Sarah Hornby set off to complete all the bikepacking routes from her late husband’s guidebook.
Grieving the loss of a loved one isn’t usually synonymous with outdoor sports. But for Sarah Hornby, it was her saving grace. After her husband, Ryan Correy, died, Hornby decided to connect with him through his biggest passion: bikepacking.
“When we moved to the mountains, Ryan had the idea to write the guidebook as a way to explore the area around our new home,” said Hornby. As her husband traveled along, he became sick. Soon after, he was diagnosed with cancer.
“I did everything I could to help him find peace,” she said. “But there’s no guidebook for that.”
After he passed, she decided to finish the bikepacking routes he started. Her goal was to ride all 10 routes he created for his guidebook in a single year. Similar to the grieving process, Hornby’s trip was constantly evolving.
“For me, mountains are a place of peace and strength,” she said. The trip was challenging and emotional — but also a gift. It was what helped Hornby through.
In loving memory of Ryan Correy, “Choosing to Live” was produced and directed by Jeff Bartlett Media and Matthew Clark/Stirl and Rae Media Haus. The film was sponsored by Salsa Cycles.
