- Reviews from our family -

“What does FTGU mean to me, what did I learn? The easy quote is “We’re in Hell” . 

 FTGU pushed me like I never had been pushed before. It gave me confidence to keep pushing, to go until the tank is empty. Like the saying goes, it’s the journey, not the destination (although the finish line would have been preferable). I’ve had hard times, hard jobs, hard events hit me and my family. But FTGU showed me I can work through struggles, both physical and mentally. It gave me a newfound love of cycling, of pushing myself, of enjoying the people around me. I have never felt more free, and in control of anything than when I was descending down hills in Gunnison and Steamboat. Just me and my bike, speeding down hill, picking a lane, holding it, flinching over an inch or so to avoid rocks, finding the hardpack, feeling the air rush by, the thrill I felt, the joy I felt, all because of From The Ground Up. It made me love cycling even more.

 Keep pushing forward. Hang on. Enjoy the ride. Hills suck.”

- Richard Wright (S4)

The urge was real to ask AI to create a quote about my FTGU experience because I don’t think the human vocabulary can really capture it. From The Ground Up wasn’t just about becoming a cyclist or crossing the finish line at SBT GRVL (which remains the accomplishment in life which I’m most proud of). It was about uncovering pieces of myself I didn’t know were missing (and some that I knew were long gone), processing all the real-life shit while pushing myself beyond so many self-enforced limitations, and realizing that every victory and setback can be shared with community. Kristen, Lou, and Rich became my humans—the ones who remind me that every win is ours, every hardship we face together, and every adventure is just better when we ride through it side by side. Without them (and the entire FTGU community!) I could never have discovered the strength to redefine my limits or found the courage to move forward.

- Brandilee Coon (S4)

"From the ground up showed me that I can reach goals that seem unimaginable, that strangers can become the friends you never knew you needed, and that I can experience joy that I didn’t think was possible anymore. 

Also, the quote that isn’t from me but I think sums it up pretty great is from Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird  

“I wanted you to see what real courage is... It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.”"

- Kristen Myers (S4)

To me, FTGU is more than a fancy bike, some cool swag, finding out your ass looks great in licra and a camera in your face. It’s the connections homeboy! Connections between random people brought together by a random circumstance. A commonality in struggle through training, through adversity, with fighting battles on and off the bike, physically…mentally…emotionally. These connections have forever changed my soul. The connections are what makes this project so amazing, that make the experience so unique and special.

- Lou (S4)

“FTGU transformed my life as a 37-year-old mother entering the world of mountain biking. The documentary beautifully captures my journey from novice to conquering the toughest MTB race in the US. With support from coaches & teammates, I not only mastered the technicalities but discovered strength within. Reaching the summit of Columbine Mountain symbolized triumph and —it was conquering self-doubt. This isn't just about biking; it's a testament to human resilience. From the Ground Up gave me renewed self-confidence and the courage to embrace challenges head-on. Grateful for this life-changing experience and the incredible individuals who made it possible.

- Megan Mouser (S3)

FTGU season 3 was a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. It wasn’t just Leadville or mountain biking, it was the process and, more importantly, the people. Ryan and Alexey, and their team, have created a family of riders who will always have this amazing shared experience. On the personal side, taking on this challenge allowed me to tap into my competitive beast that was in hibernation for a little while. On the top of the list, each rider was given a platform where their perseverance and determination could have a ripple effect, letting anyone doubting their abilities know conquering something unimaginable is possible.

- Kawika Mitchell (S3)

FTGU is for those who won’t stop. Those who are willing to dive into the deepest darkest parts of themselves and find the light to lead them. Those who sneak smiles through the grit. I found that long before crossing the finish line of Leadville with the help of my FTGU community and friends. Best experience (and toughest) of my life!

- Brindley Faile (S3)

The project gave me a lot more than I could have ever asked for - a newfound love for the outdoors, the confidence to chase seemingly impossible goals, and a chance to be a part of a great community on and off the bike.

- Mohnish Chakravarti (S3)

“This project is lifechanging, so fun, gets you out of your comfort zone, it’s hard, but its good. The ripple effect it has had on my life is so worth it. It builds character, it allows me to say yes to other things that I typically would intimidated by and it has just given me confidence to embrace more fun in life. I will forever value this project. If you are scared to apply, just do it. Have fun with it and say hell yes to your life! This is a way to begin again.”

-       Rachel Crain (S2) 

“One thing that really surprised me about this project is the community that you become a part of. The amount of people supporting you throughout this project and beyond is amazing. They all want you to succeed, and you can feel that.”

-       Johanna Appel (S2)

“I have been places I did not know existed in myself, if you had told me in early March that I would be sitting here in Leadville, CO in August and that I would have even attempted any kind of ride in these mountains, I would have told you, you were crazy. I needed to establish within myself that I could do it”

- Shawna Anderson (S1)

“This project has been more than life changing, I have learned a lot about myself. I have never felt so empowered. Through this bike I have gained so much freedom in my life. All of the struggles that came about throughout this journey have made me more mentally tough and I feel like I have become a better version of myself.”

- Roberta Nuñez (S1)

I am in awe that I did what I did. I still remember the first day that Ryan and Alexey came over and they handed me a pair of bike shorts - and I didn’t know which was the front or the back. In such a short time, to be at such a humbling race, good on me, but more over good on them for trusting me and putting that effort into getting me ready.

- Enzo Moscarella (S1 + S2)