They wanted me to give up...

Setbacks are never easy, that's why it's so important to have good people in your corner to help you get back on your feet.

What’s up, friends?

It's been just over five weeks since I took on the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, and nearly three months since I found myself unconscious, alone in the heart of the Idaho wilderness.

As you know, the journey back wasn’t easy - at times it was hard to remain optimistic, I even had doctors tell me Leadville wasn’t a good idea…

Who are you surrounded by?

If there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s that the people you surround yourself with are everything. I’m fortunate that the ones in my corner are exceptional. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support—friends reaching out, stopping by, and offering a helping hand throughout my recovery.

Their support became even more significant as I sat in meetings with medical professionals. Doctor after doctor recommended I stay off my bike for months, not weeks.

Looking back, it was the people in my corner who truly pushed me forward. They were the ones who kept me optimistic, always reminding me to see the glass half full. Even when the dream seemed crazy, they believed in it—and in me—keeping that hope alive when I needed it most.

Let this be a reminder to be intentional about the relationships in your life. Reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in a while. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you, lift them up when they’re down, and seek out opportunities to serve those around you. You never know when it’ll be you, needing someone to lend a hand.

“Bikes Change Lives and a Leadville Comeback Story With CJ Wiggins”…

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on The Bounce Forward Podcast, where we had a powerful conversation about my comeback from injury, overcoming mental health challenges, and the mission behind BikesChangeLives. We also explored some of my personal background and the deep passion that fuels this project. While the audio might be a bit rough, the conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Check out the link below to listen!

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Join the Ride with Bikes Change Lives!

Thank you for joining us on this journey toward better mental health through embracing challenges. We’re thrilled to have you as part of our community and hope you find inspiration in the stories and tips we share. If you enjoyed this issue, please spread the word to friends and family who might also benefit from our message.

Stay tuned for more stories, motivation, and practical advice in next week’s edition. If you’re new here and want to keep up with our updates, sign up [here] to receive future newsletters straight to your inbox. Together, let’s keep pushing boundaries and changing lives!