Ride Into the Light
In memory of Cory’s passion and drive in life, his friend and colleague Thomas Pitman organized Ride Into the Light – a cross-country memorial bike ride. Thomas started in Imperial Beach, California on January 1st, 2019 and finished February 5th, 2019 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Thomas’ 5 week adventure helped spread the message of the newly founded Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness (IFAA). The IFAA was founded by Cory’s widow Ashley Iverson with the goal of “bringing the darkness into the light” by implementing peer support and mental health programs within Emergency Response Departments. Learn more about the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness.
This is a nationwide issue facing many of our finest and bravest First Responders. Thomas’ goal was to raise $2,426 – one dollar for every mile ridden – to benefit the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness but with your amazing support he has far exceeded that. Thomas raised a total of $12,000 on his journey.
Read some of Thomas’ words upon completing his ride:
“WE DID IT!!!!!! Bringing the darkness into the light of PTSD awareness. $12,000 donated. 36 days. 2,481 miles. 75 miles per day average on riding days. Almost 12 MPH average speed. 56,099 feet of elevation gain. 23 fire departments visited. 9 states visited. 10 flat tires. 100+ snickers bars annihilated. Countless supporters, coincidences, and lives touched. And best of all, the honored memory and legacy of one of the greatest men to ever grace the fire service, Cory David Iverson. To quote Fort Minor, “This is ten percent luck, Twenty percent skill, Fifteen percent concentrated power of will, Five percent pleasure, Fifty percent pain, And a hundred percent reason to remember the name.” You were such a rad dude and I will carry your memory and legacy with me for the rest of my life. I love you, bro.
I hope that I have inspired each and every one of you in some way. You have every ability to make a change in your life. Small changes lead to big outcomes. Remember to be humble, patient, and kind. Gratitude goes a long way. Keep pushing in life. Find out what happens when you don’t give up. Test your limits and surpass them. Motivate yourself to inspire others. Find the beauty in the things around you. Plan for the future but live in the moment. Most importantly, believe in yourself. I am so proud of all of you. Now get out there and spread your wings.”
Thomas would like to extend his deepest thanks to all the donors and supporters including his fellow cyclists and his brothers and sisters in the fire service that opened their fire houses to him along his journey. Check out the entire story on facebook using #ifaaride and the photos below.
