By Barry Byrd, RIDETZ rider
Today you get to meet Mr. Barry Byrd. He is quite the character, and we are excited for the humor and great energy he’ll bring to the trip. After first hearing about the ride he later admitted he just couldn’t get it out of his head, and he then expressed that his only concern about the ride was whether it would be challenging enough. He told us he didn’t want to “get bored.” Oh, Barry, trust us… there won’t be a dull moment!
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Southern California currently residing in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What do you do for work?
I start, invest in, and attempt to grow businesses. I do this with varying degrees of failure and success.
What do you like to do on your spare time?
Being outdoors with the family. We are avid skiers of both of the frozen and melted varieties. Spending winters in the Sierra Nevada and House-boating on Lake Powell in the summer are our two favorites.
Who is your inspiration in life?
My father who taught me the value of hard work but also showed me how to live and die with dignity and no regrets. A tall mountain to climb.
How did you hear about RIDETZ?
I met Meghann Gunderman at a social event and was immediately drawn to what she was doing. After a number of conversations and a meeting where I peppered her with questions for better then an hour, I was sold.
What inspired you to want to ride this June?
The work that TFFT is doing combined with a physical challenge was too tempting. I had to do it.
Are you celebrating any milestone with RIDETZ?
50th birthday
What is your favorite place to ride? (besides Tanzania that is)
Redlands California down the Santa Ana River Trail to the Pacific Ocean.
Sentimental Favorite: Riding from Ground Zero to the Pentagon on the second anniversary of 9/11 with disabled and able bodied athletes from 30 countries.
What kind of bike do you train on? Does it have a name?
I ride a 2010 Trek Madone 6.9
Her name is PAM (Pain Applied Manually)
Thanks, Barry! What a great way to ring in 50. We can’t wait to ride with you!
Sorry the blog has been light this week, we’ve been consumed with Annual Fund preparations… but they’re all signed, sealed, and (soon to be) delivered! We are hopeful about the success of this year’s campaign! We have a great Full Circle video coming your way tomorrow and another essay from Nancy coming on Monday.