What Organizing a Bike Event Taught Me About Support, Trust, and Letting Go

On the weekend of September 27–28, I had the privilege of hosting the second annual Grey Ghost Pursuit—a two-day bike event that brought together 75 riders and volunteers for adventure, challenge, and connection in my mountain town, Rossland, BC.

What started as a personal project—a way for me to stay connected to a sport that I’m sidelined from participating in as an athlete—has grown into something deeper and more meaningful. It’s become about supporting and empowering others.

Organizing this event has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve had to learn to let go—of the things I can’t control (like permits, weather, and registration numbers) and my tendency to try to do everything myself. This year, I relied more than ever on an incredible team of volunteers and staff who took on tasks like social media, on-course logistics, and event execution. They allowed me to do something I couldn’t last year: be fully present.

Last year, the weekend flew by in a blur. I was so focused on logistics that I barely stopped to take in what I had built. This year was different. I slowed down enough to notice the laughter at aid stations, the encouragement between riders, the moments of joy when someone rolled across the finish line, and the gratitude expressed by many participants for organizing this event. I can’t describe how meaningful that felt. For two days, I got to witness the impact of something I’ve grown from scratch—and it filled me with pride.

One of my biggest sources of pride came from hearing about riders stopping mid-race to help others fix flat tires. That spirit of support and friendship is exactly what this event is about. I’m also deeply proud to see how this event continues to evolve—this year, a participant helped make it more inclusive by encouraging me to add a non-binary category. 

And then there was the story of two sisters—twenty years apart—who rode together. The older sister has been riding for years, while the younger has only recently started cycling, inspired by her sibling’s pursuit of adventure. For her, completing the Grey Ghost Pursuit was more than a race—it was proof that she could take on something that scared her, train for it, and finish strong. Seeing her after she crossed the finish line, exhausted and teary-eyed, was a beautiful reminder of what this weekend is about: the quiet pride that comes from doing something you weren’t sure you could.

I’ll admit—there were moments I wasn’t sure I could pull this event off either. There were waves of doubt and insecurity. But somewhere between those dips of uncertainty and the small wins along the way, I learned to trust myself more deeply. To let the imperfections be part of it. To keep showing up, even when I wasn’t sure how it would all turn out. To trust that it would all work out.

It’s been a journey of learning patience, letting go of perfection, and embracing what it means to support others. I’m incredibly proud of what this event has become and grateful for everyone who has helped shape it. Together, we’ve created something that challenges, connects, and celebrates the best of what community can be.

As I reflect on all that this experience has taught me about trust, support, and courage, I find myself wondering:

Where in your own life are you being invited to trust yourself a little more—or to let others support you as you take on something that scares you?