Some people run marathons. I like to hike mountains and ride motorcycles.

To date, I have trained for and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania twice, Machu Picchu in Peru 2 times and returning in May 2019 for a third time. In 2015 we planned to climb to the base camp of Mount Everest, but the day before our climb a major earthquake occurred. Thankfully, we were all okay. We went back to Nepal in 2018 to hike to the base camp of Everest and I have plans to go back in 2020.

The hikes on Mt Kilimanjaro and to Machu Picchu were some of the most physically and mentally demanding challenges that I’ve ever done. Yet these hikes were not about me and they are not just about setting personal goals. I completed these challenges because I know that there are children who face struggles every day. That’s an important thing to remember as you’re sitting in your tent on the side of a mountain with a blizzard raging outside. Every hike that I’ve completed has helped fund trips for Dreams Take Flight- a charity that gives children facing life challenges the opportunity to experience the magic of Disney. I found out about the charity through a co-worker years ago and fell in love with the organization and the fact that 100% volunteered based and all monies I raised would go directly to sending children to the most magical place on earth. Over the last 7 years, I have raised over $52,000.00 for Dreams Take Flight by hiking these mountains.

Even though these treks have tested my limits, it is nothing compared to what these children and their families face every day with mental, physical and social challenges. Seeing the struggle of others really puts things in perspective for me. I enjoy giving back. One of the reasons why I wanted to be part of this ride and at the same time help raise awareness about this amazing charity. For the past 6 years I have been doing my own small rides for Dreams Take Flight with my coworkers. In 2018 Denise Raymond, President of Dreams Take Flight approached me and asked if I would help them get a charity ride together, I didn’t hesitate. It has been a dream of mine for the charity to have an annual ride since I joined the charity 9 years ago.

There are so many people that are doing incredible things in and around our community, you never know it unless you talk to them. Help me raise awareness about Dreams Take Flight. See you on the road.

Thank you.
Sincerely your Ride Captain.
Jason Colley