Who’s Your Cheering Squad?
This past weekend, I took on the Triple Bypass bike ride here in Colorado — a grueling 118-mile route over three mountain passes, climbing 10,800 feet in elevation.
I completed this ride seven years ago, and this year, my sister Stacy and our friend Ryan Gertz convinced me to go for it again. We pushed off at 6 a.m., and over the next ten hours of relentless climbing, I had plenty of time to think.
About halfway through, my legs (and back and butt!) reminded me that I hadn’t trained quite enough. But despite the pain, I couldn’t help but smile at the incredible views. What really carried me through, though, was my cheering squad.
Anthony enjoying the views during the epic Triple Bypass bike ride
At different points along the route, my wife April and our two kids showed up with homemade signs and fun costumes. My brother-in-law Chris organized support from other family and friends. Ryan’s wife Lindsey and their daughter Audrey were there too.
They weren’t just there on the day of the ride — they made the countless hours of training possible.
When the thought of quitting crossed my mind (and my quads fully agreed), I didn’t really consider stopping. Instead, I kept telling myself: just keep pedaling. Because I knew my supporters would be waiting at the next stop, ready to cheer me on and celebrate each small victory.
We all face big climbs — at work and in life. And while we can push through alone, it’s so much easier (and more meaningful) when we have people in our corner. The ones who believe in us, encourage us, and celebrate us — even when the road gets steep.
When we build and lean on those cheering squads, we unlock new levels of strength and possibility.
Thank you to everyone who supported my ride — and to the random strangers along the way who rang cowbells, waved, and handed out water and bananas. But most of all, thank you to my family — April, Ajay, and Adelynn. You kept me going when I wanted to quit and believed in me every mile.
This week, think about who’s in your cheering squad. Have you thanked them lately? Take a moment to let them know how much their support means to you.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Want to expand your cheering squad? Join us at our MIBE Heart Leadership Workshop in August.
