Joe  J.

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

Obviously at 70 years old I must admit I was a little apprehensive about having to ride 6-hours, midnight to 6AM. 

Riding through the night down the Natchez Trace Parkway, along woth Milt, Judy and Kathy we rode  in three states. (Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi)

Other members of my team will undoubtedly give you many of the ride’s details, I just want to simply say again, ”Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learbning to dance in the rain.”  Although the weather wes dry by cold, I did “Dance in the rain”.  It was an exhilariting experience and my apprehension was quickly overcome with the passing of each hour. For those that I honor and those that I memorialize, “This Joe’s for you”.

As we rode into the transition point with the Pink team, I was overcome with emotion by the well wishes from their entire team. Thank you for the continued support and encouragement that you give me. 

As I finished I prayed and thought, “Surely 6 hours on my bike, in the darkness of night, is much easier than chemo and/or radiation.”

Now it’s off to Louisiana for our first daylight ride, tomorrow, 6Am to noon.

Thank you Jeni, I know the Polka Dot ribbions you put on our van had me in mind.  Love Ya!!

JOE J.

We were all bundled up to brave the 30 degree temperature. Of we went into the darkness of night in honor of and in memory of our fridns
and relatives. This is truly a great experinece. With my feet getting colder with each pedal stroke and my fingers freezing I kept on. Saying Saying prayers along the way for each of those I honored and memorialzed, I kept reminding myself that since God has thus far spared me from this dreaded disease, this was my tribute to them.

I never realized how cold 30 degrees could be at 10 o’clock in the evening. The bus finally caught up to us and I decided that since wisdom comes with age, I should put on my shoie covers top prevent my feet from getting frostbite.

A little refresyment, a potty break and we were off again. We slid through Hiawassee, GA and on into Hayesville, NC. With each turn of the crank we were getting closer to the witching hour of midnight the end of our first shift. Team Yellow flew by us in thier van shouting words of encouragement and they sped to our transition. The flasing light of our trusty van drive Don was kept in constant sight. Another mile and we are there. Here they are in Murphy, NC. We’ve finished the first leg. I’m little “Tipsy” but Ruben, our trusted EMT, helps me to the vsan gives me a couple of cookies and some candy anmd I’m back to full strength. This was for Chris Force our warrior
Tonight we ride from midnight to 6AM tomorrow. Hopefully the good Lord will give us a little warmer weather.

Joe Julian- Team White ,..ALL IN FOR THE CANCER FIGHT.

As the senior citizen ambassador of the riders (for those I haven’t told…I’m 70) I dedicated this past year to getting in both mental and physical condition to be a rider. Last year I volunteered as a support driver and did the Ride for the Roses in Austin. The entire week-long experience was truly one of the most inspirational experiences I’ve had since our children were born.

Although I’m not the fastest or strongest rider (most could be my sons or daughters) I’m inspired by the passion, dedication and enthusiasm consistently demonstrated by the entire team.

We’re are all riding for individual reasons and for the same reason………..to honor and memorialize relatives and friends and further develop an awareness of this dreaded disease and in the words of the late Jimmy Valvano, “Never Give up”.

Last year, when we arrived in Austin, I met Rob Dempsey who, with the help of Jeni Schumacher achieved a physical condition and weight loss that was incredible. At that time I was 69 years old and weighed close to 280 pounds. I mentioned to Jeni that if she could do what she did for Rob, she could sure help me. I was determined to make the effort and condition myself to be an integral part of this year’s C3 riders’ team. With Jeni’s counsel, as a “Y” employee, and her encouragement, I’ve been participating in a physical fitness program, including three spinner classes a week, since last November. I’ve lost 45 pounds and have significantly increased my cycling efficiency.

I’m repeatedly asked by our friends, why at 70 I choose to do this. I simply respond, “I can because there but for the grace of God go I and to honor and memorialze my many relatives and friends whose pain and suffering gives me the inspiration to make the effort.”

It’s my honor and privilege to be able to participate with this dedicated group of individuals in this week long event.

I extend a word of personal gratitude to Ron & Jennifer Jerina for their tireless efforts in making this event a reality and of course to my “personal inspiration”, Jeni Schumacher.

Thank you all for allowing me to participate.

I’m confident that God will watch over us and ensure us of a safe and trouble-free week. GODSPEED

JOE JULIAN

At my age, any list of those memorialized or honored is long and distinguished.  My involvement in the Palmetto Peloton Project and now the Challenge to Conquer Cancer is for each and every one of them and of course you, and your loved ones, our warriors.

I first rode the Palmetto Peloton Project in 2005.  At 66, with an artificial; hip, I opted to do the metric century.  Two-thirds of the way through I was having tire problems and Kevin sent me my personal SAG/mechanic.  Virtually everyone had finished except me.  I was riding a Hy-bird bike at the time and never realized what 62 miles in the northern Greenville hills required. Nevertheless, throughout the ride I repeatedly reminded myself of the pain and suffering that those afflicted with this dreaded disease, had and/or were enduring.  My agony, compared to theirs was insignificant. I continued on. I was the last one through each SAG stop.  My wife had been waiting for me for some time, since I told her I would be finished in about 4 1/2 hours.  At one point Kevin asked her if she was sure that I was “all right out there”. My wife, June,  romantically responded by saying “He’s either going to finish or die out there. He’ll never quit”. She was absolutely correct. I would never quit because of those, on whose behalf, I was riding.   Everything had been packed up except a couple of chicken sandwiches and a few bottles of water, saved for me.  Six and on-half hours later I came rolling in to the cheers of my wife and Lisa . As they say, “It’s not how fast you ran but that you finished the race”   I can’t  explain the exhiliration I felt coming down Broad St. knowing that what I had just accomplished was not for me but for everyone that I honored and memorialized.

I’ve continued to be an integral part of this cause and this year has been no different. Unfortunately each year my list requires that many, who I honored, have to be memorialized and new names have to be added to my list of honorees.

This year for example we lost three who had been previous honorees. One was very dear friend and past neighbor. We intended to visit her in Schenectady, NY, on our recent vacation.  Unfortunately she passed two days before we arrived. Her son currently lives in Houston and will be joing us for the Livestrong Challenge, in Austin,  on Sunday, October 25th.

Once again my sincere appreciation to all of you that organize, support and participate in this worthwhile cause.  I also extend my heartfelt respect and admiration for all of you that have battled this dreaded disease. I’m confident that ultimately, God will have a special treat for you.

I’m honored and humbled to share this Ride to Austin’s preparation and experience with each of you. I look forward to the continuation of our friendship and mutually rewarding relationship.

Sincerely:   Joe Julian