In Memory of Departed Friends.
Most of my rides have benefitted global and local charities, but relationships truly are what matter most, and recent rides have reflected that truth. In 2020, Tour de Roundabouts was dedicated to my dear- and fellow bonkers (watch the video)- college friend, Kevin, who had just survived Covid. In 2022 after my mom passed, it took 21 hours to spell “I love (heart) Mom”.
And last year, with buddies Kurt and Jason, we completed a century (100 mile) ride in the shape of “100” for ALS research, in honor of my former boss and mentor, Rick Huibregtse, as he fought ALS. As I write this in September 2026, I think of Rick as he recently passed away from that awful disease.
2026 brings an especially personal ride. The last weekend in September, I travel home to Raleigh, NC to join my high school classmates for our 40th reunion. But not everyone will be there. Paul McEnroe passed away in a tragic accident our freshman year. I still think of Paul, sitting behind me in Dr. Kloe’s Spanish class.
I’ve traveled to Spain several times, meeting up with Juan Bosco, another departed classmate. Juan and I even hatched a plan for a class reunion in the south of Spain that sadly never happened.
That long ago Spanish class with Paul will be on my mind as I keep both his memory and those early language lessons alive. Paul was an athlete and soccer player, and this verse from Hebrews 12 was on his funeral card. It is one I think of often, especially during long hours on the bike, keeping focused on the goal.
“let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, fixing our eyes on Christ.”
These photos bring back so many memories, such as keeping Paul’s seat empty for the rest of the school year in his memory. It fills me with sadness for his loss and the life he missed out on. Yet that sadness also fills me with resolve. When I’m riding at 3am and the body desperately wants to stop, those memories will remain sharp. That sadness will serve as fuel to run the race with perseverance.
For Raleigh-ites, the ride includes many notable sites, including the new home of our high school, churches including the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral on the former site of our high school, NC State University including Koch Hall (named for Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch), historic Raleigh neighborhoods, many segments of the Raleigh area trail system, downtown Raleigh and the State Capitol, and many more. Check Instagram (link below) for photos along the way.
Before I get to the logistics- every ride is about more than big challenges or even helping others. I hope that in some small way, this challenge will inspire others. Riding 200 miles or more seems insurmountable. It’s not a question of “can I” but rather “will I”? We all have it in us. It seems simple but it’s true- all that’s required is to “just keep pedaling”. We all face challenges in life, we all get fatigued, and we all face times of doubt. But I truly, truly believe- every single one of us is capable of more than we realize. Set your dreams high- whatever they are. Then make them happen. If you’re contemplating a challenge of your own- no matter what it might be- please share. I love hearing stories of perseverance and accomplishing big goals!
Laps of Raleigh to support the Paul V. McEnroe Scholarship at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC.
Planned route via RidewithGPS:
GPS Tracker meet up or track my progress during the ride: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/5C0P
For my classmates and friends- please come out and ride along for a few miles or heckle me to ride faster. Your choice!
Help keep Paul’s memory and legacy alive by supporting his scholarship fund: https://igfn.us/form/37JNxQ
Creative ways to support: make a pledge per mile to motivate me to ride as far as possible or sponsor a location along the way (any amount is gratefully accepted) and I’ll send you a picture as I pass by.
The ride starts around 7am from the Crabtree area. I will ride well into (and possibly through) the night, with a total goal of 250 miles.
The Paul V. McEnroe, Jr. Scholarship:
Established in May 1983, the Paul V. McEnroe, Jr. Scholarship is the longest-established scholarship at Cardinal Gibbons. Each year, it provides tuition assistance to a student of demonstrated need, carrying them forward in their Gibbons education while carrying forward Paul’s legacy. Though Paul’s time at Gibbons was cut short, the impact he made on his classmates and the school community has endured for more than four decades. His friends, classmates, and family have continued to honor his memory through their generosity, ensuring that Paul’s legacy lives on in the lives of the students who receive this scholarship.
Dozens of students have been supported on their four-year Gibbons journey through this endowment—a lasting testament to a young man who was deeply loved and whose presence continues to make a difference.
