Triangle Fraternity - Louisville Chapter

The day started at 6:30 am. The Brothers of Triangle gathered bicycles, helmets, bike shorts, jerseys, sunscreen, and sack lunches and met at the Chapter House at 7:30. It had been quite some time since that many Brothers were awake that early on a Saturday in the summer. Conversation was chipper and anticipatory for the events of the day to come.

The reason for this meeting was to prepare for an endeavor that would try even the most physically fit. This “Bicycle Movement” was a fundraising event envisioned and coordinated by Louisville Chapter President Br. Michael Wagner (lou07), in which the Chapter would bike from the University of Kentucky Chapter in Lexington to the Louisville Chapter House. In the months leading up to the event, the Brothers had worked with friends, family, and small businesses to raise sponsorship money that will go toward future events hosted by Triangle.

Cars and trucks were loaded up with supplies and Brothers and everyone headed east down I-64. In Lexington, the bikes were unloaded, tires inflated, and everyone gathered for a group photo. Around 10:00am, the bicyclists departed and traveled together to Main St. and followed it west out of the city. The rest followed in support vehicles carrying water and other supplies. The route was simple; Highway 60 through Frankfort, Shelbyville, and Taylorsville Road into Louisville, taking local streets back to the House. The trip was broken down into 7 stages, each ten to fifteen miles long. 

At the end of each stage, the riders would reconvene, rest, and replenish fluids for a few minutes and then head out on the next stage. Most participants were forced to trade off with their teammates, as this physical challenge was more taxing than any prior experience. In the end, four Brothers had ridden the entire way: Br. Mark Anderson lou09, Br. Mark Hamilton lou09 (pictured below, left), Br. Erik Seibt lou09 (pictured below, right), and Br. Drew Cox lou10 (pictured above). 

Aside from sore legs, perineal numbness, and a couple of flat tires, no one was hurt during the ride, which was no small miracle when you look at the distance that was traveled and the crazy drivers that tried to see how close they could get without clipping you. What actually helped the riders was the support of their Brothers.The bicyclists worked in pairs of two or more, drafting on the flats and encouraging each other up the hills. The support vehicles checked on each rider every 5 minutes and provided much-needed water and verbal support.

As one of the four who made it all the way, I can attest that the journey would have been impossible had it not been for my Brothers’ support. What started as a fundraising idea turned into a Brotherhood-building event that showed us all the power that we have and what we can accomplish if we work together.

- Br. Mark Hamilton (lou09)

Big thanks to our best supporters!

Napa River Grill

Dr. Larry Tyler

Mr. and Mrs. John Dorwart

Mr. and Mrs. John Mann

Mrs. Berta Mann

Ms. Jodine Carman

Mr. David Millay

Mrs. Debbie Singery

Mr. Fred Jackson

Mr. David Tummonds

Br. Jordan Dorwart