Well, I tried to blog on my cellphone, but even sitting still, it is quite a challenge! So, I saved it as a draft to complete when I have access to a real keyboard. This program is…frustrating, to put it politely.

My story.  
Many of the C3 group know Jeni very well.  But you may not know my story as well or how I got into cycling and running.  I will attempt to  tell that story, ( sorry if it’s a little long)
I have never been a real fitness fanatic, hard to believe being married to Jeni Huh?  Quite the contrary.  As my long time friends and Frat brothers  can attest, my normal breakfast consisted of Marlboro Lights and Mt.dew.  Yes I was a smoker for 23 yrs.  When Jeni and I got married, I kept setting dates when I would quite, when we had kids, when they were old enough to understand what smoking was, when I took a new job,etc,etc.  Each date came and went with no action, until Nov 2005 on a family vacation to Disney.  While there the twins (6 at the time) threw some money in the wishing well.  When I asked Morgan what she wished for she told me “that you would quit smoking so that you can walk me down the aisle someday”.  (I still think Jeni had something to do with that). I can hardly say or read that today without crying.  So my journey began in Jan 2006 when I smoked my last Cigarette with a promise… Girls, I WILL be there for you!
Move forward 3 hrs to Dec 2009.  While visiting a frat brother, Yogi.  He challenged me to a 1/2 marathon in Dec 2010.  I took the challenge and complete my first 1/2 at Kiawia island.  Then I ended up running another one him in May 2011.   As far as cycling, I had always envied Jeni and the relationships she had with the C3 group.  I saw her passion for the group and it’s cause grow into what it is today.  I wished I had the strength to do that.  Then one day at Ride-on (local bike shop) one year anniversary   we won a bike.  That got me started cycling.  In May 2011 I started thinking I might be able to do the C3 ride someday.  With alot of training, encouragement and inspiration  here I am in Texas having just completed riding 308 miles in 4 days..someday has arrived.  Hard to believe what the body can do with proper training.
  I encourage anyone out there who wants to live healthier and feel better to get up and start.  It all begins with the first step, and only you can do it.  But it can be done!  I am living proof of that!

O my goodness gravy…. so when you have to ride in a wicked uncomfortable van for 10.3 hours you come up with some pretty creative ways to take your mind off of your ADD and wanting to bolt through the van door and just run to the stupid hotel….

A BLOG from Sandman- Jeff to home

Bike ride is great! I like all my mates on my team. I have become very close with two bikes in a pod with our Dream Maker who has a tired personality and is never without a story from the Natchez Trace. He tells really dark stories which make all of us delusional out loud. I have to stop blogging soon. I know I promised a long bike ride today, but this morning I washed my cycling shorts and cleats and put them out to dry on the van’s iPhone. It looks like it is getting ready to rain cats and Hamdamboogers (pink panther voice). I better get off my possum and get my stars off the moon before I run out of my foggy underwear. I promise to Facebook my wheels off before my bottom hits the pillow tonight…. or tomorrow…. or maybe i will write next Friday.

Your Loving GU maker,
Jeff, AKA Sandman
Thanks Dream Team for another fun filled day in the van… does anyone know how hard it is to sit in a van for 10.5 hours with ADD? OMW…. You have know idea if you don’t have ADD….. it was torture… my teamy’s are the bestest ever… o wait I already said that one time before.. ok wait, ahhhhhh
MY TEAM ROCKS!

It’s 7:53 am on Texas Hwy 7 when I started this post. The moon is hanging heavy and silvery in the sky ahead, and behind the sun is crawling out of it’s foggy covers and into a pink sky. The trees look like dusty skeletons. The Dream Team pace line is skimming the shoulder, expertly avoiding road kill and pot holes. Aside from the DA (dead animals-Jeni), it is picture perfect.

Picturesque; however, late. Sunrise SSS supposed to be at 7:32 am, Lisa tells us. (I tell her she’d be better off following th Dalai Lama’s Tweets.)

In lieu of rigging a makeshift and most likely unsanitary caffeine IV into the flexor muscles of my forearm, I am nursing a coffee from McDs. (Direct tweet to God: please let me never see the Golden Arches again.) Upon request for “a couple of creams and sugars,” the cashier gives me 7 creams and 14 sugars. I promise. I counted. I don’t even know what to say about that, except “is she trying to kill me!?”

So quickly now, before arteriosclerosis and/or diabetes take me out, let’s go back to the 6 pm transition–15 hours, 70 minutes of sleep, and 0 showers ago–somewhere outside Joyce, LA…..

(Lisa wishes to correct me: it’s been 70 minutes of sleep in the past 26 hours. I sit–blogging in a moving van on her iPad–corrected.)

It is the last round of shifts for everyone, which means emotions are, well, emotional. Everyone is pretty much a vulnerable mess of boundary-less raw feeling. In normal, polite society, we would avoid people in this condition, much like deer road kill on Hwy 7, but this is impossible since we are averaging about one cubic inch of personal space per person, and that space is oozing of B.O.
Personally, ew.

In a confessional moment, Taylor admits to taking his girlfriend to a Brittany Spears concert, adding that by doing so he “lost his man card.” Sometimes I think we think we’re giving up our man card by displaying emotions at all. I think the opposite is true; sometimes it takes great strength to be vulnerable, to be “emotional.” I am having a hard time this year not being emotional, altho normally I do pride mysef for being capable of showing up, doing my job, and being professional in the midde of great stress. The last few nights, not so much.

So the Dots start off on their final shift, and we skip out with LiveLong to dinner (alligator tastes like chicken, by the way). When we catch back up, the Dots are 20 miles from the Texas border, which leaves us just enough time for a Juice Run. The gas stations down here sell Juice for cheap, so we grab a few cases and shove them in the cooler. For the sake of the Greater Good (and some very thirsty Dots awaiting), we throw about three lbs of baby carrots out the window to make room.

The Dots make Texas, and the Lemon Bonkers take off.

My ex-boyfriend and best friend used to say, “nothing good happens at 4 in the morning.” Meaning, you can still be having fun at 3 am, or you can be getting a jump on the day at 5, but that 4 o’clock hour is a witching hour where if you’re awake, normally you’re wishing you weren’t. I have agreed with him until now. Beth, Donna, Mark and Mike are pulling the 12-6 am shift In Honor of cancer survivors and those currently fighting it. The 4 am hour is spent calling out names of people who inspire us with their courage and love for life. When everyone else is asleep, 4 lonely voices are shouting name after name at the skies, demanding to be heard. I name my client Margaret (who after being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer is finally going to Paris!) and BW, the man I love who is now in remission from lymphoma. He is the reason I do this ride, and the reason I have all these crazy adopted family members.

Still tho, 4 am is a good hour for sleeping, even if it is for an hour in the van in a baptist church parking lot on the side of the highway. Taylor saves the night by staying with the bus and cheering/running alongside/pushing uphill the bodies and spirits of the Lemons thru their final miles.

We toast their triumph–both in coming together as a team and riding for dozens of loved ones–with more Juice, this time from Mexico.

“I bet this is the craziest gas-up you’ve ever had,” Mike yells out to one of the several locals who pull into the gas station we have chosen for our 6 am transition. The pumps are only open for credit card purchases, and the parking lot is dark. Yes, the man laughs, as he asks about our entourage. “We’re riding our bikes cause we’re raising money to fight cancer and cause we’re Bad-A$$es!” Mike shouts in a triumphant manner. The man at the pump answers with what is becoming the traditional Southern response:

Daaaaaammmmmnn.

In this situation, less is more. Which makes BW’s favorite toast so appropriate…it’s why I do this ride:

“Not Dead Yet.”
Cheers.

For our final shift, we had the honor of bringing the team into Texas. For obvious reasons, this is a big milestone for the team. We are finishing the final legs of the ride today and we’ll reassemble at the hotel on the outskirts of Austin. When Team Livelong rolls in later this evening, everyone should be there to greet them – all the other teams, the Warriors that will arrive during the day today, and family of the riders and team managers. It is obviously an emotional time.

Our shift ran from 6pm to midnight last night. Team livelong had ridden through rain and wind before the weather broke for the final part of their ride. The temperatures were perfect for an evening ride, and we rolled out after hugs with the crew of Livelong.

Our bodies were feeling the effects of the effort from the previous day’s ride along the Natchez trace, so we started out pretty slow. Everyone in their own little world, thinking their thoughts. At one of the very early stops, several spoke aloud for whom they were riding this evening. Others, stayed with their own silent dedications.

We had over two hours with good light before we had to turn on our headlights and taillights. The sunset was really beautiful with a long line of clouds in an otherwise clear sky. Ed proposed we riders dedicate the sunset portion of the ride to Cara and Jen. They have been awesome in taking care of us this ride and we were all happy to dedicate that half hour to them.

We made a number of stops, some quite short, others a bit long such that it took some time to warm up the already fatigued muscles of our legs. I stayed lost in my own world, considering again why I do this ride.

There are a lot of small reasons that sum together to answer that question. In the end, the sum of those answers lies in the simple statement that you may have read in other’s posts, or even on the P3C3 website. Because I can.

But what are some of those smaller reasons that go into that statement? The most obvious and largest part of that equation is because of the millions who suffer the effects of cancer. These folks silently endure physical and emotional pain that I cannot even imagine. They do this with dignity and pride and truly set an inspirational example.

Some parts of that equation are probably very much the same as many others who enjoy volunteering their time to help those who could use a hand. There is a lot of satisfaction knowing that I’ve made some positive impact on the world.

Another part, and perhaps the largest part of the remaining equation, lies in this incredible family I’ve found out here on the road between Greenville and Austin. These folks have taken me in and given me something I haven’t had for a long time – a shared sense of purpose, camaraderie and a sense of family.

All of those parts sum into that statement, although now I’ll modify it to say ‘Because WE can’. WE can make a difference, together.

Life’s journey is not to arrive at the Grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting
” Holy —–… What a ride!”

It’s ten minutes til midnight, and we are racing to the Texas state line, our transition site with the Lemon Bonkers. Three minutes til midnight one, there’s the bridge! Whoops now replace groans, and adrenaline kicks in, replacing sore thighs.

Midnight now…. Dadgum, this bridge is 3.5 miles long! Well… There is the Texas sign… And 3/4 of a mile further… There are the bonkers…. High fives! Hugs !

And we are done. Wow. How could this be our last shift? We just left Greenville! What a feeling. We just rode over 320 miles in 4 shifts, and suddenly, pile into the van to search for a hotel.

It has been a privilege to ride as part of the Polka Dot team. It has been an honor to ride for my mom and dad, and for my friends John McDermott an Famin Chou, and to honor those who have survived cancer… who battle it daily… and to ride in memory of those who lost the fight. Numerous names, numerous families, numerous friends.

The LiveStrong Challenge weekend will be memorable, but the hours I spent on my bike thinking about those affected by cancer will never be forgotten.

Thanks.

Team Livelong had a great evening in Columbia, TN highlighted by Applebee’s, shopping at the Columbia (dis)Mall, Applebee’s, and DAVE BENHAM’S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!  A good night’s sleep for all, with the team having relegated the snorers to a separate room.  (Odd that a 3:45 wake up call seems like a good night sleep… Unless you’re Jeff, who got a wake up call at 1:45.  Sorry.)  We were the beneficiaries of yet another kindness from our hotel staff, who had breakfast ready for us early.  Thank you, Allison and crew!  The teams riding overnight continued to burn up the pavement, putting us nearly 3 hours ahead of schedule, even with an extra loop west of Nashville.  Way to go Purple Power and Dream Team!!!  Six a.m. on the Natchez Trace, saw Purple Power finish with a long descent to cheers from Livelong, who rolled out intent on getting in a full six hours of easy, rolling farmland on the Trace.  The cool morning air and the full moon made for a great ride.  As dawn approached we were once again privileged to see the moon over the Tennessee River, this time with a fantastic moonset.  Clouds kept us from seeing the sun rise over the rolling Alabama farmland, but Lisa Barwick (our photographer extrordinaire and accomplished high school chili-eater) tells us the the soft light made us look great.  After our first break, whereupon it was decided that a pub crawl bicycle ride in Austin would be a good idea, the rain rolled in.  It was a soft cool rain, and, even as it picked up, it only added to the day.  Spirits were high as we began to realize we were going to make Tupelo.  As we reached Tupelo, we were greeted by cheers from above, with Polka Dot having chosen an Overlook as our transition spot.

The Polka Dots gave Keith and the bus a break by riding the wrong way on the Trace for a bit to try to get the group back on pace.  Livelong enjoyed massages and fellowship with Keith, Kelly, Lisa and Taylor, followed by lunch and coffee.  Thanks guys!  See you again soon!  Next stop, Natchez and nothing to do until noon tomorrow.  I think we’ll all enjoy a late start, but maybe we can find some live music tonight…

My posts thus far have been team posts from Livelong.  This one is just from me.  I’m sure that each and every person on this journey has said or will say THANK YOU to the many people that made this ride possible.  This post, however, is a special thank you to my wife.  Without her support (reluctant at first, knowing that the trip would mean a week of single parenting to Henry), I would not be here.  I would not be having my breath taken away every time someone comes up, first asking what we’re doing, then telling us about their connection to and appreciation of this effort.  I would not have made the friendships I have on this trip.  I would not be shocked with how hard stories of fighters and families hit me, whether the fight ended  in triumph or loss.  I would not know that I can sprint up a hill 50 miles into the day just for the joy of getting up and going, and still feel that joy driving me 35 miles later when it really was time to stop for the day.

In short, once again, having you in my life has made a great experience possible.  Thank you.  I can’t wait to see you and Henry.

Early morning ride today. Normal  shift was from 6AM-Noon.  But Justina and were extended an invitation from the Dream Team to join them the last hour of their leg for their Memorial/Honorary ride, so we were on the bikes at 4:30am. 
 We began the ride under a beautiful  moonlite night with a heavy fog in low areas.  As we rode we used our walkie-talkies to call out the names of the people we know who have either passed from or are battling cancer, then we ride in silence for a few moments.  I could not get thru the names on my sleeves without crying, especially tough were Aunt Barb, Jeni’s Dad and my cousin Jennifer.  At the end of my list, Jeni and I pulled out in front of the group some distance and I named my last two names, Nicole and Jeni.  We then we held hands and rode together in silence.  This was a very special moment for Jeni and myself and very moving.  I cannot thank the Dream Team enough for allowing me this opportunity to experience and share this ride with Jeni.
This ride and journey are really something special and an experience of a lifetime.  If you ever get the opportunity to participate either as a rider, support, or other volunteer I would highly recommend it.  It will change your perspective on life.