Richmond in the Fall

We arrived in Richmond for a two day break staying with my nephew Scott and family, visiting with a small group of challenged athletes , played golf , firepit family chats and a real recharging for the final approach to the Atlantic! Also watching in recuperative style our Padres win an important nail-biter from the Dodgers⚾️👍

Scott, Jessica, their boys , Rose and the dogs were super hospitable ( and friendly!) …thank you Steinour’s!! So good to be with family, balm for the soul and Jess surprised us with anniversary cupcakes! love family 😊❤️

Richmond CAF meet and greet was again amazing! Amy who heads up Sportables a wonderful Richmond organization that engages with people with disabilities to introduce them to different sports. A perfect fit with CAF as they help them find their passion and then guide them in getting the equipment to participate! Amy invited 4 fascinating young ladies to join us so we could hear their stories. Her daughter Hannah ( in picture below) is at school and competes in wheel chair basketball 🏀 and received a grant from CAF for a new chair!

Grace ( in picture above/ I’m wearing my new Sportable T-shirt👍) is a super positive , funny enthusiastic supporter of Sportables and loves CAF. She started out kayaking and is now cycling with Danica! They are big advocates or MS’ers ( as they called themselves) for their community. Strongly Encouraging other MS’ers to get out and find a sport to stay active. Danica is a one person force for good as you can’t help to be caught up in her effervescent personality and courage!!

Allison has had many health challenges yet she has emerged focused on helping the deaf community. She competes in wheel chair basketball but her passion for the hearing community is impressive. She is learning to sign and connected me with Jabron on video to convey a message about how important “interpreters” like Allison are to their well-being and opportunities to partipate in sports.

Always the highlight of our jounreny is meeting these wonderful, grateful and inspiring athletes. Their powerful stories on how they are mentoring others and paying it forward reminds us of how the impact of these grants cascades out to help many!

Many farms and fall decorations line the trails. There is a terrific 57 mile paved trail which we rode from Richmond to Williamsburg . The big bike in the picture is one Bill Walton left behind when he was riding through these parts! 🤣

Amy is enjoying Williamsburg today after riding 52 miles yesterday with me, I’m back on the road getting the miles in. After todays ride only 120 miles to go as we head to the Outer Banks of NC!