Last Ride

This morning at 10am the 2009 C3 team
started for its last ride as the group to
accomplish their goal to Austin.
We had spent the night about 20 miles outisde
Austin in the ‘burbs and this was our final leg
of the right.
First we gather for the group photos, individual
team photos, hugs, etc.
Then, we called all of the cancer surviors/warriors
that were part of the gruop to the front of the
group to lead us to downtown Austin.
What a sight as Sally Dunn rode with her pink
breast cancer cape blowing behind her as she
rode.
The LAF ride leaders tried their best to keep us
together, but it would been easier to herd cats
for the next 20 miles.
Keep in mind that almost all of this group wa composed of rider who had spent the past
several days in a tight paceline formation with
leass than a foot between each rider.
As we wound our way through the streets of
Austin towards our hotel, took the time to enjoy the
the sights.
Within a few miles of our hotel, we regrouped, br
brought our cancer rides to the front and lead
us the rest of the way to the finish.
We were done. We had reached our goal.
We were in Austin.
Cheers became louder as more of the group
arrived under the canopy of our hotel.
The expressions on the faces, the smiles, and the
the look of accomplishment on the faces of
our cancer surviors/warriors made all of the
training rides that started almost a year ago
seem meaningless.
As I stated in my ride bio, my hope was that
my participation in this ride would provide a
special day for someone fighting the fight
with cancer.
Today, for those cancer riders leading us into
Austin, my hope is that today was a special
day for them.
Whenever I would ask my friend Dennis about h
his experience on last year’s ride, he would simpl
simply reply that it was “awesome”.
So, when you ask me about my expriences this
year, I will also reply that it was “awesome”.
Words can not describe all of the emotions,
love, tears, hugs, cheers, etc that take place
in one week unless you have ridden “C3 ride to
Austion”.
Thank you is not enough to say to Ron and
Jennifer Jerina for ALL of the work that
went into the logistics of the ride.
Team Pink – what a group!!!
I have never been prouder to been part of a
team as I am of our team. We all wore PINK
at the celebration dinner to let everyone know
that real men can wear pink too.
My heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped
with their support that enabled me to participatre
in this “awesome” event.
Thank you.
In the words of Chasse – PINK out!!