The hills were alive with the sound of spinning wheels as more than 200 cyclists and runners gathered for the 23rd annual Head for the Hills event, raising at least $103,000 for Eden Foundation, and that number is still growing.
"You try and get to their heartstrings," he said. "People give when they feel a need to give. I sent a lot of emails and got an unbelievable response. That encourages me." - Head For The Hills participant Johnathan Kleinsasser
A "Sea of Humanity" in support of mental health
Dave Sawatsky with Eden Foundation described the scene as a "sea of humanity" as trucks, trailers, and buses full of riders rolled into Cripple Creek despite a foggy and drizzly morning.
"It's really humbling to see the commitment and compassion that people have," Sawatsky said. "Some of those fundraisers, the totals they get, they are actively fundraising with their friends, their business contacts, their community, bringing in significant dollars."
Sawatsky said it is more than just fundraising. "Some of the people that are here have been helped, or their community members have been helped by Eden," he said. "That really triggered their commitment. We're just really thankful for them."
The man who started it all
One of those riders was James Friesen, who not only participated but also created the event 23 years ago while serving as CEO of Eden.
"When we started it, it was just a few friends saying bike riding is a great way to raise funds," Friesen said. "Now, the numbers have leveled off at well over 200 riders. It's kids, it's older people like myself, and everybody in between, it's a party on wheels."
This year was especially meaningful for Friesen as he rode alongside his children and grandchildren for the first time. "Alex is as young as five, and my oldest grandson is 17," he said. "It reminds me how old I am," he added with a laugh, "but the bike is a good thing. It's the most efficient machine ever built."
Friesen reflected on why the ride has endured for more than two decades. "Each person was carrying a story, either a personal one or a family member or somebody that's struggling with mental health issues," he said. "The ride became an ability to collect those stories and to realize why this was important. We're breaking down stigma here, and that's good."
I'm a Christian, so I love to help people. It's a good cause, they're helping a lot of people. The mental situations that are in this world today, it's getting crazier every day, and they need help." Head For The Hills participant Arnold Hofer
Jonathan's $14,975 ride
Among the many participants, 83-year-old Jonathan Kleinsasser from Crystal Spring Colony stood out, not only for his age but also for his fundraising total: $14,975, the highest individual amount raised this year.
"I just go every year. I enjoy going and I think it's a great purpose," Kleinsasser said. "I was encouraged by my mentor Pete McAdams, and then I encouraged a few other people from Crystal Spring."
For him, the reason to ride has not changed over the decades. "It's a great service they do," he said. "I like the Christian aspect. I like to help people that are less fortunate than I am. As long as the good Lord gives me health, I'm still biking when I can."
Kleinsasser admitted that biking gets harder every year. "They said the more you bike, the easier it gets," he joked. "Now that I'm getting old, I found that every year it's tougher. But as long as I can, I will. I expect to be here next year."
When it comes to fundraising, he keeps it simple. "You try and get to their heartstrings," he said. "People give when they feel a need to give. I sent a lot of emails and got an unbelievable response. That encourages me."
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Arnold chooses the harder road
Not far behind Jonathan in fundraising totals was Arnold Hofer of Silver Winds Colony, who chose a different approach this year. Instead of biking, he ran eight miles.
"I had surgery on my shoulder, so it's hard to keep that hand out on the bike," Hofer explained. "So I said, hey, I can do that short run."
Hofer has been exercising for more than 50 years and says he hasn't stopped since he took up jogging during the running craze decades ago. "Exercise just makes you feel so good," he said. "Your body feels so great when you move, and you walk, and you run, and you bike."
For Hofer, raising money for Eden is about living out his faith. "It's a Christian organization," he said. "I'm a Christian, so I love to help people. It's a good cause, they're helping a lot of people. The mental situations that are in this world today, it's getting crazier every day, and they need help."
Even with surgery and challenges, he said missing the event was never an option. "Exercise just makes you feel so good," he repeated. "Your body feels so great when you move. As long as I can move, I’ll be here."
More than just a ride
Both Kleinsasser and Hofer said the event is about much more than cycling. For them, it is about showing up, setting an example, and helping others.
"What you do to the least of us, you do unto me," Kleinsasser said, quoting Scripture from the morning prayer. "I really believe that."
Sawatsky said that attitude is what makes the event special. "It's a testament to the community that they recognize that mental health is a growing challenge and need," he said. "They see Eden as the place where some of those challenges can be dealt with. People can be put on a path to recovery, they can move towards healing."
And thanks to the riders, donors, and volunteers, that path to healing is over $103,000 stronger, and still climbing. Donations can still be made online to support the cause.