Bring It On

June 25, 2023

Meandering through the canyons, the rocky spires tower over me like statues of spirits past. Rain pummels my body, thunder booms over head and lightning snaps, punching the mountain tops all around me. To my right is the high canyon wall, to my left is the winding Snake river, the glorious body of water that has been accompanying me for hundreds of miles.

My body aches, but my mind is resolute. 

My name is Christopher Scarpelli Flanagan and I’ve embarked on a 2700+ mile trek across the American West in order to raise money and awareness for the Great American Buffalo, and the people that have depended on them for thousands of years. This icon of American resilience is slowly returning with the help of passionate people who dream BIG and work hard.

In so many ways cycling, with its circular and repetitive nature is a strong metaphor. A wandering buffalo. A defiant resistance to adversity. A rebellion against the norm. So many times I've been scoffed at, called crazy and other, more derogatory things.  “Last year you were on a motorcycle, now you’re on a bicycle, you’re really moving up in the world!” It is something they will never understand. It’s about making the journey difficult and earning the destination. Its proving to yourself, you can do it despite physical limitations. It’s being vulnerable and experiencing your surroundings, absorbing the atmosphere and being receptive to whatever may come. It’s an appreciation through suffering. I say, BRING IT ON.

Please give us 3 feet or more of space. Its tough out there. 🖤🦬🦬🦬🚴🏼‍♂️💨

Bikes and Buffalo Forever.