The 2010 team is coming together and it’s almost time to start training! We have a diverse group of riders this year – some veteran STP’ers riding alongside rookie cyclists. I think everyone is going to bring something different to the team and I’m really excited to share the experience with each and everyone of you!

For those of you who are not familiar with the history of Team Guts, it began in 2003. My younger brother, Daniel (“Danny” to most of you!) had just been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Crohn’s is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive or gastrointestinal tract. Essentially, the body’s immune system reacts incorrectly to bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract, sending white blood cells to fight off this bacteria, therefore causing inflammation.

It is also a condition that, unfortunately, not enough people are aware of. In an effort to increase awareness by even the smallest amount, my friend Katie and I decided to ride the STP to raise money and awareness for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA).

Upon our graduation from high school in 2005, our brothers Danny and Luke took over and increased the success of the team and the intensity of the riding.

The team continued with Danny and Luke from 2005 until 2008, when they rode the whole 200 miles in one day!

Who wants to go for a ride this Saturday (4/17)? Hopefully we won't end up lookin' like that!