LIVESTRONG TO ME MEANS TO CHALLENGE MYSELF FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS

Another C3 ride has been completed and we all continue to reminisce over the cheers and tears that made the experience so memorable. No one has been more moved by the experience than the group’s oldest rider, me.
Last year, as a support driver, I made a personal commitment that at 70 years of age, I would do what had to be done to participate as a rider. With the help of my personal inspiration, Jeni Schumacher, a rider and cancer survivor, I committed to weight loss and a physical fitness program that included three spinner classes a week. It certainly paid off as I completed all assigned shifts of the C3 bicycle relay to Austin and the Livestrong Challenge.
It was an experience I will never forget. When asked why, at your age do you do this? I simply respond, “I can because there but for the grace of God go and I am inspired by our cancer survivor riders and warriors, who choose to LIVESTRONG.
On the ride, the most demanding time for me was riding on the Natchez Trace Parkway from midnight to 6AM. During this 6-hour period we rode in Tennessee, Alablama and Mississippi. Throughout the night, with each cycle of the crank I paid homage to those that I honored and memorialized. Unfortunately both lists continue to grow and some that were honored last year are now memorialized and new names have to be added to the honoree list.
I was emotionally moved when upon completion of this six-hour shift, at 6AM, virtually every member of the Pink team, who was releiving us, gave me their heartfelt congratulations and stated they felt I was an inspiration to each of them.
While I certainly appreciated their support, the real inspiration comes from those that have been afflicted by this dreaded disease. In particular I ride for fellow riders and support. who have become dear friends. Please excuse me if I omit someone but Laurens, Dustin, Jeni, Sally, Chasse, Renae, Keith, Kathy, Susan and Don, “This ride’s for you”. You have my love and respect and I pray that God blesses each of you with health and the resolve to perservere.
I also plan to LIVESTRONG and if God continues to grant me good health, be assured I will ride with you again next year.
Always remember “Yesterday is a cancelled check, Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is Cash….spend it wisely.”

Joe  J.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”