The Olympic Journey: At the Intersection of Physical and Mental Health

Join us for a special Pedaling Minds fundraiser, “The Olympic Journey: At the Intersection of Physical and Mental Health,” featuring a panel of 4-5 Olympians in cycling and triathlon. This intimate event will offer a unique glimpse into the highs and lows of becoming an Olympian, filled with honesty and vulnerability about balancing physical and mental health as Olympians. Through this discussion in a safe, supportive setting, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in athletic training. Secure your spot now to be part of this event and support Pedaling Minds' mission.

Pedaling Minds is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by 2008 Olympian Mike Friedman, because we believe, echoed by our panelists, that riding bicycles makes people feel physically and mentally better. 
Our mission is to help every person have fun riding a bicycle with control and confidence. Mike’s Olympic journey has shaped a teaching method deeply rooted in tackling mental and physical challenges.

Funds raised during this event will benefit Pedaling Minds, and support our 2025 goals of serving 150 low-income riders for free, and over 500 riders across five Colorado counties. Help us raise $5,000 through this event!

Panelist Bios

Mike Friedman

Mike competed in track cycling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and spent 10 years racing professionally worldwide. He participated in some of cycling’s most prestigious races, including Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, and the Tour of Flanders. After retiring in 2014, Mike shifted his focus to a new passion: helping kids discover the joy of cycling. He founded Pedaling Minds to inspire children to embrace emotional growth and resilience through the lessons learned on a bike.

Morgan Pearson

Morgan is a two-time Olympian in triathlon and a two-time silver medalist in the mixed relay triathlon for Team USA. Born and raised in New Jersey, Morgan went on to run cross country and track at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned degrees in mathematics and economics.

Gwen Jorgensen

Gwen won gold at the 2016 Olympics before stepping away from triathlons to pursue a new goal: starting a family. After the birth of her sons, she felt a strong pull back to the sport and announced her return. Throughout the journey of coming back to elite competition after seven years, she experienced many highs and lows as she worked to qualify for Paris 2024. Named an alternate for Paris but committed to WTC season, Gwen takes it all in stride as it feeds her hunger and allows her to learn and grow.

Grant Koontz

Grant is a professional track cyclist and 2024 Paris Olympian. He chose track cycling as his primary focus because of the Olympics and how the sport allows, and encourages, him to live a disciplined and focused life with a harmonious relationship between holistic health and high performance. Grant came into track cycling in 2019 after a growing up as a versatile athlete, completing his university education, and racing professionally in various other cycling disciplines.

Erin Huck

Erin is a member of the U.S. Elite Women’s National Team and a Tokyo 2020 Olympian. She has earned her place as a top U.S. cyclist, competing in both North American and international races. Erin is a four-time National Champion, a 2016 and 2020 Olympic Long List team member, and a consistent podium contender on the UCI circuit.

Chairperson: Kimberlee Bow

Kimberlee is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Dance/Movement Therapist, and Sport and Performance Professional and founder of AbunDANCE Somatic Center. She enjoys supporting people and athletes in their mental health and sport and performance journeys's in her professional life, while being an avid triathlete, cyclist, runner, and swimmer who loves to volunteer. 

Event Details

Host: Skratch Labs Cafe, where we're all about fueling all of your Boulder adventures with real care, delicious food, and a whole lotta fun. Visit the Cafe and you'll find our Sports Drink Mix on tap for free, a menu featuring to-go snacks and balanced meals that fuel your hardest day of training, and a team committed to making sure you belong. Visit Skratch Labs for more information.

Event Date & Time: Friday, November 15, 2024 from 6:30-9pm 

Event Location: 1600 Pearl St Unit 110, Boulder, CO 80302

Event Description: This public event ($40 per ticket) will feature light food and beverages, an inspiring and invigorating discussion of Olympian panelists moderated by Pedaling Minds, and a meet-and-greet reception before and after the panel with the Olympians.