Brian's Ride - A Photography Bike Tour Down Route 66

I first met Erik Mathy at the Sea Otter Classic in 2010. Erik had a Fargo, set up singlespeed, and was in the midst of advance preparations for taking on the Tour Divide Race in the summer of 2011.

Erik was then, and continues to be now, a man on a mission: He is waging war against cancer.

Like many of us, if not most of us, he has lost numerous family members, friends, and acquaintances to the disease.

He has responded by cultivating numerous projects, fundraisers, and efforts to bring attention to his cause; the fight against cancer.

2011 was not going to be Erik’s first experience on the Tour Divide route. He had in fact ridden the route by motorcycle in 2006, I believe setting a moto course record in the process.

But 2011 did not go as planned for Erik on his singlespeed Fargo on the Divide route. I don’t know all the reasons, nor does anyone but Erik, but he quit out. I must say that I was disappointed for him. Taking on such a personal challenge is never easy, and the fact that he’d publicized his goal, brought attention to his mission…and then stopped…how could that be anything but disappointing? In his words, “That f———thing still haunts me.”

Last year Erik contacted us again with an idea for another ride. It involves a touring bike (in this case, a Salsa Marrakesh we’ve provided), camera gear along with a passionate photographer’s eye, and the memory of a loved one loss.

It is better that I let Erik explain, so I encourage you to watch the video below. If Erik’s goal touches your heart and inspires you, I ask that you consider donating to his cause.

To make a donation, please click here…

Erik, we wish you a successful ride. Fight the good fight. Some days will feel like coasting and others will feel like a battle. Spin to win. Turn the crankset over one more time. Inch by inch, frame by frame, you will reach your bicycling and photographic goal…and in the process you will win one more battle against the bigger foe. Best of luck to you from all of us here at Salsa.