Silver Comet Trail Ride 2024
Written by Kevin Enners
In all my years cycling on The Silver Comet, I had never been there on a weekday. It was a surprisingly serene Thursday morning when we arrived to meet everyone. The parking lot wasn’t our usual spot near the Florence Road Trailhead, but rather the Publix shopping center near the Mavell Road Trailhead. At first, my dad and I glanced around reluctantly, unsure if this was where we were supposed to meet Kyle and Brent. Then, spotting the infamous KPF truck, I wiped the nervous sweat off my brow. I was glad to see board members Jason and Steve, Operations Manager Zach, and Volunteer Extraordinaire Mike. Then, I saw the film crew.
Jokingly, I said to Kyle, “You didn’t consult my PR manager on this.” Kyle laughed and explained they would be filming this ride as part of the Kona campaign.
I wasn’t planning on riding the full 94 miles, my dad and I hadn’t been training for a ride of this magnitude. We had an accord we wouldn’t ride beyond 30 miles. Equipped with two bottles – one filled with water, the other with an electrolyte-drink mix (shaken, not stirred) and no nutrition, we were not prepared for a much longer ride. After the introductions, group pictures were taken, the film crew did their thing, and we were off to the trailhead.
Cycling has always been about more than just the miles for me. My dad and I share a bond on the bike that has shaped our experiences. But it’s not just about family — it’s also about community — it’s about the people I ride alongside. On this particular ride, I found myself surrounded by teammates who believe in and support KPF’s mission. There’s something special about being part of a team where everyone has a shared purpose, a purpose far bigger than any individual. The Kona campaign isn’t just about endurance; it’s about raising one million dollars to create inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I have had the opportunity to highlight these very special individuals in recent KPF blogs.
With each pedal stroke, the trail seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very path was cheering us on. You could feel the energy of everyone involved, not just those of us riding, but the whole crew. By the time dad and I hit the forty-mile mark, something shifted. We threw caution to the wind and decided to push ourselves further than we’d planned. Neither of us had prepped for the long haul, but the momentum—and maybe a bit of stubborn determination—kept us going. We knew it would be tough, but once we made it that far, turning back wasn’t an option. We were surrounded by incredible people on a picture-perfect day. Why would we want to stop?
Knowing that this ride was contributing to something so impactful made every push, every hill, feel more meaningful. The team heading to Kona is not only challenging themselves physically but also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for so many others. Every pedal stroke felt like a step toward progress, a way of showing the world that inclusion and opportunity go hand in hand.
As we rolled into Anniston, exhausted but exhilarated from the 94-mile journey, we all met for pizza. Whether it was the quality of the pizza or simply the fact that I was famished after such a long ride, I devoured it like it was the best thing I had ever tasted. It was the perfect reward for the challenge we'd just conquered, and in that moment, nothing had ever tasted better.
This gave my dad and I the opportunity to get to know the other KPF cyclists a little more. On a prior ride at Columns Drive, I had the opportunity to meet a cool young cyclist named Nate. Nate signed up as part of the KPF Ambassador Team and is an awesome athlete.
That ride to Anniston reminded me of how far we can push ourselves when we set our minds to it. The Silver Comet Trail had tested us, but it also gave us a deep sense of fulfillment. Throughout my years of cycling, I have been fortunate to have my friends and family support me. Cycling was never about who was the fastest or who could ride the most miles. It was about learning about each other and myself. It was about exploring new trails. It opened up a world of possibilities for me, enabling me to go wherever I wanted. It was and still is, freedom.
Though this ride was just a microscopic training segment for the Pease Brothers’ return to Kona, I felt like I had contributed to helping show what’s possible when people come together.
