Ring of Resilience
Biking For a Cause
Welcome to the official page for Ring of Resilience. We’re Cooper Cummings and John Perkins, two friends on a mission to make a difference as we bike around Iceland’s stunning 850-mile ring road. From May 9 to 25, we’ll tackle this journey to raise funds and awareness for two causes close to our hearts.
John’s Mission: Men’s Mental Health Programs
John is riding to shine a light on men’s mental health. Every mile he pedals is dedicated to breaking the stigma and fostering support for those facing mental health challenges. His goal is to raise funds for organizations working to provide men with the resources and community they need to lead healthier, happier lives.
Cooper’s Mission: Breast Cancer Research
Cooper is biking for breast cancer research, inspired by the resilience of those impacted by breast cancer. With each push of the pedal, he’s committed to supporting vital research that brings us closer to a cure and improves the lives of individuals and families affected by this disease.
Join Us on Our Journey!
Your support means the world to us. Whether through donations, sharing our story, or simply cheering us on, every bit helps fuel our ride and bring us closer to our fundraising goals. Follow along as we brave Iceland’s breathtaking but challenging landscapes for two causes that need our voices—and yours.
Thank you for joining us in making a difference!
Why are we doing this?
Cooper Cummings
In 2009, my mom was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and it transformed the lives of myself and my entire family. After a long and extremely tough fight, she was able to overcome it and thrive in the life that she was meant to live. Years later, in 2018, she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, a treatable, but not curable, diagnosis that claims the lives of countless women across the world. Through my mom’s remarkable resilience in this battle, the way I have lived and viewed my life has completely changed. In biking around the ring road, I hope that I can raise money for a cause that I hold near and dear to my heart. I also want to inspire others to take advantage of what the world has given them and what so many cancer victims have had taken away from them, the opportunity to truly live. My mom embodies someone who lives life to the fullest, even while facing such a harsh reality. This has served as inspiration for this trip and I hope to touch the lives of as many people as I can and hopefully make a difference while I’m at it.
John Perkins
Throughout my short life, I have fought an arduous battle with mental health. At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with depression. I lacked purpose, motivation, and a desire to interact with other people. It was through nature and exercise that I was able to reestablish my purpose in life.
This bike ride around Iceland represents a greater part of me, a part of me that is full of passion and drive, a part of me that I am proud to share with the world. Through this journey, I want to show people that this condition is not permanent. I want to show men of all ages that they are not alone in this fight. Mental health is perhaps one of the most important aspects of life, and I want people to observe that through this amazing journey. I am inspired by the men who fight the battle with mental health on their own; my only hope for this trip is to become a resource/example for those who feel lost. While life never truly gets easy, the opportunity to live is an invaluable gift. This ride is a testament to resilience, a reminder that while life can be challenging, it is the most beautiful journey one could embark on.