For the last three years, board members and friends have participated in the “Sweet Ride to Remember” to support Sweet Grace Ministries. Though each ride has been a symbol of the challenging road grieving parents travel, it is also meant to be a symbol of hope, as none of the rides are completed alone.
2017 The Mickelson Trail, South Dakota
In 2017, Joe Tice and Joshua Dortenzo rode 109 miles of the Mickelson Trail with the goal to fill 109 baskets. The summer heat and over 4,000′ of climbing took its toll on our riders, but they were supported generously throughout the ride, which was completed in 2 days. A little over $18,000 was raised in support of the families we love. By the generous support of of all who supported this ride, 120 families enduring stillbirth or neonatal death were able to receive comfort baskets.
2018 Great Allegheny Passage, PA/MD
In 2018, Joe Tice, Joshua Dortenzo, Jodie Harter, Lee Harter, Heather Brindle, and Buck Brindle rode 154 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. The team left Pittsburgh on a picturesque day, however battled through rain, mud, and fog for most of the trip. With every tough mile, the team was challenged to keep going. Many of the miles dragged on through downpours and chilly temperatures. Many people supported the team, and the team was determined to support the families that would endure the challenging road of infant loss.
2019 Pike’s Peak, Colorado
In 2019, Joe Tice and Joshua Dortenzo decided to ride the 14,115′ road of Pike’s Peak in Colorado. Through an intense and grueling ride, over $12,000 was raised. The mountain posed challenges foreign to the team, as the boys struggled with 24 miles of road, all uphill! They were exposed to intense sun, diminishing oxygen levels, extreme exhaustion, and unpredictable storms. (Ask them about the wildlife for an addition challenge!) Each mile brought them closer to the top, but also weighed heavy and pushed the limits of what they thought they could do. The support of many surrounded them and propelled them forward, little by little. Many parents of infant loss know the road ahead is steep, with moments that feel unbearable and impossible to get through. The team, in a small way was able to complete another ride that was a symbol of that journey.
A new challenge awaits our team in 2020…
24 Hours of Adirondacks
With a new twist, the team was challenged to address time. This summer, the team will travel to the Adirondacks and complete a 24 hour bike ride. The ride will cover 207 miles in a loop that will circumnavigate the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 States.
Click the link below to donate to the 24 Hours of Adirondacks!
*Make sure to note that your donation is in support of the ride*
