Well, I'm doing the thing! While the Agony has been something I've wanted to ride in for the last 15 years (since I worked at the ranch in 2011-2012), I kind of thought that God had forgotten about my little crazy dream. Turns out, he didn't! My prayer had always been, "Listen, if you want me to do this, you're gonna have to come up with all the equipment and make sure everything is set for me in California because we both know (talking to the Lord here), that dropping hundreds on equipment and shipping it across the country from Michigan isn't in the cards." This year, it seems as though God said, "Okay girl, let's go." In April of this year, I received a text message from my long-time mentor and friend, Mike Petrillo where he said "Hey there! Crazy idea, but would you want to ride in the Agony? I was contacted by a friend who is no longer riding and wants to donate her bike and equipment to someone who would ride in the Agony. You came to mind. Crazy thought, but worth thinking and praying about if it's something you'd like to do." (Insert jaw drop here). After thinking, praying and thinking some more, I couldn't say no. It just seemed too obvious to ignore. So, off we go! Not only is there a road bike with all the fixin's ready and waiting for me in California, but Mike connected me with Keri and we have been encouraging each other and creating a sweet friendship for the last couple of months. She also shipped me a box of her things to get me started with training. What a total blessing and GAME CHANGER. Things I didn't even know I needed (padded shorts are saving my life right now). I am not a cyclist, historically I have been a runner, so this is completely out of my realm! A helmet, chamois, clipless shoes (that just so happen to be my same size, should I be surprised?), gloves, camelbak, riding pants, etc. I cried opening her sweet note and package that contained everything I needed to be covered from head to toe. What a blessing. So, that being said, training has been....tough! Cycling is no joke y'all. But knowing that what I'm doing is going to impact lives and families for generations is totally worth it. I've seen how God uses the ranch to change lives. Heck, I live to tell my own tales. So I keep getting on my little mountain bike and hitting our hilly gravel trails as much as I can to train knowing that it matters. What we do and how we show up and support really matters. I only hope to inspire others. To show my daughters that doing hard things for the good of others is what we're called to do as humans who love Jesus. Thank you for supporting me as I support the mission. I know that the Agony is bigger than all of us and I'm stepping full throttle into something that is going to change my life. If I'm honest, it already has. Thank you for being a part of it, couldn't do it without you. -Nicole
Your support means so much and will get me through each stroke of the pedal!
| Nicole's Recent Events |
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First Agony Ride! Great to have you ! Thanks for supporting the Ranch in this special way. God bless you every mile!
You are my hero!! Go get it!
Weeeee!
Go Girl!! God's blessings!!!
I love you so much. I love your heart that is always choosing to serve your faith and those in need. However, I chose by the mile so please stop after like 5 miles. Thanks.
My dearest friend. What an incredible thing this is. God has been in this and with you all along the way and will be with you every mile. I love you so very much!
I am SO excited to support you, Nicole! Love you so so much!
GIRL!! I cant even begin to imagine how hard this is. And as much of a ride or die girlie I am, I’ll cheer you on from my couch. This looks like an amazing organization and they’re lucky to have you in their corner.
Doula bestieeeeeee, I love you so much!! You bring a sincere courage to every space you're in. You boost people up, stand beside them in every up and down, and you have one of the best hearts I know. I know you're going to crush this opportunity because, like we tell our clients, you can do hard things! I'll be thinking of you and 4 is my favorite number so I'm sending you all the lucky vibes with my lucky number : ) you've got this!!
Um, I knew you were amazing, but THIS?! I didn't know there were levels left for you to level up to, but I was clearly wrong. I hope you'll be able to hear Michigan cheering from you from there.
I am so excited that you are riding! I'm expecting it to be an incredible experience for you! See you out there :) -Sharon
Praying for you in this!!
You got this! So proud of you!!! Make the best Playlist ❤️
Nicole...you go girl!
Dream chaser! Mountain taker! Difference maker! So freaking proud of you!!!
Nicole, I have watched you conquer things all over the world, bring your passion and spunk to everything you do. Thanks for working so hard to make the world, and specifically the ranch, a better place.! You got this!
Way to embrace the challenge, Nicole! Wishing you the best - but we know you can do it!! So excited for you, the trip, the challenge, and your celebration after! Hugs from AZ! Chris & Gerry
You got this! So proud of you!
Good Luck from the Lemacks Fam.
You're a beast. Thanks for showing our girls (okay, that's crazy) that we can do hard things and that people matter and that we can make a difference. You're so strong and you're gonna fly through these miles. We love you! -Kyle, Rachel, & Brooklyn
Nicole Slim Shadyyyy!!! You’ve always been a badass to me so it was no surprise to see you doing this amazing accomplishment to help others while pushing yourself on my instagram story feed today (7/22). I’m late for the party but it’s better than never and you are going to crush this friend!!
Can’t wait to hear the details of how amazing this experience was!
What a journey this has been for me Nicole. I really just wanted to give my bike away. I guess God had a much bigger plan. I’m so excited to get to meet you face to face and cheer you on. My heart rides with you tomorrow and I’ll be hanging out at my massage table if you need rubbed down. So here’s the deal, I saw this on another post and had to copy. I’ve pledged $2.00 a mile, when you get to 100 miles that turns to $3.00 a mile for every mile you ride. You got this. XO Keri
We love you Nicole! Good luck and push through the pain.
God has already got this - you’ve been a witness to that. So enjoy (even the grueling parts) your time at the ranch with friends old and new. Couldn’t be prouder!!! Love you, Mom and Dad
Good luck on your first ride. Keep pushing those pedals. We need to get Kayla on a bike with you next year.
You met the last minute bet and made us pay!! Well done Nicole!
You did it, Nicole!! Ahhh!! You’re amazing! Happy tears and squeals over here for you! Love you!
Me again! You’re a freaking BEAST!! Keep it up babe! Finish this thing strong - think of everything that brought you to these moments. Think of your girls and how proud I know they are of their mama!
I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. As you near the end of this incredible time. You’ve trained, you’ve pushed, you’ve prayed. More people know about this incredible place now because of you. More money is going to kids who need it because you raised awareness. You did that. You did that because you never let go of the dream God put in your heart all those years ago. Way to go, my dear friend. Way to go. 💛
GIRL YOURE ALMOST DONE! So proud of you and I know you can do this - God’s got you. Pull on his strength and faithfulness for that last stretch. Look at you surpassing your $$ goals by SO MUCH! You’re incredible. I wanna be like you when I grow up!
Um, hello overachiever!! You're absolutely crushing it!
“Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming…” Keep going girly! You’re killin’ it! You’ve waited so long for this! 🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hiiiiii biker girl!! You’re getting so close! You’re doing so good!! You should be so proud yourself (I know I am proud of ya). You’re making such an impact 🤍🤍
You are freaking AMAZING!!! An icon, a queen, and everything in between. I am in awe.
YOU DID IT!!!!! You reached your goal! I am so dang proud of you! Now get back on that bike and ride some more! With every push of the pedal: It's for the kids...it's for the kids.
96!??? Excuse me!!?? Yaaassss!!! Nicole, this is absolutely EPIC. I am so freaking proud of you, girly. You’re blowing that goal completely out of the water. Obviously. ;) Your drive, strength & determination is something I’ve always admired about you. Let’s gooooo!!!
As I’m sitting here with my dad, reading my Bible, I’m letting Psalm 32:7 guide my prayers for you: Lord, be Nicole’s hiding place, her safe space, her comfort and peace. When she feels like she has nothing else to give, let her rest in your presence and revive her with your strength. Protect her from trouble, from injury, from doubt, from worry. Even as she pours herself out physically, fill her up with all that you are. Remind her that you rejoice over her; you sing over her; you see her; you know her; and you love her so very much. And so do I. Amen
Look at you go! You made it through the night and you’re still going! I’m continuing to pray for you this morning! Love you!
Nicole, if I’m reading things correctly, you’re 2/3 of your way to GOAL! You’ve had this goal in mind for years. Now God has provided everything you need to reach the goal, and the financial support to reach the financial goal you set, and hordes of family and friends to bring you emotional support and pray for on your way to the finish line. Keep your eye on the goal! You can do it. We have every confidence you will reach that goal and finish strong. We love you so much. GOAL, here she comes! Go Nicole!
We are so excited for you and happy that you finally get to fulfill your dream of doing this ride. We are rooting for you and cheering you on! You go, girl! You’ve got this! And when you think you don’t, clearly God does, so go, Nicole!!! We love you bunches!
One pedal at a time, one breath at a time, one mile at a time. You're more than halfway to your goal, the end is closer than the beginning! You're doing it!!
Nicole!! You’ve got this!!! You’re almost half way through. Don’t forget who you’re riding for - All the lives that will be changed because of the work YOU are doing! Keep pushing!!
You know when to push, you know when to coast, and you know when to rest. Think about how far you've already come. You are amazing!
You’ve got this! Remember your ‘why’. Soak up every moment - don’t rush past a single sacred second. Listen for the voice of the one who has seen you and heard you and made a way for this beautiful experience. Sending you so much love
What would you tell a laboring mama who is getting so tired? Tell it to yourself. Praying for you and your peeps! 🧡
If anyone knows the depths of how tough women are, it's you. Your body is strong, your mind is strong, your heart is strong, and you know what to do to get to the end. You've done hard things before, and you can do this!
I just finished a book, you just finished mile 38! Way to go lady!!!!!
THREE. LEGS. DOWN. GET IT GIRL! You are my hero.
Look at you doing this! I’m watching your little dot move through the route and I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! I’m praying for you and for every rider out there but most of all - for all the kids!! Love you so!
I'm taking the liberty of changing it for your circumstances, but i think that was the intent. 1 Chronicles 28:10 NLT [10] So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to RIDE THAT BIKE. Be strong, and do the work.” keep going!
Ride through daylight, ride through night, Fueled by courage, heart, and might. Every turn brings you closer to your goal— Keep pedaling strong, Nicole! 🌟🚴
YOURE DOING IT! You are on your way! I’m so proud of you. I’m praying for you every mile of the way, every minute of the next 24 hours. YOU ARE AMAZING! I love you!
Emperor penguins can march 108 miles from the sea to their colony. If they can do it waddling, you can do it pedaling! Persistent Like a Penguin (and Tough Like a Mother). You've got this!!
Hey bestie! You best be riding your lil patooty off and CRUSHING IT girl! You’re one of the fiercest women I know, and I’ve known that from the moment we met at good old SAU. Never forget core 22. Love you loads and sending all the good vibes your way. You got this!
My dearest friend, You have dreamed about doing this for so long. What an amazing thing to bear witness to the fact that God never forgot about that dream - he was just putting all the pieces into place so that it could happen. I’m praying for you, for the other riders, for all the organizers and helpers, and for the kids currently at the Ranch and those who will be going there in the future. I’m praying that each of you feels how deeply you are loved, and how valued you are. “Be strong and courageous and DO THE WORK.” Love you so much! Danette
Nicole! You are DOING IT!! I am so proud of you, friend. Love you BUNCHES!!
We haven’t forgotten about this! Just want to say I am thinking about you and so excited for you!