3rd Annual Ride For Mo, May 10, 2025

“Ride For Mo” was extra special this year. The weather pushed everybody out of their comfort zone, which Moriah always felt was a beneficial thing to do. Life is not always sunny and cheery, but when we weather the storms together in community something special happens. I believe many of us felt it that day.

Our volunteers never waivered, riders showed up with smiles, laughter was in the air, and Caitlin Cash set the tone for the day with her talk about “karass” on heaven’s bench. Cash shared her written draft with me and I find it so worthy to take up most of this recap. I learned something new and precious about Moriah- that one of her favorite words was “karass”. Here’s how Cash explains it:

“Mo loved this idea of the karass, which is a term coined by Kurt Vonnegut in his novel Cat’s Cradle – it refers to a group of people who are unknowingly linked to fulfill some higher purpose. The purpose is not something that the group is typically fully aware of, but their actions contribute to a larger plan. I love thinking about this idea that people drift in and out of your life, some staying forever, and some only there for short stints. Each of these people have some purpose – something to teach you, perhaps to inspire you, to just bring you joy or make you laugh, or maybe to shift your perspective on something entirely. Some have a big impact on your life and you carry that with you, and some you hardly notice in passing. And most of the time, we probably are not even aware of the impact we are having on those around us. It’s like dropping a stone in a pond and watching the ripple effect play out over the surface of the water – sometimes just a smile or holding a door open or asking a stranger how their day is going can be all the difference in the world for that person. And then there are the people that we latch onto and keep really close to our hearts. I’m incredibly lucky to have Mo in my karass, to have Karen, Eric, and Matt in my karass, and to have each of you here today, in my karass. Mo was one of those people that was more akin to dropping a boulder into a pond – the ripple effect that she was starting to have in the cycling community was tangible. She was an inspiration for many – she was incredibly kind, whip smart, authentically herself, an insanely dedicated individual, quietly motivated and analytical, rooted in her family and her community, and wonderfully mischievous. There have been so many instances that Karen has shared with me where complete strangers reach out with notes or donate to the foundation because Mo made them feel something”.

“find time on and off the saddle to connect and get curious about the people around you. And pay attention to the people that come and go in your life, not just today, but every day. Think about how they fit into your karass and the why behind it. Learn from them. Be patient with them. Take time to talk about hard things and beautiful things and all the in between”.

Gathering on Heaven’s Bench.

And they’re off…

Moriah’s buddy Libby – all the way from CA in full smile mode.

Happy course crew Cate and Katie keeping Burke Hollow Crossing safe.

Ian Boswell helps with a mechanical while a happy rider enjoys some Skratch energy chews.

Cheers to riding in the rain.

Thanks to all our Aid Stations for feeding the riders! Kingdom Kids, Riverside School and Burke Mountain Academy.

Nothing like riding gravel in Vermont!

Brett Hughes and Friends brought sweet music to our ears.

So Much Love and Joy!

Viv holding the winning ticket for the Specialized Epic 8 Evo Expert Bike! The family with young kids that purchased the ticket, were wet and cold and had to head home, so Viv was entrusted to claim the bike “for Mama” if their number was chosen and it was!

The winning ticket actually belonged to Christin who coached Moriah at BMA in her early years and was also her advisor. Moriah really liked her and she is now the wife of John Dwyer, who coached Moriah on the Dartmouth ski team. Wow, how amazing this deep Karass goes.

Handmade Ride For Mo mug made by our friend Kate at Grayhill Made – for a limited time you can order them here. Part of the proceeds will go to the Moriah Wilson Foundation.