Pulling on the same jersey means something to the roughly 10 members of The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Cycling Team. It represents months of training, a willingness to push through a demanding ride, and a shared commitment to a cause bigger than themselves: protecting Galveston Bay.
When the team took part in Bike Around the Bay on Oct. 17-18, members brought their individual goals and motivations to a ride that supports the Galveston Bay Foundation and its work to protect and preserve the bay.
A challenge worth taking on
A few members of the team had already ridden together before tackling Bike Around the Bay, including UTMB Information Technology Director of Administrative and Research Systems, Darwin VanDyke, and David De Ore, associate vice president and assistant chief of police for UT System Police at Galveston.
The two rode 50 miles together during Bike Around Brazoria, an event sponsored by UTMB. It was the longest ride VanDyke had ever completed.
When De Ore suggested they take on Bike Around the Bay, VanDyke wasn't immediately convinced.
“I said, no thanks! That's not happening,” VanDyke said with a laugh.
After giving the idea more thought, however, the two decided the challenge sounded just crazy enough to be fun. VanDyke was the first to sign up, making him the team captain by default. As interest grew, other UTMB cyclists joined the UTMB Cycling Team.
Bike Around the Bay is a two-day cycling event that takes riders around Galveston Bay to raise money for the Galveston Bay Foundation. The full event covers approximately 180 miles, while individual riders may choose from several ride distances.
Training for the long ride
What began as casual endurance rides to Jamaica Beach evolved into regular training sessions as the team prepared for the event. The longer rides were demanding, but they offered a glimpse of what the challenge would require.
VanDyke recalled riding with De Ore to the far end of Galveston Island and feeling exhausted. Then they realized they had covered only about a quarter of the distance they would need to ride around the bay.
“We have learned a lot about training and committing to doing something really hard,” VanDyke said. “There's a lot of satisfaction in challenging yourself to do something difficult and then accomplishing it.”
For Clayton Collins, nursing program manager and doctoral student in the UTMB School of Nursing, the ride was another opportunity to test himself physically while pursuing goals in other areas of his life.
“I love UTMB, and I like doing the hard stuff,” Collins said. “It's cool to see what's on the other side.”
After biking 100 miles around the bay, Collins ran in a competitive 10K on the following day. He capped off the event by finishing in first place on his 40th birthday, reflecting the athletic ambition that also fuels his work, academic, and athletic pursuits.
He said athletics has taught him the value of showing up, finding a supportive community, and committing to a goal. Those lessons, he said, align with the culture of health and well-being UTMB is working to foster.
“We feel honored to be on the UTMB Cycling Team, wearing our jerseys, and riding together,” Collins said. “We are riding as UTMB, and that really heightens how we feel about it.”
Different motivations, one team
For De Ore, the ride offered a chance to push his limits while connecting with colleagues and supporting an environmental cause.
“Whether it's about biking or something else going on at UTMB, I'm drawn to doing something hard,” he said. “For this bike ride, it was a good opportunity to network, meet people, and support a good cause.”
That shared effort is part of what makes the team meaningful. Members arrive with different backgrounds and goals, but the event gives them a common challenge and a way to represent UTMB beyond their usual workplaces.
Associate Vice President for Workforce Operations Victor Moreno participated for the fifth time. A former runner, he turned to cycling after injuring his knee.
At 58, he said, returning to cycling after a long break has required effort, but the enjoyment of riding has made it worthwhile.
“It's hard to do this at age 58, and I hadn't cycled in a long time until I took this up — but it's just like riding a bike!” Moreno said with a laugh. “You just get back on. I enjoy riding, and we like seeing those UTMB colors out on the field.”
For Edwin Smith, clinical operations administrator, the benefits go beyond physical fitness. He sees endurance sports as a way to support mental well-being and measure progress against his own expectations rather than anyone else's.
“When you engage in improving yourself and your physical fitness, things fall into place,” Smith said. “I like that this isn't a race against anyone. You’re just going out to finish what you start.”
Riding for something bigger
For the UTMB Cycle Team, the ride was both a personal test and a shared undertaking. Wearing the same jersey made that connection visible, bringing colleagues together around a challenge that supports the Galveston Bay Foundation and the place they call home.
Along with Darwin VanDyke, Clayton Collins, David De Ore, Victor Moreno, and Edwin Smith, the team included Lauren Baldassari, Brian Fox, Gabrielle Kroon, Holly Goode, Rajkumar Rajendran, Eddie Salazar, and Hank Thierry. Behind the scenes, Lori Blackwell coordinated the team jerseys, while Michelle Moreno supported the team’s logistics and gear needs throughout the ride. The team’s participation also reflected a broader commitment across the UTMB community to promoting health and wellness.