A Choice to Ride for Those Who Had No Choice
When Brian Colon crosses the finish line of the Century Ride on Aug. 2, he’ll be celebrating many more miles than the 100 he hopes to complete that day.
93,000 miles, to be exact—an achievement that represents a decade of Colon traveling solely on two wheels. In 2015, Colon began biking as an alternative to taking multiple buses to work. The mileage started adding up and Colon hasn’t looked back.
From now until Aug. 2, hitting his goal requires Colon to bike about 33 miles each day, which he said isn’t as difficult as it sounds. He commutes by bike in most weather conditions as long as it’s safe. If it’s too icy or dangerously cold outside, he gets the miles in on his Peloton.
Colon said his car-free lifestyle allows him to notice things that he might miss if he were driving, like a local coffee shop or a family of deer along the Oak Leaf Trail. Experiencing his surroundings this way has enabled him to create stronger connections within his community.
“I’ll stop somewhere halfway through a ride and get to know the owners, develop a relationship. And then when it comes time to ask for support, I’m not a stranger, I’m a regular,” he said. Colon is also building relationships virtually; he’s recruiting potential teammates on Peloton who can encourage each other from afar before they meet at the ride. Fellow Peloton riders can join him by following #AudaxityRide2026 on the platform.
The main reason Colon rides in Audaxity? Its mission to end cancer is close to his heart. He’s riding in honor of two friends who passed away: Michelle Davailla, who he met through another bike ride, and John Wolfe, a former member of his parish.
Whether or not Colon hits his goal, he knows his efforts don’t compare to those of his friends who fought cancer or the researchers who work every day to end it.
“I ride for my friends, and I ride for anyone suffering from cancer, because it’s a horrible disease. The cancer research happening here is hopefully going to someday find a cure. Could you imagine if the cure for cancer were discovered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin?”
Join Colon on his 100-mile ride or choose another adventure for yourself on Aug. 2.
