Bubba's Memorial Ride on the Divide
My little brother, Noah Kirk Schriefer, affectionately called “Bubba” by his family, was such an amazing person. He was bitten by the wanderlust bug early. He spent so much of his life traveling around Canada and the world. Snowboarding his way through the BC Rocky mountains and surfing in Bali and Costa Rica, Noah lived life to its fullest.
Noah passed away in January 2021. His untimely death shocked his friends and family to their core.
Out of the heartbreak and tragedy, I have learned to honour Noah and his memory. To learn that he has not gone but lives on; in our memories, the sun glistening on the snow, and the wind rustling the trees.
The Tour Divide is the world’s longest off-road cycling route. It begins in Banff, Alberta, and ends in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. Across 4,418 kilometers and 60,940 metres of climbing on North America’s Continental Divide. It traverses mountaintops, valleys, desserts, and plains. Through Grizzly and Mountain Lion territory the unmarked route demands navigational acumen, strategic re-supply, and the discipline to pedal day after day for 12+ hours.
I can think of no better tribute to honour Noah’s memory than to embark on this adventure. I know that if I would have asked him to come, he would not have hesitated. As much as this ride is a part of my grief and healing, I want it to be a part of something bigger as well.
All net funds raised will go to the Chill Foundation. Chill is a positive youth development program where boardsports become a vehicle for empowerment. Revolving around a core value-driven curriculum, Chill programs consist of experiential learning activities, reflection, and discussion, paired with boardsport lessons. Chill’s six core values provide youth with a foundation and framework for learning and growth, supported and enhanced through on-board progression and adult mentorship. Chill removes all barriers to accessing boardsports by providing youth with everything they need to get after it, at absolutely no cost.
https://www.chill.org/
My goal is to complete this journey in 5 weeks, traveling 120 km per day.
The Grad Depart is the official start of the racing season, on June 21. I will spend this year training and fundraising and will begin this epic journey on June 21, 2022.
My fundraising goal is $5000. The trip will cost around $2000 including flights to and from the start and finish, supplies and some gear.