Riding to Honor
In honor of Memorial day, may we introduce Chris Kolenda.
Chris is a former Colonel who served from 1987 to 2011. He is an internationally respected leader, an author of 2 books, husband and father, and an entrepreneur with a warm heart and a kind demeanor. Chris came into Fox Point for the first time with an idea– he wanted to do something to honor the 6 paratroopers who were killed in action during his time in Afghanistan, now 15 years ago.
He wanted to pay respect by visiting the grave sites of his "Fallen Heros", and rather than drive, he had an idea to go by bike.
Asking Great Questions
The problem was, Chris didn’t really have a bike or really ride much for that matter, as it had been about 20 years since he'd been in the saddle.
Chris had his mind set. He asked a neighbor who pointed him to Wheel & Sprocket Fox Point to start the conversation. He got to talking with Jerry Cahak and the team, which proved to be a good place to start.
Chris became immersed in the culture, and sought out to learn everything he needed to accomplish this ride from the ground up.
The Right Tools
Training on an indoor trainer, getting road rides in, working with a coach, and spending time with the folks Wheel & Sprocket have all been critical elements in his preparation.
When it was finally time, Chris decided to upgrade his ride. Jerry helped Chris upgrade to a brand new Domane SL7, which will provide an amazingly smooth ride for the long days ahead.
Jerry Cahak manages the Fox Point store, but his passions lie also in custom paint jobs on bicycles. Because Jerry was so moved by Chris’ mission, he decided to go a step further.
Time to Ride!
To support Chris and to honor the Fallen Heroes, Jerry painted a gorgeous commemorative bike with the names of the men, as well as a matching helmet that make the ride all the more memorable.
With all the tools needed to do the ride, it is now a countdown until the ride with work to be done.
On Memorial day 2022 Chris will ride 100 miles and finish with a benefit at the War Memorial Center in Milwaukee. Read the article here
The Fallen Hero Ride will take place on September 25th, 2022
Chris will be riding to commemorate the following men from his troop:
Pfc Chris Pfeifer - Spalding, Nebraska, September 25, 2007
Sgt Adrian Hike - Carroll, Iowa, November 12, 2007
Spc Jacob Lowell - Elwood, Illinois, June 2, 2007
SSgt Ryan Fritsche - Hall, Indiana, July 27, 2007
Capt. Dave Boris - Minersville, Pennsylvania, November 12, 2007
Maj. Tom Bostick - Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, July 27, 2007
Want to contribute to this awesome cause?
