**Rockies Announcer Jerry Schemmel to Cycle 112 Miles with a Heavy Heart to Remember the 1989 Iowa Plane Crash**
In an act of remembrance, perseverance, and personal tribute, Jerry Schemmel, the long-time announcer for the Colorado Rockies, will embark on a powerful journey that reflects both his love for the game and his deep connection to the events of a tragedy that forever changed his life. On this occasion, Schemmel will cycle 112 miles, a feat that will test his physical endurance, while carrying with it a heavy emotional weight tied to the 1989 Iowa plane crash.
For many fans, Schemmel is synonymous with the Rockies, known for his unwavering passion for the team and his unique voice that has become a fixture for baseball lovers. But behind the microphone, Schemmel carries a far more personal story that traces back to a traumatic event that not only altered his life but also led him to develop a profound sense of resilience and gratitude. His decision to cycle 112 miles is a tribute to the survivors of the crash and the many lives lost, a way for him to commemorate those he lost that day and share a deeply personal journey with others.
**A Heartfelt Tribute to a Tragic Event**
In 1989, Jerry Schemmel was aboard United Airlines Flight 232, which was en route from Denver to Chicago. The flight was tragically forced to crash land in Sioux City, Iowa, after a catastrophic engine failure. Of the 296 people aboard, 111 lost their lives. Among the survivors was Schemmel, who miraculously made it out of the wreckage alive but was forever altered by the experience. The crash left him with profound physical and emotional scars, but it also gave him a new perspective on life, one that would shape his outlook in ways he never imagined.
Schemmel’s decision to cycle 112 miles to honor the victims and survivors of Flight 232 is not only an athletic challenge but a deeply symbolic gesture. The number 112 represents the lives lost that day, and by taking on this physically demanding task, Schemmel is not just honoring the memory of those who perished but also acknowledging the immense emotional and psychological toll the tragedy took on those who survived.
“Cycling these miles will never fully compare to the emotional and physical challenges of that day in Sioux City,” Schemmel said in a statement. “But for me, it’s a way to reconnect with the strength and perseverance it took to survive the crash and find healing in the years since. This ride is for those I lost, for the survivors, and for everyone who’s ever experienced deep tragedy. It’s about remembering and moving forward.”
**The Healing Power of the Ride**
Since the crash, Schemmel has turned to various forms of healing, and cycling has played an important role in his recovery. He has participated in several cycling events and charitable rides over the years, but this upcoming ride will be especially meaningful. It’s not just about personal endurance; it’s about an enduring commitment to never forgetting the lives lost and the shared experience of that tragic day.
As Schemmel has noted in the past, the crash left him with a sense of duty to honor the victims of the crash and spread awareness about its impact. The 112-mile ride will raise funds for the United Airlines Flight 232 Foundation, which works to support survivors, families of victims, and those who were affected by the crash. The foundation also aims to provide financial support and raise awareness about the lasting psychological effects that survivors and first responders often face.
“I want to use this event not just as a way to challenge myself but also as a way to raise awareness and support the foundation that has been such a big part of my healing process,” Schemmel added.
**Cycling for a Cause**
The ride will take place over a course that spans 112 miles, winding through roads that hold significant personal meaning for Schemmel. He hopes to complete the ride in a single day, pushing himself physically while reflecting on the emotional weight of what he’s doing. Throughout the ride, he will be joined by close friends, family members, and a team of supporters who share his commitment to the cause.
Fans of Schemmel, as well as supporters of the Rockies and those who have followed his incredible journey of survival and strength, are encouraged to track his progress during the ride. There will be live updates on social media platforms, and fans will have the opportunity to contribute to the fundraising effort by donating to the United Airlines Flight 232 Foundation in honor of the ride.
The event will culminate in a special tribute ceremony where Schemmel will take a moment to honor the victims of the crash and thank those who have supported him over the years. It will be a moment of reflection, remembrance, and healing.
**The Impact of the Crash on the Rockies Announcer’s Life**
Jerry Schemmel’s path to becoming the voice of the Colorado Rockies was shaped by his extraordinary experiences in the wake of the crash. While the tragedy was life-altering, it also propelled him into a career in sports broadcasting, a field that allowed him to connect with audiences and share his story of survival and redemption. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his strength, and he often uses his platform to inspire others who may be going through their own struggles.
Schemmel’s story has been shared in various public speaking engagements, books, and interviews. His resilience serves as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. In fact, it was his determination to find meaning and purpose after the crash that led to his involvement in charitable causes and motivational speaking.
As he rides in memory of the 111 victims of Flight 232, Schemmel is not just cycling to honor their memory. He is cycling to share a message of hope, survival, and the importance of never losing sight of the future, no matter how difficult the past may have been.
**A Personal Journey of Healing and Reflection**
While Schemmel’s announcement of the ride may come as a surprise to some, for those who have followed his story, it’s clear that the decision is a natural next step in his ongoing journey of healing and self-reflection. For years, Schemmel has worked tirelessly to support the causes that are near and dear to his heart, and this ride is just another chapter in his ongoing mission to find meaning in his survival.
As he prepares for the 112-mile journey, Schemmel is not only looking back at the past but also looking forward to the future. The cycling event represents a new chapter in his life, one that brings him even closer to his roots in Sioux City and to those who have helped him along the way. It is an opportunity to reflect, share, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, all while honoring the 111 people who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1989.
“I’ve never forgotten that day, and I never will,” Schemmel said. “But every time I share my story, I hope it brings comfort to someone else who has gone through something difficult. This ride is my way of doing that.”
As Jerry Schemmel cycles through the miles, his thoughts will undoubtedly be with the victims, their families, and the countless people who continue to be touched by the legacy of United Airlines Flight 232. In the end, the ride will be a testament not just to his physical endurance but to the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.
