Tuesday, August 4, 2015

It's a Dry Heat BRO

 This is a delayed entry from last week. Needed to get in some mileage specifically Big Ring Only. Of course it is 39 degrees out which makes it a perfect day for some BRO work.

Dry Heat BRO ride

Sure it might be stupid and idiotic....cue the Idiot With A Bike Theme.



Yet it will end at just under 30k of work. I get to take off my gear and have a cold beer while I recover. There is an off switch to the suffering. For Joely there is no off switch for depression. No taking off her shoes and it ends like the ride in today's heat did..




2015 Ride For Mental Health

This is the third year of my campaign to raise awareness and contribute towards breaking the silence and stigmatism of Depression. Depression impacts on not only the individuals who are suffering through it but also their family members. Everyday people lose jobs because their employers don't understand what they are going through or the employee doesn't know how to navigate the symptoms and challenges created by their depression. 

The campaign in the lead up to the 2015 Paul's Dirty Enduro  I reflect on recent events and how some illnesses can be easily cut away with surgery and a knife while depression can't just be cut away and that little things that we all take for granted can lead to a person going backwards even after feeling better for a long time.

My loved one has struggled with the challenges of depression. Even when she is feeling good there is still that moment in her eyes that I worry about. In the last year we have gone through a tremendous amount of stress and while she has shown a brave face to the world I see how and when she is struggling and I see her fighting to hang on to that better place.

After several medical issues my loved one made the decision to have major surgery to deal with it. She is currently recovering and like her depression there are good days and bad days for her. But what I've come to truly understand is that in a few short weeks there will only be good days. The medical problems that had her seek out the surgery will no longer exist and will no longer negatively impact her life. It will be all about the amazing change to her life but making this choice.

But her depression can't just be cut out, that anything, any type of stress could send her back to that place where I know she doesn't want to be. Depression will always simmer below the surface for her and while in it's own way it may go into a remission the chances of it coming back are great. Life has a way of creating incredible highs but it also occasionally leads to incredible lows, disappointments and losses.

She and so many others continue to need our support and our love. My goal this year is to raise $1,000 for the battle against mental illness and depression. Please support me as I ride for her and so many others like her.


2015 Ride For Mental Health and My Wife