One first time rider is taking up RAGBRAI to lift consciousness for a sober life-style

ESTHERVILLE, Iowa (KTIV) – The Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, RAGBRAI, is understood for its festive environment, small-town hospitality, and an abundance of beer gardens alongside the route.

But one first-time rider is on a mission to lift consciousness for a sober life-style.

Birdie Murphy is driving, not only for the problem, however to lift consciousness for “The Phoenix,” a nationwide nonprofit that builds sober communities by way of health and connection. She’s buying and selling the social gathering for function and hopes others may be part of her.

“I think there are more people out there that need a different opportunity on RAGBRAI, and a different reason to ride,” defined Murphy.

The Phoenix gives free health programming to anybody with 48 hours of sobriety, fostering a way of neighborhood and assist for individuals in restoration. Birdie’s presence at RAGBRAI, proudly carrying The Phoenix brand, is popping heads and opening conversations.

“Some folks I talk to are almost ashamed like, ‘oh I still drink.’ I’m not telling anyone how to live their life,” Murphy defined. “My goal is to share other opportunities for them.”

That open-mindedness is vital to Murphy’s strategy.

“I’ve heard amazing stories of somebody’s child, or sibling, or co-worker struggling with addiction and recovery. And, finding that being sober and being in recovery is better for them, and sharing my information with them,” mentioned Murphy.

As Murphy pedals previous Iowa’s cornfields and small cities, she’s planting seeds of hope. And she’s not stopping there.

“I want to get more people to join me. I hope to have team Phoenix ride RAGBRAI next year,” defined Murphy.

You can study extra about The Phoenix here.

For KTIV’s full RAGBRAI LII protection, go to KTIV.com’s RAGBRAI web page right here.

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