What’s the story and the motivations behind OpiCure?

OpiCure Foundation was born from a desire to make a difference in the lives of those who struggle with opioid addiction. My first job as a registered nurse was on the acute drug and alcohol detox unit at the University of Utah hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

During that time we also had learned that our cousin Matt was struggling with a heroin addiction. Working in the field and seeing first hand how this epidemic showed no stigma to who it took hold of was terrifying. Hearing how hard of a struggle it was for our cousin Matt was equally unsettling. We ultimately received the news so many have unfortunately received that our cousin Matt had passed away to a heroin overdose.

It was at this time while out to dinner one cold night in Salt Lake City, that Griffin and myself decided to create something that would raise awareness and make a difference. We didn’t know how we would accomplish this but we knew we needed to step up and do something. Looking back, it was obvious right from the beginning that the bicycle would be the answer.

At the time Griffin and myself had been racing for over 7 years as professional road cyclists and during that time the bicycle had connected us to so many cultures, people, and positive experiences. The solution was a no brainer. We would utilize the bicycle as a tool to assist those in recovery from opioid use disorder. The bicycle would in essence be a healthy outlet for the individuals in recovery to connect with community, explore the outdoors and stay healthy.

The rest is history. We have since trialed many different approaches and ultimately what we have learned is that the bicycle works. We also learned that the gravel event space is incredible and extremely supportive of our efforts. We are confident that if we keep at this we can save lives. Because at the end of the day, every person still alive who struggles has a chance to be saved and live a life free from the grips of addiction.

How can cycling help those struggling with opioid addiction in their recovery process?

The bicycle is a beautiful. It has been around for generations and been the source of happiness for countless individuals. We believe so strongly in the bicycle. We decided to keep it simple and go back to the basics. When you were a kid growing up, the bicycle was your first form or freedom. This was a time free from addiction.

This positive memory helps us when we reintroduce the bicycle back into the lives of individuals struggling with addiction. We establish this positive memory and experience with community engagement and gravel events to achieve our goals. We assist the individual with setting goals and how to accomplish those goals. We accomplish all of this with the support of the gravel/cycling community. If you stick with our program and trust in the bicycle we are confident you will have an effective tool in your tool box to help you stay healthy and free from addiction.

Would you share a message with those who may read this and are in this situation?

We see you. We know that your are going through the fight of your life right now and success might feel far from reach. Just know that if you are reading this there is still hope. You still have a chance. You are not forgotten.

There is a version of you that is riding in the vast open planes, miles of open gravel roads with green rolling hills in the distance and the sun on your face. You might even surprise yourself and feel a smile that you alone know is from deep within because you are free and living healthy. We are here for you. You got this.

This year Team OpiCure Foundation will be present in Badlands, among them you the founders, could you speak about your expectations?

This year we’re incredibly honored to have been invited to participate in Badlands. This event has rich history and explores the beautiful landscapes of Granada and Almería, Spain. This year and event is especially special for OpiCure Foundation because we will be using this Badlands challenge as a way to raise money for our new awareness project.

We feel that there is immense power in story telling. We believe the best way to learn about the problem is to hear first hand experiences. Our goal is to highlight individuals who have struggled with opiate addiction and tell their stories. We want the world to hear these stories to remind these individuals that they are not forgotten.

We strive to break the stigma of addiction. While at Badlands Griffin and myself will be actively raising money during our efforts. Live donations will be raised to gift a bicycle to this individual so that they may embark on their own journey.

Lastly, how can get involved those who want to support the Foundation?

Please join us on Instagram at @opicurefoundation, where we share all of our updates and information. Keep an eye out for our donation page when Badlands kicks off, your support will directly help us gift a bicycle to our individual in recovery program. This mission will take a village and we hope you’ll join us in our effort to help save lives.