596 lbs to 220 lbs - Help the Cole Brothers Race!

My name is Ross Cole Jr, and I write this as half the man I was at the beginning of the pandemic- literally.  On January 20th, 2020, I weighed in at 467 lbs.  Today I max out at a svelte 220 lbs, something I had previously never thought possible.  This journey began with two massive motivators- my health, which was declining with asthma and my morbid obesity, and a lifelong desire to compete in mountain bike racing.  For the vast majority of my life, the idea that I would be physically capable of competing in such a demanding sport felt like a joke. In the last year and a half I have conquered many of the greatest hurdles in making this dream a reality. I am now looking to open the next chapter in my life by training at a semi-professional level to compete in mountain and gravel bike races across the US alongside my brother, Tyler, who has been my biggest supporter throughout my weight loss.   We both intend to open our racing careers at the inaugural Rad gravel race in Trinidad, CO on October 2nd of this year.  Despite careful planning prior to my weight loss, the financial reality of the pandemic has taken its toll and given the cost of the sport, I’m once again facing a roadblock for attaining this dream.  The costs that go into supporting a rider are substantial and it is often difficult to balance without corporate sponsorships.  I am asking for your help to get this dream rolling!  I deeply appreciate any and all contributions, and they will go directly to the necessary equipment, competition fees, and health expenses that I face to attain this goal.  

Tyler and I will be sharing our journey via our blog at www.circlesondirt.com

Once we can get hold of a new GoPro, we will begin posting video updates of training rides, adventures, races, and fitness progress.