Why I'm Riding

Since moving to Colorado to start residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado back in June 2013 I’ve wanted to ride in the Courage Classic. However, the middle of July was usually a tough time for schedules so I never made it happen until this year. Back in 2013, my motivation was mostly centered on wanting to ride bikes in the mountains. Being that the walk-up to my third floor apartment left my huffing and puffing back then, it’s probably good I was too busy to ride. Now that my hemoglobin levels are 3 points higher and I’m 80% the man I used to be I’m physically much more prepared to ride over several mountain passes between 10,000 and 13,000 feet above sea level.

In the intervening years, my motivation for riding has shifted from just wanting to ride bikes to a mix of bikes and giving back. I would guess that most of my colleagues would identify me a a scientist first and physician second. This is probably fair since for the past three years I have spent 70 to 90% of my time in lab with not a ton of patient contact. However, I’m most proud of my growth as a clinician and Children’s Colorado has provided an excellent environment for my learning. From the amazing mentors to the fantastic patients to the top-notch clinical programs, I owe Children’s a lot for making me into the doctor I am today. Riding my bike in the mountains for two day and gathering donations from friends and family is the least I can do to give back.