2015

Dear Family and Friends,

In a few short weeks, I will be heading out to Colorado for the 2015 edition of the Colorado Cyclist Copper Triangle. In past years, this ride represented the culmination of a summer of training with Wild Bill. Those summers were filled with quality time and conversations on a tandem bike for the two of us. For Wild Bill, it was a chance to put Parkinson’s aside and ride a bike as if the terrible disease that took away his capability of balancing did not exist.

The Copper Triangle was a challenge that he could conquer, which gave him the utmost confidence. He often boasted for months following the rides saying, “I rode a bike for 80 miles in the mountains! What have you done?” This year I will have a new riding companions and supporters as we take on the Copper Triangle to raise funds for Wild Bill’s Warriors in memory of my father. Riding on the tandem with me will be my mom, Barb Halcott; riding next to us will be my wife, Jennie Halcott, and brother-in-law, Nate Rittenberry; cheering us on will be my sister, Brooke Rittenberry. Brooke had to pass on participating as she’s preparing for the arrival of the next generation this December – she’s pregnant! We are excited to continue the Copper Triangle tradition that began in 2006 as a family and raise funds in memory of Wild Bill.

W ild Bill’s W arriors, a 501 (c)3, is the vehicle we use to raise funds to support two organizations that made a positive difference in my father’s life. One of those organizations that helped my dad was the Davis Phinney Foundation, an organization that helps people living with Parkinson’s to live well today.

Another organization that made a positive impact on my dad in recent years and gave him a sense of purpose was the Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse. This organization puts Clubhouse standards into practice, through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body, where people with disabilities can focus their strengths, talents and abilities for the combined good of all members. My dad lit up every Tuesday and Thursday when he joined this group – a memory I’ll always cherish!

Last year, between the bike ride and other generous donations, Wild Bill’s Warriors raised close to $20,000. WOW! What an unbelievable number and a tru testament to the quality of friends we have in our lives. Thank you!

Life is once and it is wild, beautiful, incredible and precious all at the same time...thank you so much for your love, support and kindness during the past year. It’s meant the world to all of us.

Please visit www.wildbillswarriors.org to support this year’s ride. Funds will be directed to the Davis Phinney Foundation.

~BE WILD

501(c)3 www.wildbillswarriors.org