This September, as the scent of fall graces Colorado, Debbie Setlock and Sue Bolton are gearing up for a 50-mile bike ride with another chapter of “Cycle to Serve” — an initiative with the Longmont Rotary Club to raise funds for “Rise Against Suicide.”
Last year, they joined forces with the Denver Century Ride and were able to raise $2,000, which was generously donated to the Veterans Community Project.
With the same enthusiasm and passion, Setlock and Bolton — who are long-time Longmont Rotary Club members — embarked on this challenging yet rewarding 25-mile journey last year. This year, they're back, aiming to ride 50 miles and inspire others with their dedication.
"Because our club values revolve a lot around fellowship, so if we can engage in some physical activity that's within the range and interest of our club members, that could spur them on a little bit more to sign up,” Setlock said, who's been a Rotarian for about 27 years.
This year, their drive and purpose are even stronger. The club has its heart set on raising funds for “Rise Against Suicide.” The choice was inspired by Rotary International President Gordon MacInally's personal mission — mission rooted in personal pain, as MacInally's own brother tragically took his own life.
"We also had a presentation by the Highlands Ranch Rotary group, and they have made mental health and suicide prevention among youth a really big focus of their work,” Bolton said, who's been a Rotarian for about 20 years.
Bolton shared the alarming reality that Colorado has a high number of young individuals who commit suicide compared to other states. Bolton applauds the efforts of the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch, which is focused on funding a fellow at the Children's Hospital dedicated to mental health, a position that hasn't existed in the past.
For the month of September, the Longmont Rotary Club has designed a month-long series of events blending fun, fitness and the fervor of philanthropy. From walkathons around McIntosh Lake to scenic bicycle rides across Denver, each event is more than just an activity — it's a step, or a pedal push, towards creating a support system for at-risk youth.
"I do want more people to come. They don't have to be Rotarians. They could just be a family member, a grandson, a daughter, etc. If you're willing to put the money down to participate in the Denver ride on September 23, that would be great,” Setlock said. "I'm inspired by Susan in a lot of other rides. She's older than me, and she just knocks it out. She's certainly done more than 50 miles on some of the other rides that she's done for causes."
The first notable events in September are the walk around McIntosh at 8 a.m. on September 9 and a local bike ride on September 13 where cyclists will gather at 6:30 p.m. at The St.Vrain Greenway Bridge for a seven-mile ride, taking a pause at the scenic Sandstone Visitor Center for refreshments. On September 23rd is the ride with the Denver Century Ride, offering participants a range of distances from 25 to 100 miles. Wrapping up the month's activities, there will be another local cycling event on Saturday, September 30th, commencing at 8 a.m.
