The story of Chad Gerlach is one of remarkable resilience, showcasing a journey from professional cycling to the depths of addiction and homelessness, and ultimately, an inspiring return to the sport he loves. His story gained national attention through the A&E television show "Intervention," which documented his struggles and the beginning of his path to recovery.
Gerlach's story is a testament to the power of hope and the possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
From Cycling Prodigy to Troubled Young Man
After a troubled childhood that sent him to juvenile hall for felony arson, Chad’s father introduced him to cycling at age 15. Chad went pro and cycled on the same team as Lance Armstrong. In local cycling circles, Gerlach’s youthful run-in with an up-and-coming Armstrong at a USA Cycling development camp has for years been part of the troubled cyclist’s legend. But after getting kicked off the team for “personality conflicts,” Chad was crushed and turned to drugs.
Gerlach rode for a solid string of teams in the late 90’s and into the 2000’s: Montgomery Bell in ’95, US Postal Service in ’96, Navigators in ’97, Oilme-Klein in ’98, and Sierra Nevada in 2002. While his talents on the bike were undeniable, personality conflicts off the bike became the stuff of legend.
As the story goes, Gerlach poked Armstrong in the stomach and called him 'doughboy', but on the Internet, Gerlach became the guy who punched Lance Armstrong'.
Read also: The Life of Chad Everett Harris
Recreational drug use became an increasing problem. Gerlach's descent into self-destruction began to pick up speed in 2001 when his girlfriend of seven years walked out, and he began experimenting with street drugs.
The Descent into Addiction and Homelessness
Now homeless, Chad spends his days panhandling, smoking crack, and drinking. After the tragic murder of his best friend and the folding of his team in 2003, Chad fell into a ‘homeless, vagabond lifestyle’ as he describes it. Gerlach, once considered a major talent, left the sport the first time in 2003 and began smoking crack, drinking beer and panhandling to pay for it. Thus began a five year period in the Wilderness for Gerlach.
His family’s many efforts to get him off the streets have failed. During Gerlach’s five-year homeless stint, Accettura had often pleaded with Gerlach to seek help.
“All Chad does is get on his bike and ride for five hours,” Peter Gerlach said of his son’s training regimen. The reason he’s such a good bicycle racer is because he’s stubborn.
To be honest, I think Chad’s kind of an entitled self-righteous ass. He was a jerk before he became an addict and he’s way more of one as a crackhead.
Read also: "Married to Evil": Chad Graves
"Intervention" and the Road to Recovery
Gerlach might have been lost forever had a friend not contacted the television show "Intervention", a series on the A&E channel that chose to feature him and which was critical in getting him to leave his life on the streets and enter a rehab program. It ended with a trip to rehab (following his appearance on the A&E television show, Intervention) and now the opportunity to race for the Amore e Vita team in 2009.
Intervention: From Champion to Addict—Aaron’s Meth-Fueled Decline | A&E
Nine months later, he had turned his life around and was hired to the Amore e Vita team thanks to his old friend and former teammate Roberto Gaggioli. Speaking from a 400-year-old Tuscan villa in Lucca, Italy, Gerlach is eager to tell the story of his plunge into "that madness" in hopes that he can inspire others.
The "Intervention" production crew visited Gerlach in Italy to film an update to be aired this summer, and wound up filming the team's training camp and the first race - something his team was excited about because of the publicity. The first race that I did in Italy [Giro della Provincia di Grosseto] was the one-year anniversary of me going to the rehab. That was really cool that they were here.
World Champion Alessandro Ballan(Image credit: Amore e Vita)
Read also: Vallow-Daybell Trial: Key Evidence
Return to Cycling
A recovering alcoholic and drug addict, Gerlach has signed a deal with the Amore&Vita-McDonald’s squad for 2009, and is back racing at an elite level for the first time since 2003. He is racing in Northstar at Tahoe's Tour de Nez leading up to the race in Nevada City, while Armstrong continues to train near his home in Aspen, Colorado.
Much has been made about 2009 being ‘The Year of the Comeback,’ but no one has a story quite like the returning Chad Gerlach. Once one of the top domestic racers in America, Chad hopes to return better than ever.
In a matter of months, Gerlach, 36, won five races, finished second eight times and was forever animating the peloton, much to the delight of fans. In the midst of the comeback this season, there were already signs that Gerlach did not take his sobriety seriously.
Days before Lodi, Gerlach gave hundreds of fans lining the streets in Davis, California, a glimpse of the talent that had always prompted local cycling enthusiasts to wonder what might have been. Gerlach remained in the saddle and simply powered his way toward the line, finishing fourth.
Even Armstrong has taken notice of Gerlach’s recent troubles. After an article appeared Oct. Despite the latest good news that Gerlach is off the streets, he has plenty of work to do. Still, Fanini said Gerlach was welcome to return to the team for next season, despite the recent setback.
Gerlach's Perspective
Chad: I started when I was 15 and won 40/45 races as a junior. I don’t think I’m too old, there are guys 37/38 still racing in Europe. Despite smoking dope, I haven’t wasted my lungs, they’re fine - I feel like I’ve matured and I have a challenge to meet. I mean, I get up at 6.00 am to go training, in the past I just would never have done that.
Chad: I gotta tell you, man - it was easy!Chad: I was rough around the edges, outspoken a ‘shit talker’ even.Chad: Yeah! I still don’t think you need to be coached, you either go harder than the rest or you don’t!Chad: That was a long time ago, 1991 - but a reputation like that sticks and follows you around.
Chad: Even though my experiences on the street wouldn’t seem positive to most, I think I had to go and do it. You have to focus on the positive, I’m humbled now and I don’t ever want to go back to that life.
Chad Carlsen's Work in Addiction Recovery
As CEO of Infiniti Group, Chad Carlsen has dedicated over two decades to transforming lives impacted by addiction and mental health struggles. Carlsen started by co-founding the renowned addiction treatment center Hope by the Sea, playing an integral role in its growth for 20 years. Today, under the umbrella of Infiniti Group, he leads a chain of innovative, patient-focused treatment facilities across Southern California.
Through emerging platforms like his podcast “The Hopeaholics,” new partnerships, and a vision of quality care and empowerment, Chad is determined to support anyone seeking sobriety.
At the age of 13, I began using crystal meth, spiraling into addiction throughout my high school years. By the time I turned 18, I found myself entangled in the dark world of meth distribution, cycling in and out of jail until the age of 24.
A pivotal moment arrived when I faced grave charges. The judge presented a stark choice: three years behind bars or 365 days in rehabilitation. I chose the path of rehab, successfully completing the program and maintaining sobriety for three years.
Making my appearance on the acclaimed show ‘Intervention’ on A&E was a transformative experience that bolstered my confidence and allowed me to reach a broader audience. The establishment of the Infiniti Group, a powerhouse managing seven influential brands across nearly 30 facilities in Southern California, stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence.
And most recently, I’ve embarked on an exciting endeavor with ‘The Hopeaholics Podcast,’ where we bring together a diverse range of voices, from everyday individuals to renowned celebrities, to share their inspiring stories and messages of hope. As I reflect on my past accomplishments, I’m filled with anticipation for what the future holds. The best is undoubtedly yet to come.
We’ve been dedicated to making a profound social impact for nearly 22 years. Our commitment has translated into positively impacting tens of thousands of lives, and the effects of our work extend far beyond the individuals we directly assist. It’s a ripple effect that touches the families and loved ones of those we’ve been privileged to help. Our mission is to change lives, and that’s precisely what we’ve been doing.
There was a male patient within our program who, at one point, displayed aggressive behavior, including banging on walls and escalating to violence. Sensing the distress this caused, I immediately went downstairs to assess the situation. It was then that I encountered a new patient who was experiencing a severe panic attack due to the unfolding events.
With care and empathy, I took her outside to our serene Tony Marquez Memorial Garden, hoping the change in environment would provide solace. While sitting amidst the tranquility of the garden, she asked if I would join her in prayer. We shared a heartfelt prayer together, and it was a turning point for her.
That incident, which occurred nearly six years ago, had a profound impact on her. To this day, she remembers that moment as a pivotal part of her journey toward recovery. It serves as a powerful reminder of the meaningful connections and support we provide to those in need.
Society is demonstrating resilience by uniting to combat the fentanyl addiction epidemic. In a similar vein, it is essential for politicians to come together and recognize the bipartisan nature of this crisis, which tragically claims the lives of 300 individuals every day.
Leadership, in its truest form, involves empowering individuals to grow into leaders themselves. These emerging leaders, in turn, guide and mentor others on their path to leadership. A great leader carries out this transformative process with a selfless dedication, devoid of any expectation of personal recognition or praise.
When launching a rehabilitation business, it’s crucial to understand that the real action often occurs outside regular 9-5 hours. Every crisis seems to surface after 5pm.
In this line of work, you’re likely to encounter more negative situations than positive ones. However, the positive impact you make will always outweigh the challenges.
No matter what anyone tells you, if you’ve found your purpose, you’re on the right path. This isn’t just a job; it’s your calling. It’s a journey where I’ve never felt like I had a job or worked a day in my life.
It would undoubtedly be The Hopeaholics Podcast. In fact, we are already witnessing the seeds of a powerful movement taking root. The Hopeaholics Podcast is more than just a platform; it’s a force for change in the face of our nation’s opioid crisis fueled by fentanyl.
One of my favorite life lessons comes from Napolean Hill: ‘Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.’ This quote underscores the idea that nothing is truly impossible.
To stay updated on our work, our readers can follow The Hopeaholics on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.
Popular articles:
tags: #Chad
