessential candidate.  He is the e-MTB poster boy!  He just needs a bit of help to sustain his momentum – he still has the ability to handle the other maneuvers.   

I have become the victim of Mike’s insatiable charm and grace.  They don’t make too many human beings like this anymore.  I have no doubt that those of you who know him have similar viewpoints regarding Mike’s humanitarian depth, humor and humility.  No doubt, his humbling experiences of failing health have likely deepened his love for life and the exuberance of health that remains in him. 

With the right medical and technical assistance that together Mike’s community of family, friends and paid professionals can offer, let’s give him a tool that he will treasure in a life-sustaining activity that only someone of his caliber can muster!  Help celebrate the Mike that has been bestowed upon and in all of us!