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Conley’s 15th Cycle To The Sea Written By Jacob Conley. Photos Contributed.
2024 marks my 15th Cycle To The muscles and popped blisters worth Sea (CTTS). Back in 2010 when I it. started this journey, I never thought CTTS is a big family and we get to the allure of the road would still be celebrate a family reunion every year this strong. For those who don’t know, and it’s not that dissimilar to the family each year, I, and other disabled reunions you are used to. We have hand-cyclists, join with a group of plenty of food, fun and fellowship on able-bodied bicycle riders and other our journey as we celebrate what volunteers for the annual Cycle To we can accomplish together. We The Sea. CTTS is an 180 mile trek even have a crazy uncle (Chef Jeff) from Charlotte to North Myrtle Beach who does all the cooking and keeps that we make peddling with just our things interesting. arms. We travel 60 miles a day for Each rider has their own story as three days to raise awareness and to why they participate in CTTS. funds for the Adaptive Sports and I am on a team with three ableAdventures Program (ASAP). bodied riders, Steve Gilbert of ASAP is a wonderful program that Ellenboro, Dr. Shea Stuart of Shelby provides disabled youths and adults and Aaron Harper of Weddington. the opportunity to participate in a Collectively, our team is known as wide variety of sports at little or no the Rollin’ Raptors because we all cost to them. Some of those activities like the Jurassic Park books and Steve Gilbert has ridden with include, cycling, quad rugby, tennis, movies. I like a challenge and want water skiing and archery, just to to prove to myself and others every Jacob for about five or six years and name a few. Participating with ASAP year that I can still pedal 180 miles. the recent Cycle to the Sea marked gives me a sense of purpose and Aaron Harper says, “I have had the his third trip to the coast. Gilbert said he is blessed to be accomplishment. In short, ASAP pleasure of supporting the ASAP focuses on a person’s abilities program for over 10 years. I never able to ride with Jacob and observe instead of their disabilities. thought I would need their services, so many obstacles Jacob has overcome to continue Like the trip to riding. Myrtle Beach itself, “We take so much the past 15 years for granted,” Gilbert have been filled with said. “I am blessed to ups, downs, peaks be friends with Jacob.” and valleys. My first Gilbert said the year riding in 2010, experience has changed nothing has ever his life, realizing how topped crossing that much everyone takes finish line. It was an for granted has made indescribable feeling him a better person. Support Teams riding with the hand cyclists. that made all the sore
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Jacob’s family who greeted him on his arrival at the beach. Left to right: Jacob, sister-in-law Kim; brother, Joe and nephew Kaison.
Jacob with his support team including Steve Gilbert (right) of Ellenboro who has joined Jacob on several trips.
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Jacob Conley on his 15th Cycle to the Sea.
but that changed with my most recent spinal surgery. My surgeon knew how much I love cycling and prescribed specific therapy to get me back on the road. After months of rehab, I was able to join my CTTS family for this adventure. We get to encourage and motivate each other for 180 miles and then share stories of our time on the road.” According to Dr. Stuart, “I get to spend three days on a bike with fantastic people and raise money for a wonderful and transformative organization. Every year is like a family reunion.” CTTS lost a member of the family in 2013. Jimmy Melton of Rutherford County, passed away following CTTS that year. That was one of the deepest valleys I have ever been though. It was difficult to get back on the bike after that, but each year I ride in his memory and I feel as if he is riding right next to me. After completing my 15th CTTS, I am the second most veteran rider on the trip behind Greg Taylor who just completed his 20th ride. Next year will be the 25th annual Cycle To The Sea and I hope to be back on the bike and better than ever, continuing to ride, raise funds and make memories with my CTTS Family.