Employees and Supporters Gear Up for Courage Classic
The Courage Classic is an annual benefit ride through the Colorado Rockies in support of The Children's Hospital. Held in July, the three-day bicycle tour covers 157 miles of scenic mountain passes and last year helped raise $2.6 million for Children’s.
The Centennial Riders
The Centennial Riders team
Jerrod Milton, vice president of operations at The Children’s Hospital, is also the six-year captain for a Courage Classic team. Formerly named the Road Rage Cycling Team, Milton explained that their name change coincides with Children’s centennial year celebration.
Changing their name wasn’t merely a superficial adjustment; the team has a goal to raise $100,000 in 100 days. Some of the members are even committed to completing the optional 100-mile century ride on day two of the Courage Classic.
The Centennial Riders not only have lofty aspirations, they also have the pleasure of teaming up with Jim Shmerling, Children’s president and chief executive officer, who has chosen to be on their team for his second year of participation and will serve as co-captain.
Currently, the Centennial Riders have 39 members, made up of a group of friends and supporters, as well as staff. “We would love to see more staff members get on board and help us reach our goal,” said Milton. “It’s a great way to stay in shape and it’s a great cause.”
The Spin Doctors
The Spin Doctors team
Jody Mathie, MD, community physician at Children’s and Cherry Creek Pediatric, has been riding in the Courage Classic for 16 years. Now serving as the captain for the aptly named Spin Doctors Cycling Team, Dr. Mathie said that, initially, very few physicians were on the team, and she thought more doctors should be involved. As years progressed, more staff became joined, morphing the Cherry Creek Pediatrics team into the Spin Doctors.
The 122-member team has an incredible goal of raising $250,000 with 200 riders. Numbers aside, Dr. Mathie noted that they are most proud of their team jerseys. Designed by the McClain Finlon advertising agency, the uniform resembles Superman’s ripped-open shirt with the caduceus medical symbol on the front, rather than an ‘S’.
Dr. Mathie explained the Courage Classic is one of her favorite events because it is a fun way to raise money for her favorite charity. “You’re not just asking for a check, but have to actually perform, and it informs a lot of people about Children’s,” she said.
Get Involved
The 2008 Courage Classic is sold out but still needs Medical Crew volunteers. You must have a medical certification (EMT, RN, etc.), and you will ride the course to support the riders.
For more information, please contact volunteer coordinator Micah D'Hondt.
Dr. Mathie particularly enjoys when former patients join their team. One young man, diagnosed with cancer at age 10, committed to riding the Courage Classic if he survived. Now 23 and cancer-free, he has ridden with Mathie’s team ever since.
“I’m very proud of all of our riders,” said Mathie. ”We’re a fun group.”
Team Courage
Team Courage is made up of 43 current and former patients of The Children's Hospital. They are riding in the Courage Classic to say "thank you" to an organization that holds a special place in all of their hearts.
Read more about Team Courage
Related News
Team Durango to Take on Childhood Diseases with Ride in Courage Classic (The Durango Herald)
