I always say at the end of the Agony Ride, “Never again.” And yet—here I am, gearing up for my fifth year in a row. Each year brings its own challenges, but also its own rewards, and somehow the experience keeps calling me back.
It’s hard to put into words what the Agony Ride truly means. Watching the Ranch staff, volunteers, sponsors, and especially the young adults come together with such unity and purpose is deeply moving. Their presence and encouragement are what keep me pedaling through the pain and fatigue.
Seeing the young adults—many of whom have faced incredible challenges—witness the dedication of riders and saggers (the real heroes!) is powerful. They realize that every mile, every hour, every ache is for them. That realization is what transforms this ride into something far greater than just a physical challenge.
What makes this fifth year especially meaningful is the community that has grown along the way. People who once were strangers have become trusted friends, teammates, and partners in this mission. Together, we’ve built something lasting—united by a shared purpose and a desire to use the gifts God has given us to reflect Christ’s love. Not just to the students at the Ranch, but to everyone who witnesses this incredible journey.
So yes, I’m riding again. And I’m honored to be part of something so much bigger than myself.
| Ted's Recent Events |
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Ted: thank you mother
We're behind you all the way! Go, go, go!! May God bless you lots and lots!!
Ted: thank you Westfahls!
Good talk. See ya out there.
Ted: this good talk guy
I don't want you to beat my mileage max unless I'm there with you! :D
Ted: you have to ride for that to happen.
Great job Ted
Ted: thanks man
Way to go Ted! Cheering you on from my couch but will be there in spirit!
Ted: haha wanna trade spots?
Good luck, Ted! Beth B. :)
Ted: thanks Beth!
Ted: thank you Tim!
TED, JUST KEEP PEDALING. "Life is like a 10-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use." - Charles M. Schultz. When times are tough out there, remember "Cycling is meditation in motion."
Ted: love the motivation!
Good Luck Ted!
Ted: I’ll need it!
This is great Ted!!
Ted: thanks Lenore!
Make sure to carbo-load with fettuccine alfredo.
Ted: Michael Scott would be proud
I looked at the CER ministry and love what they're doing with struggling youth. Rest up and knock it out of the park Ted!
Rooting for you! Good luck!
I always knew you were a bit off...but so very glad you are taking this on again! I'll be praying for you.
Five is a good number, Ted. Ten is an even better number. Thanks for riding!
So proud of you for helping to financially support and personally give your time AND SWEAT for this great cause. May the ride be your best ever and may the interactions during the ride be Heavenly arranged for you to encourage others and others to encourage you👏🏻🙏🏻
No falling, no slipping, & no slacking off. Stay strong, and determined, not even a cough. When the Agony Ride is over & your goal was achieved, resting on Monday should be a sweet breeze.! I know you can do this, ride like the wind. Mike says, don’t give up you only have 300 more miles to make that goal!
I am frankly shocked that no one accused me of pushing you and making you fall last year. 339 > 300 🦵🏼💪🏼
Ted: 342> 339 💪🏻
Every turn of your pedals is a testament to your strength, your will, and your purpose. This ride isn’t just about distance or time—it’s about pushing past limits, embracing the pain, and discovering the power that lives within you. When your legs burn and your mind wavers, remember why you started. You are not just riding—you are writing a story of endurance, courage, and unwavering determination for a tremendous cause. Keep going. The road may be long, but so is your spirit! :-) Be careful out there Ted!
Good luck Ted. Will be sending you prayers and encouragement your way today.
Keep going Ted!!
Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Ted: thank you!
Amazing performance. You did GREAT! Congratulations on a successful ride!
Ted: thanks!!😊
GG
Ted: …
Wow, Ted!! You just keep going and going!!!
Ted: thankfully they stop you at 24 hours
Go Ted!!!!!!
Ted: where are you?
Woo-hoo, Ted! 300!! Great riding!! So proud of you and thankful for answered prayers!
Ted: 🩷
Almost there. Keep it up.
Ted: new phone who dis
The leaderboard this year is tough-better keep peddling! You could do 300 all beat up so no excuses!
Ted: where are you?
Praying for you as you finish the race Ted. May you have a deep sense of God's sustaining hand in over this final hour and half!
Ted: 🩷
Watching the clock you are on n your way to making 300 , just 12 miles to go! Keep it up!!!
Ted: 🩷
Great job. Keep up the good work. Grandma and I have been praying for you.
Ted: 🩷
Go man go! You got this Ted!
Ted: thanks!
You've got a new wind! You've got this! Keep on keeping on. The pedals on the bike go 'round and 'round!! 😃
Ted: yes the wind that’s constantly changing into my face 🤣
I hope you’re ready for Jonathan to be checking on you in the middle of the night at the family reunion next year to make up for his failure to do so last night
Ted: 🙄
Personal record on money raised? Check. Record mileage???? Sure, you've got it!
Ted: when you say these things they don’t happen
Under 50 to go. Don’t let dad show you up
Ted: … bruh
Is this a bad time to ask you when we're going to ride Pikes Peak together this year? Show those Californians what a Coloradan is capable of.
Ted: after my butt heals. you know how that is.
Man you got this! This is a trek of all treks. Keep it up Ted. I am in awe of you.
Ted: 😊 🩷
Woo-hoo! Way to persevere! Keep on, keep going! God is riding with you!!
Ted: thank you!
Peddle slower than grandpa! Have a nice bike ride.
Ted: you wanna fight me?
228 mile!!! Way to go!!! I’m so proud of you.
Ted: screen shot and framing
You are killing it! #goalzzz
Ted: 😂🙃
2/3 of the time behind you and more than 2/3 of your goal reached! Praise to Jesus. Look to Him for power and endurance to go on. He is mighty and you are in His care. Thank you for riding!
Ted: 🩷🩷🩷
100 or so more to go. Keep it up
Ted: bro are you in witness protection?
Wow! Ted! You are amazing! Keep up the great job! We're so thankful for all your hard work! 😄
Ted: thank you for all the messages and support!
Don't stop when you are tired, stop when you are done. You've got this!
Ted: Santa
You should have borrowed Uncle Ray’s electric bike!! Praying for you.
Ted: that’s no fun. wouldn’t be an agony ride
Pssst. I heard you get a sticker if you make it to 300 miles. Keep your eyes on the prize.
Ted: fun fact. I passed on said sticker. I already have too many laying around 🤣
Wow Ted! This is your fifth Agony! THANK YOU!! Thank you for the pain and sacrifice today and all the days before and after! Please know I respect you lots for this and for the motivation behind it. You know that it’s making a big eternal difference to a lot of people. Keep peddling! P.S. Thanks for spreading the zeal to your dad, too!
Ted: 🩷🩷🩷
Glutton for punishment- but an admirable glutton. Quite impressive.
Ted: someday I’ll see you there
I found two quarters in my couch and decided to support you, but apparently this is a per mile kinda thing? Oh. Oh dear.
Ted: I’ll remember that next time you ask for money 🤣
This is my attempt at a rhyme before we go to bed. Hope you like it. You’re sweaty and stinky, and wanting to quit, but we know you have the grit. The sun has stopped shining and it’s getting dark. The night air is cooling, igniting a spark. Suck it up - there’s no time to park. You got this Ted - 350 is your mark! We will check in, in the morning. Stay vigilant and safe.
Ted: 🤣😂
100+ keep it up.
2/3 to go plus. You are cookin’. Keep it up !
Please be careful and don’t crash this time. Love you.
Ted: seems to be the theme🤣
Wow! Almost 100! You are doing great!!!
Ted: thanks!!!
If it makes you feel any better, Jonathan will be up all night obsessively checking the results on your page so even though he isn’t there/riding, he’ll still be exhausted.
Ted: so stalking. interesting 🧐
1/4 of the time done. Keep it up and don’t fall
Ted: bruh
Couple of hours in and wondering how you are doing.? We are all sending you strong good vibes. Mike says take Monday off. 🤣 LOL. We know you can get this done.
Ted: 🤣
23 more hours
Ted: 😒
Wow Ted, I just read your blurb on why you are riding. Didn't know you could write things like that. Hopefully you ride as well as you write!
Ted: Copilot helped me with that.
We're behind you all the way! You've got this!! Praying for you!
Ted: 🩷thanks
I love you and am so proud of you. Thanks for all the help you have given Dad so he can ride successfully too.
Ted: new bike?
Five years? In a row? Nice work. Thanks for giving of your time this way.
Ted: This is? All your? Fault. Thanks for making the phone call and for this amazing app. Even if there is a nefarious button on it.
4 rides, 1,259 miles ridden, $18,135.63 raised
2024: 300 miles, $5,073.50 raised
2023: 337 miles, $4,888.08 raised
2022: 342 miles, $4,803.05 raised
2021: 280 miles, $3,371.00 raised