As a ride, what else can I say but we endured various challenging weather conditions while doing our best to cover as many miles as we could during our shifts.  I was quite confident the Polka Dot team could cover 100 miles every time we got on the bikes (for a 6 hour shift) and I was proven correct as we managed to complete back to back century rides  for our 2nd and 3rd six hour shifts (105.4 miles and 100.1 miles respectively).

Our first 6 hour shift challenged us with some difficult climbing and very cold weather.  While we did not cover 100 miles during this shift, we did manage to cover 75 miles under some very difficult riding conditions.  One of our team-mates was pulled from the ride at about mile 25 for borderline hypothermia.  Thankfully, she was fine once she was able to get her body temperature back under control.

Excitement ensued while riding along the Natchez Trace near Jackson Mississippi.  The Park Ranger pulled us over and asked “Do you have a permit?”.  Quite funny.  He delayed our ride for a few minutes, but ended by allowing us to continue without our support vehicles riding along with us.  The support vehicles leap-frogged to the next opportune vehicle pull-outs while we continued on the bike.  This was our 105 mile day.

The second part of this experience was an incredible personal growth opportunity.  It is thanks to the contributions of my supporters that I was able to participate in this event.  Thanks to all of you who contributed because this personal growth opportunity has provided me a different perspective on life and the challenges faced by people with this horrible disease we call cancer.

An additional yet somewhat unexpected benefit also came from this grand experience.  The fine group of people who participated with me have become very close friends.  I have not experienced this camaraderie since my Military days.  We shared an incredible sense of purpose that gave us true unity in spreading the message.

That message was not all negative either.  We heard many stories about and met many people who are survivors of this disease.  It was also a message of Hope.  Sally, our support driver, wore a pink cape for the entire journey.  On the back of her cape were the words “Hero for Hope”.

In some ways, we all became heroes for hope.  Not just those of us out on our bikes or those participating in a direct support role, but all of you too.  Those of you who contributed to this excellent cause should consider yourselves “Heroes for Hope” as well.

Thank you!

John Davidson
jd – Team Polka Dot

p.s.  You can view the photos I took through the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28674&id=1612725450&l=9e9ac2dacc

p.p.s.  If you did not have an opportunity to follow the C3 squad during the ride, you can read all of the squad blogs at www.ridetoaustin.com.  Remember they are posted in reverse chrono order (most recent posts first).  I’ve posted under the user name JohnD.

You can read my personal entries here:
http://windinmyhairbugsinmyteeth.blogspot.com/2009/08/jds-challenge-to-conquer-cancer.html

Joe  J.

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

As I read Dustin’s statement that he is not only a cancer survivor but a CANCER FIGHTER I could not stop crying……I just LOVE that! So we all are now cancer fighters since we took this journey to hopefully save people from this dreaded disease!!!! So I will look into getting EVERYONE capes for next year!

The cape got many comments during the LAF run and ride over the weekend! Many people asked me why I was wearing it which gave me time to tell them what the Challenge to Conquer Cancer was all about which was GREAT! Other people would run or ride by me (notice that I was getting passed ALOT!) and say…”Love the cape”, or “great cape”! On the ride I answered that with “I had hoped it would give me super hero powers but it wasn’t working that day!” But their fun comments spurned me on!

On Saturday I did the 5K…thinking I would walk/run it since I haven’t been able to train much in the last couple of months. But I hooked up with Kim and Chasse and they kept me going! I ended up hand in hand with Chasse, who I so love and admire, sprinting and laughing crossing the finish line! A very special moment for me!

On Sunday I decided to shoot for the 45 mile ride. The longest ride I have ever done was only 31….but the 10 and 20 mile seemed too short so I wanted to do the 45. Well….at the second sag stop, which came AFTER the turn off to the 20 miler, I realized that I bit off more than I could chew. My lungs were burning and huffing/puffing, my legs were already feeling like jelly……maybe trying 45 only 2 months after the hysterectomy was too ambitious. I was very upset and considered asking a sag van to carry me back to the 20 mile turn, or ahead to the sag stop closest to the finish so I could ride across the finish line (cheater!)……I really wanted to quit and I was about to cry and throw in the towel. Chasse and Jessica urged me to get food to feel better. Just then I got a text on my cell phone and looked down to read that a man, whose name was on an “In Honor Of” magnet on our van had died that morning. Another person lost to cancer. I really wanted to kick something, punch something….but instead I decided to get my butt back on the bike and finish the 45 miles even if it killed me. I’ve never met the man that died but I rode for Woody Koonce and so many others. I finished with the help of Annette (who had only ridden 20 something miles before this!) and the last 5 miles with Will Flanagan pulling me! But I finished.

I am home now, back with my husband Kevin, who let me go on this journey and who was my ROCK thru everything I’ve been thru in the past year….double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo, total hysterectomy…etc etc. Cancer sucks and we have to continue to do all that we can to help each other and others get thru it.

To my polka dot team and the P3C3 TEAM, I send huge hugs, tears of admiration and love and hope…….and I hope that the vulnerability that so many of us discovered along the way stays open so that we all can help anyone heal, learn, love………thanks for such an inspiring trip!

Sally

So, having said that I point you to my last video of the ride.  You can find it at LowCadence.com in the post, “Decompression.”  I’ve included all the video I could of the group as a whole.  Perhaps the remaining footage of Team Green will serve to remind everyone else of the experiences they enjoyed even if they don’t see themselves in the frames.

Now that I am home… I am in a state of shock. My body does not want to move the way I want it too. Nor does it want to sit on that saddle for a few days… well…maybe saturday.

People are asking me ” Did you have Fun?” “How was it?” My answer has not changed… Very humbling, life changing, and a challenge that I will do again. I cried everyday and laughed everyday. I hated some moments and cheerished others. I grew a lot on this journey. As a survivor, a mother, and wife. I can tell you I am changed for the good. I am so blessed to have friends and family that followed me on this journey.

Thank you for your comments, for following us on this journey. For your encouraging words. Was it fun? There were evenings that were fun after the ride but during the ride…. our team was focused, heartfelt, and determined to accomplish what we needed to as a team. For me, that was to have closure, for others it was understanding, encouraging, and mentoring others. Dawn and Sally – After God there are you two. Thanks for being the glue that held us together. Our team really did an awesome job being a family.

To family and friends, Bless you all for the prayers as they were all answered. Thank you for encouraging words from your heart. I will be doing this ride again next year. Hope that we all stay connected on this fight. God Bless you all.
Love, XxOo Jeni

Future families and friends are saved from suffering.

For every sprocket spin and gears a-clicken,

The months are extended for the stricken.

Miles ridden through sun, sleet and rain,

Goes towards numbing the pain.

Riding through the night as the pain is rushing through the body as you are completing your 6 hour shift,

This Pain is taken away from someone known or unknown and to them, it is a GIFT.

For all the sweat and blood shed during training each day,

May it fertilize the ground for new riders to take on the fight and to stay.

I ride as one of many small soldiers out to Fight for those who cannot,

So that one day the ride can stop.

And as this conquest will one day be complete,

Volunteers, riders and donors will WALK home victorious in Cancer’s defeat.

I am often asked, “Did you enjoy this year more than last?” Many times this was concerning the route. In answer to that specific question I answer, “Yes!”  The route this year was much more varied and enjoyable.  Sure, the climbing was a little tough in the beginning, but – at least for me – it wasn’t any worse than last year. This year, more teams got to experience the joy of climbing!

The Natchez Trace was great.  The walking horse country of Tennessee was some of the nicest riding I’ve experienced. It wasn’t until we entered Texas that the 2009 ride began to seem like the 2008 one.  I vote they do this one next year.

Now, as far as the other aspects of the ride… I can’t say that I liked one year more than the other.  For me, they were so different, they just don’t compare.  They were both wonderful experiences for completely different reasons. I enjoyed my teammates from both years. 2008 was a bunch of guys out to hammer the miles. 2009 was a mixed group that was just as serious about getting the job done, but not quite as strong as the previous team.

So, as I said in my blog post at LowCadence.com – in 2008 we gloried in our strength – and I loved it.  In 2009 we gloried in each new accomplishment – and I loved it. I would not trade either experience for the other. The two together complete a memory that will be with me always.

Read about my attempt to catch Lance and see video from the LiveSTRONG Challenge in the post “I didn’t ride with Lance” at LowCadence.com.

LiveSTRONG!

Dennis

Our next shift was the 6AM to noon shift on Thursday and we were all very excited that  were finally going to be able to ride in the daylight.  Our previous 3 shifts have all been in the dark.  We could not wait to start because this was the day that Laurens was going to join us on the road.  One thing we were not expecting was a tropical storm from Mexico moving into the pathof our ride.  I don’t mind riding in the rain but I don’t like starting a ride in the rain.  Watching Team Green come in from their shift soaked to the bone, i was starting to dread the ride.  As they pulled in my mood changed when we got huge smiles and hugs from Team Green.  The rain did not slow them down and excitement started overtaking my body.  If all went well, we were going to be the team to bring the ride home to Austin.  We took off in the rain and it didn’t take long to be wet down to the skin even with rain gear on.  We road as cars and trucks passed by probably trying to figure out why 5 people were on their bikes out in this type of weather.  At one point, Tedd and I were on the back of the paceline and an 18 wheeler came flying by and hit a puddle and a wave the size of a house curled over us as we surfed thru it.  At that point, we were already soaked so it did not matter and we had to laugh.  As we rode thru a small town we sent the support van ahead to find all of our turns and as we came down a road we saw the van leave ahead of us and Laurens was standing there waiting for us to pass by.  As we did, I noticed she had her bike bag which got me excited because that meant she was going to get her gear on and come ride with us.  The bus picked her up as we continued to ride.  At our next sag stop, Laurens was ready to ride.  That was a huge pick up for all of us.  The rain had slowed down and our spirits were amazingly high.  We continued to get closer to Austin and this was the point I realized our team with Laurens on the road with us were going bring this ride into Austin.  Tears and joy overtook me and I could not imagine doing this with a better group of people.  We were within 10 miles of the hotel and we had our first flat of the ride.  Tedd blew a rear tire.  Quick change then off we went getting closer and closer.  THe ride turned slower as we got closer because of lights and stop signs then bam, another flat.  This time it was Laurens.  Another quick change then off we went.  We knew we were getting closer because we saw Ray and Joe Julian on the side of the road cheering us on and continued to see them several more times.  The wind picked up and we had our first tough head wind.  I was happy for that head wind because it slowed us down more and I did not want the ride to end.  I think it was the people we have lost to cancer thinking the same thing.  We made our final right turn and we put Laurens, Robin and Beth in the front as myself, Tedd and Joey were behind them and our two wonderful support ladies in a vehicle behind us.  Team Yellow was bringing the ride home.  We saw all the other riders and support folks cheering us on as we approached the hotel.  Tears were in all of our eyes again and we pulled into the hotel.  We got off the bikes and Team Yellow all embraced for several minutes.  We did not want to let go of each other.  We all became such great friends on the journey.  We celebrated our arrival with the rest of the folks then went into the hotel showered then cleaned up our bikes.

Friday morning was our final ride of the 2009 Challenge to Conquer Cancer.  All the teams and support who brought their bikes rode together into downtown Austin lead by 2 LAF employees.  It was a beautiful ride through the neighborhoods of Austin.  We stopped by Lance’s house but he was not home so we were not invited in.  I am sure if he was home, he would have made us breakfast.   We made it to our hotel downtown where we would stay for the next 3 nights.  Had another small celebration then went to lunch and the expo for LiveStrong weekend.

Friday night was the Challenge to Conquer Cancer celebration dinner.  It was at Scholz Garten and it was a great meal.  Brats, smoked turkey and brisket wre on the menu and we all had full tummies.  We got to see the pictures taken by EagleShotz (www.eagleshotz.com)  and reminisce about the ride.   I told my most memorable story about the ride and then asked others to come up and tell theirs.  It was an emotional evening.  Lives were changed on this trip and it was wonderful hearing the different stories about our ride.

Saturday was the 5k walk/run.  Over 3000 people participated and it was a sea of yellow.  Most of us walked with our warriors and survivors.  I was touched by the strength of so many people.  I saw an old friend that I met in 2007 at the LiveStrong Challenge.  Brian Fox is his name and he is a 5 year brain cancer survivor.  He was one of the 3 people I met that year that changed the way I was going to deal with cancer.  Before meeting Brian, Kim and Jenn in 2007, I felt sorry for myself because my dad died because of cancer at the young age of 61.  After meeting them, I was inspired to celebrate life and do something to beat cancer and that is how we came up with this ride.

Sunday was the LiveStrong Challenge ride.  I decided to do the 65 mile ride and hoped not to miss the turn this year like I did last year and ended up doing th 90 miler.  I started out with Tedd and Beth and 3800 other people.  We stayed together for a few miles but because there were so many people we got split up.   I had mechanical issues with my bike and had to pull into sag for repairs.  After getting it fixed I took off and rode most of the ride by myself.  It was nice to have some alone time to reflect on the ride and think about all my friends and family who have been affected by cancer.  I saw so many people out there with “in memory”, “in honor” or survivor cards pinned on their jerseys and prayed that I will never have one on my jersey with Jennifer or RJ or Reed or Ridge or anyone else.  Each year my list gets longer of family and friends with cancer and I want that list to stop growing.  I saw Chasse in the last sag stop and we continued the ride together.  We caught up with Jessica  and finished up the ride.  I laughed at all of Chasse’s one liners and was so proud of Jessica for doing her longest ride ever.  We crossed the finish line and I saw my beautiful wife who was walking towards the line after she completed her ride.  After the ride, I watch Joey and Joe pack the bus and trailer with precision and sent them home with the help of Dennis and Jeff.  The rest of us went back to the hotel to shower then went out for our final dinner in Austin.  Went to a great Irish Pub for dinner with a great group.

Monday morning we woke up early for our flight home.  I was concerned we would be delayed because bad storms but we made it out just in time.  I understand after we got out, they cancelled all flights heading east.  We made it back to Greenville around 12:30.

This years ride was incredible.  The route was great, everyone arrived safely and we had a great time.  I did not want the week to end but I was excited to get home.  Jennifer and I went to pick up Reed and Ridge from school and they both reinforced why I do this ride.  They both came running at us full speed and jumped into our arms.  RJ was the same way when he got home from school.  Like I said earlier, I don’t want to see their names on any card.

Thank you everyone for your support.  We will start planning next years ride soon and hope to max out the riders.  I would love to double the $200,000 we donated to our charities this year, next year.  Until then …

ScottStong, RideStrong, LiveStrong

Everybody’s heard about Team Awesome’s crazy battle with Tropical Storm Rick, so I won’t belabor that, other than the fact that we have another nickname because of the effects of all the rain, wind and cold: Team Snot Rocket (goes with the green).

However, I made a promise that night before we set out on our shift. I want to thank Deputy Sheriff Daniel Wagner of Grimes County, TX for keeping us company at that lonely gas station before we met up with Team Polka Dot. He was a super nice guy and gave us some pointers on how to get through College Station in the dead of night. Thanks Deputy Wagner…

Anyway, I want to drop a quick note about what has been one of my biggest challenges on this ride: reverse culture shock. It’s a phenomenon I’ve experienced several times when returning from stints overseas to friends and family back home. It’s odd. You go on a journey, become changed by the experience, and you come back, and everything is just a touch “off.” It takes some time to reintegrate with people that didn’t share those experiences along with you and go through the same changes. It’s like they don’t understand.

In any case, I’m feeling it again, now that I’m back in the real world. There are no maps to check, transition points to scope out, kits to clean, or food to be shoveled down in anticipation of the next shift. What’s more, there are no more of the intense emotions of triumph, loss, fellowship, pain, joy, and friendship that I got hooked on while with you all. I talked with my father after we completed our last shift and he said to me “you know, I reckon you’re coming back from this a completely different person.”

Know what? My Pop is right. I’m different, and I’m glad for it, even if it makes me feel a little out of place for a while. I guess this is my weird way of saying that I miss everybody already, and I hope that you all get home safe and get some rest so that we can get out on the road (or dare I say the trail for those of you with mountain bikes) soon!

Safe travels, and God bless

BoZ

It is funny how this week went by so fast. I was thinking about it as the bus rumbled along at speeds just slightly above the speed limit. What a great week. This year was a totally different experience than 2008 for me personally. In 08, I rode on Team 1 and we had a little different mentality about the ride (we rode pretty hard). That said, team 1 was a fantastic group of people and we all got it (we all were there for the same reason). This year I rode with the Yellow team. It was similar in feel but the connection of the team was completely different. This year was a lot more personal. Having a person on the team who is currently doing treatment really took it to another level for me personally and I think the team felt the same way. I think it was made a little harder by the fact that I see the same thing at home on a weekly basis with Susan.  

So, now it is time to get back to work, back to reality, and back to the shop to unload the bus and the trailer. I must say that I am truly thankful for all for all of the riders, the support personal, the sponsors and the personal supporters that helped  put together this ride. The ride was safe, the riders all rode well and we all completed this year’s challenge. It was a fantastic week!  I am excited about the prospect of 2010!

JOEY

So…6 AM EST, and I was sitting under a gas station awning in soaking wet clothes taking in the moment.  Dad would be SO proud.  And my journey, this Challenge to Conquer Cancer is quickly nearing a close.  My teammates were quickly changing into dry clothes, but I felt like I could go forever…I didn’t know that I really wanted it to end!  Sure, I hated being crammed in a KIA van with 6 other adults, but I loved the camaraderie, the people we’ve met along the way, the kindness of strangers, and the sense of purpose.  My purpose was to train, to raise awareness, to raise money, and to ride….all in the name of something that touches so many.  That is a beautiful thing, and I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this challenge.

God Bless all of my teammates.  I enjoyed the adventure!  LiveSTRONG!!

Thank you P3C3 for the Challenge, the Emotions, the opportunity, the memories will last a life time.  Will I do this again….. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!!!

There were very cool sag (rest stops) on the route but the best was Mellow Johnny’s which included an espresso bar and beer keg!  I also managed to have two flat tires on the ride but it was all good because I at least flatted on the top of a hill!

However, say a few prayers because there were many wrecks on the course today, including two cyclists who hit a deer and they needed to be transported away by an ambulance.

I have decided the worst part and the thing that has frustrated me the most of this whole ordeal – the male cyclist shave their legs more than I do!!!!!!!

Well time to shower, grab some dinner tonight, post-ride party at Lance’s bar and then early flight home to South Carolina.  I am very homesick and miss Peter and my kids .

Pink out until next year…………..

 Yesterday morning we rode into Austin as a group and myself and the other survivors led the way into downtown Austin.  As i got closer i rode in silence while I thought about what a year this has been.  I am 2 weeks away from the anniversary of my diagnosis, its been 6 weeks since I lost my grandmother (although she showed up several times this week, and i am wearing her necklace while I’m riding as well) I ordered a bike before I could even walk this last winter and now I’m 1 mile away from saying I rode my bike to Austin.  It was indescribable the feeling I got when we came over the bridge and the first people I see are my best buddy Carlee, my grandfather, and my parents standing in the middle of the road as we pull in.   Later last night we had our reception dinner (huge thanks to New Belgium brewery and Todd at Eagleshotz) and although it was completely unplanned people stood up one at a time and told their story on why they ride and I know there was not a dry eye in the house. But what I realized is I stopped doing this for me a long time ago.  I am doing this with this crazy idea that we are going to beat this disease in our lifetime and I am with a bunch of morons who have the same belief. 

I woke up this morning and did the Livestrong challenge 5k and once again all of the survivors  and warriors crossed the finish line arm in arm in-front of 3,000+ people and we showed them how united our team is.  I was even stopped at starbucks 30 minutes later and had a woman say how she saw us finish and how she could see how special our p3c3 group is.   Then came the survivor reception,  and I could go on all night about how cool it was but im too tired. However during a Q&A part with Lance someone asked if he was in fear of his cancer returning.  I almost couldn’t look up because I didnt want to hear the answer because Lance had the same as I did and I know i am always in fear, but he could not have put it any better than when he said “I know my chances of a re accuring cancer is much greater than most people’s, but I stay physacly healthy and I am not sitting idle waiting for it to happen either i am fighting back in the mean time”.  And just like that its game on for me, if it was bad before its going to be terrible now.  Im going to go to bed and get up early to do the Livestrong 45mile race, Im going to beat the shit out of my bike and my body on the ride, and Im going to go back to Greenville tomorrow and show the world how to liveSTRONG.  I’m not a cancer survivor anymore….I’m a cancer fighter.

Friendship formed, even though this group has included various cycling abilities, ages, backgrounds, non-cyclist and folks who probably will not interact in the rhythm of their regular lives but are now family.

Without cancer the dynamic trio of Kim, Kerrie and Chasse  would not have formed!  I have also discovered the secret unrecognized powerhouse of encouragement for apparently every runner in Greenville and surrounding area in the powerhouse form of the humble Shopping Marathon Momma – Kerrie Sijon.  I am convinced that Kerrie is the heart and soul of the entire group!

Pink out-off to LAF survivorship dinner!

This morning we all participated in the 5k walk/run. It was a great walk and awesome to see all of the P3 folks in the bright yellow shirts. RunIn provided those shirts and boy did we stand out. It was awesome and lots of people commented on them throughout the morning.

I am not sure if I will get another opportunity to blog (I plan on trying when I get home), but I think i am most thankful that we had a great ride. We have a great group this year and I think it shows in the positive attitude and tremendous spirit that they have all brought to this event. The ride was safe. The weather was not the best but it was not bad. This is after all a challenge. With every challenge there must be a point where things get tough. We all had those points and we all made it through like champions. Cancer patients live a daily challenge. We simply have had a 5 day challenge. I like to remember that when I see my wife and our friends who have battled cancer.

2009 p3 Challenge to Conquer Cancer has been a super event with a super group of people! Thank you all to my personal supporters and all of our event sponsors. Without your support none of us could help in supporting the fight!

JOEY SULLIVAN

Sometime earlier this year Megggan sent me an email asking if I would be interested in joining a ride that she new about. She sent me the registration for the kick off banquet at the Palmetto center. I went, listened, and asked questions about the ride and decided that it would be something that I was interested in. I had been participating in another much larger ride for the past several years and was ready to change for reasons that I will not go into. Riding to Austin sounds interesting enough so I joined up.

For me this ride started out not as a way to bring awareness to conquer or cure cancer, but as a more challanging bike ride. I had sent Ron several emails getting information and asking questions about the ride.

The training rides started and I went to as many as I could. Bakery run at 7 a.m. sharp from Furman. Ron what’s your phone nuber so I can call you to let you now if I will be a few minutes late? I had a friend riding with me and he stayed back with me so I would know the way to the bakery. I had told Ron that I die in hills. When we got to the bakery the rest of the group was there and Ron greated me with a hugh smile asking how was it and with a big “You made it”.

Oct 18 was drawing near and I was sweating the fund raising. I was still $1000 short on Thursday before the ride. Friday afternoon several large donations came in so I told Ron at the shop I was officially in!!!!!!!!!

Sunday came and it was still another ride for me. I was feeling bad for Laurens because she was having to fight again and that she could not ride.

The white team is made up of bionic people. Joe has an artificial hip, Judy has 2 new knees, Kathy has lost one of her lungs to cancer, and me, well I have jsut lost part of my mind. So we were all missing something we were born with. We started out on US 76 where the Trail crosses. Kathy ook off like a bullet hollering into the night WE WERE FINALLY OFF AS A TEAM. It didn’t take long for me to realize what a struggle it was for kathy to do this ride with one lung. Can you imaginewhat it would be liek? Soon she was on the bus for a while. The hills just killed her. Judy started giving me background info about Kathy . During that night the ride turned from riding to Austin to figure out how we could keep Kathy on the road as long as we could. I remebered what Joe had said earlier in the year: “It’s not about how many miles or how fast we go. Don’t forget it is about the cause”. We finally made Murphy N.C. for our transistion. Off we go to find a bed and our next point of entery in the ride. Judy and I were still having our own conversations about how to keep Kathy on the bike as long as we could.

Then came the Natchez Trace. I had confettie popers to use at one of our transistion points and had planned to use them Tuesday night. We waited in Collenwood Tenn. for 3 hors tring to rest. The people in this small town were so nice to us. We were dressed and ready to ride and as we pulled out I spotted a vehicle with bikes on top. It was Laurens and Ann. They stopped us and we chatted. We told them e had a surprise for their team. We started down the Trace looking for a change over palce. We discussed the paty poppers. Mike got a phone call from Laurens saying that the team was down and needed some serious boosting. We turned around to find them and the decision was made to not use the poppers because it might cause someone to wreck. So thinking back for a moment to something we saw earlier taht was meant for the white team, I told Mike to drive by them slowly. As we got near them a new moon suddenly came oout from nowhere. We turned around and as we went by it suddenly appeared again. My “Mr. innocent” was blown. No one expects Uncle Milty to be the one. I was more than glad to do participate in something that would help the others out as we were not just the White team to Austin, but the P3C3 team.

We got on the Trace and off we go!!! I took the lead and slowed the pace down for Kathy. We wanted her on the bike as much as psooible. I tild her to stay behind me and I would pull her. when we got to hills I slowed down really slow hoping to help her conserve her oxygen. She stayed on the bike for almost 2 hours. We were so proud of her. encouraging her to keep going as long as she could, get in the bus and rest and to come back out when she was rested. . We stopped about every hour to make sure Joe got fed and watered. It had to be hard on him. He is 70 years old you know. We rode through part of Tenn. all of Alabama, and into Mississippi that night. So off to get some needed sleep and on to somewhere La.

After getting 4 hours of sleep we were off. A short cut urned into a long night for us as we had a flat tire. After gettting it fixed we were off down the trace again. We stopped just short of the Mississippi line ( I would tell you the name of the town but I can’t spell it lolol) for a short nap. Ron had tod us that it would be okay to be a little late due to our flat tire.

The yellow team was waitng on us when we got to our transsition point. It was still just another ride for me and and trying to keep Kathy on the road. After we had dressed Beth called me over to tell me something. She told me how they wre dedicating each mile to someone. Beth who made me laugh now made me start crying by bring into focus what the ride is really about. The ride then turned very emotional for me. Remembering the friends and family, my father, who died from camcer. It was just too much for me. I cried for most of the morning. Thinking why did Steve have to die young from cancer, Myria who didn’t get to spend much time with her new granddaughter, Why does Laurens, who is such and inspiration to me, have to fight it again. Sue, Sandra, and Spence wtih breast cancer, Jack with non hodgkins lymphoma.

Thank you to everyone on the P3C3 team. To the ones that rode their butts off not realizing that Laurens would decide that dhe would ride into Austin,
to Don for being the best photographer an individual team could have, to everyone one on the team that for making me feel like part of the larger team, the good times and the bad times, to Meggan for bring this ride to my attention, and to Ron for having a vision, and the rest of my new family and friemds!!!!!!!!!!!

the best tquote I can think of to leave everyone with with is to remeber: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

Team Green rode into that storm.  It’s name was “Rick”.  We rode through it.  It didn’t beat us, but rather built us up.  I guess it is true, what doesn’t break you makes you stronger.  Many parallels between these struggles and those of our courageous warriors whom we ride for, don’t you think?

Any way, I hope to put down into words my thoughts on that night when I get a little more time and the screen doesn’t seem so blurry in front of my eyes.  Until then, enjoy some video from that Day Four at LowCadence.com:  Have you ever ridden in the middle of a named storm?

Thanks for following us all online this year.

I felt lonely, anxious, curious,  frazzled, frightened, disoriented. These are feelings that cancer warriors, survivors, caretakers feel often.

By the 2nd day, I  became part of this “bicycle family”. We  cycle not only for fun, exercise, comraderie, to achieve personal goals.  We cycle for a CAUSE.

 We are battling, symbolically and literally,  with this P3C3 Ride to Austin.  Here in Austin, we will  join  “zillions” of others in this  CHALLENGE to CONQUER CANCER.  We will make a $200,000+/-  contribution for cancer research and treatment through the LIVESTRONG Foundation.  Our thanks to those in the Upstate SC, NC area, family and friends from other places, who contributed to make this a reality.

As a 62 year young woman, this has been an experience unlike any other.
I am so thankful to those who made this journey possible.  Many encouraged me and some inspired me (one in particular). Please call on me when you want or need.   In 62 years, I have struggled with  family and friends.  You don’t need to know the particulars.  Others of this group have expressed that very well.   Must close now-need to drive the van to our next destination.

Today we are off to the city of Austin!!!!!!!!!!

THis ride has turned very emotional for me. I started this ride as another bike ride that sounded very interesting. Afte

We rode the outskirts of Austin and into the town of Bastrop. It was still dark but the rain was starting to ease up so maybe this ride would not be so dreary. We took a stop at a gas station about 22 miles out from our destination. At that moment, we were all completely energized by the sight of Laurens Flanagan getting ready to join us for the final miles of the ride.

I think the whole team has been lucky to have her in the support vehicles for this trip. We all wanted her to ride but having just completed a cycle of chemo the conditions have to be right for her to ride. She has been a personal warrior to our team and an incredibly positive influence as to why we all ride.

The final few miles were a little crazy. Ted had a flat. Arthur changed his wheel and got him rolling quickly. We rolled into the suburbs and the hills started to get a little steeper. With about 2 miles to go Laurens flatted. Once we got her rolling again I think we were all ready to roll out last few miles and start the celebration. It was awesome to see all of the teams waiting for us at the hotel! Greenville SC to Austin Tx. That is one long ride! But it is not about the ride.  This is a challenge. It is about the fight and teams  and why we all ride. Those last few miles completely eliminated those dreary thoughts early in the morning when it was cold and rainy (did I mention the sun came out about the time we finished!).

Tommorow, we roll into downtown Austin as one big team. All of the riders will be there and some of the support people will ride. I am very blessed to be surrounded by a tremendous team this year. Ron and Jennifer Jerina are the central force behind this ride to Austin. They allowed me to ride with this wonderful group of friends. Ted and Ann, Beth, Robin, Laurens, Ron and Jennifer truly made a super team to be a part of this year’s ride. I am not sure how so many completely different people spent 5 days in a car together and do it with nearly constant humor, support and never once did they threaten to throw me out of the car.  This year has been a completely different experience for me from the last. I can honestly say that I think people get it this year even more than the last.

I am looking forward to tommorow. I get see my wife Susan ( a warrior)! She will hopefully be at the hotel when we arrive. She is why I ride and truly an incredible survivor. This weekend has yet to begin but it will be a super weekend.

Thank you to all of my supporters for this trip. This has been a fantastic ride. More challenging, new people but all focusing on the same goal. This has been a fantastic finish into Austin, I am tired, sleepy and rambling on and on.

Joey Sullivan

We’ve all faced challenges throughout this journey from Greenville to Austin. All teams had a significant challenge with the cold temperatures in the beginning stages. They also had the challenge of long hours with little real sleep (more challenge for some teams than others due to the way the shifts worked out). Some teams were challenged with a climbing stage early in the ride. Most were challenged because they were also dealing with these conditions while riding in the dark.

I was talking to Ed the other day about the challenges presented by this year’s route. He was concerned that if the ride was too challenging, there might be difficulty in recruiting riders for next year. These adverse conditions, besides being difficult for the riders, could also present safety and health issues. This was perhaps his most important thought during the discussion.

During this time of year, it was inevitable that we were going to have some cooler temperatures in the mountains. Ed’s concern was the safety and security of the teams as they moved through this terrain. We were very concerned about Jeni after being pulled from the ride with borderline hypothermia (just to reiterate – she is fine now). Ed was also concerned for the well being of the entire team – we were all feeling the effects of the cold.

This discussion really got me thinking about the challenges we were facing during this journey. That Monday morning ride with the climbing and the cold weather was a significant physical and mental challenge – for me, and I think for just about anyone. I’m very proud that Team Polka Dot made it through those challenges. I think all of the P3C3 crew is proud of the way they were able to persevere through the adverse conditions presented to them during their rides.

As we rode the Natchez trace the following day (through simply incredible riding conditions I might add), I reflected further on how each person responds to a challenge. Everyone is going to respond differently to a specific challenge, and what is a challenge to one person might not be a challenge to another.

Most people in the United States voluntarily put themselves in situations in which they will be challenged. This is a luxury that we are very lucky to have. Unfortunately, there are many who find themselves challenged without having a choice in the matter. Nobody knows who will be diagnosed with cancer next. It seems too many already have been. I just found out about a co-worker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

When I think about the challenges we have faced on this ride, I realize they don’t compare to the challenges ahead of someone who is diagnosed with cancer. On this ride, I always had the option to get on the bus or in the van. I didn’t have to keep riding. For someone with cancer, they only have one choice and that is to fight.

On this ride there are a number of warriors, a very high number of survivors and the rest have a personal story about someone they know and love who is or has fought the battle against cancer.

What I’ve seen from this P3C3 crew these last days is each person responding to their individual challenges with strength and courage. Collectively, we have responded to the Challenge to Conquer cancer with that same courage and conviction. I’m proud to be involved with this group of excellent people.

jd – Team Polka Dot

As the year unfolded, my skepticism about fundraising began to mount.  I was convinced that we would end up short.  I couldn’t see folks opening their pockets in such a down economy… especially for me… I’ve gotten a reputation for being a tight wad.  The year was becoming increasingly negative.  Dad passed away in June.  I remember kneeling at the rail in the front of our church, asking God for help to somehow find the strength to support my wife and the wisdom to know what or how to be the comfort she needed.  The summer became a really low point in my life.  The demands of the many things in my life seemed to combine in a perfect storm.  My Saturdays became a day of watching Morgan while Meg trained.  I wouldn’t have much time for Loren… and I became bitter.  God was working on me.

In August, we held a fundraising barbeque at our church.  Meggan went out and tirelessly found businesses willing to donate to our cause.  It was incredible to see so many people willing to support the cause.  I had to do a bunch of research about cancer to find things to MC the BBQ.  I started to understand the full scope of what cancer research had done and is doing.  The night before the banquet, cancer claimed my Aunt Lila Elliott (Ricketts).  She had bravely fought a painful battle with bone cancer for about two years.  The following week I attended her funeral in Herman, MO.  At the funeral… everyone was really relieved that she was home.  Lila was the first of five children in the Ricketts family to pass.  My mom… a very strong woman, a survivor of polio, who rarely cries… whom I don’t recall ever having being shaken when speaking publicly, became emotional as she recounted visiting with Lila during the year before she passed.  She told about how Lila and Uncle Jim had just bought their first house after 30+ years in the ministry.  My parents, who are in the ministry as well, had just bought their first house about the same time.  Lila had made a comment about how ironic, wonderful, and a blessing it was that both she and my parents had finally gotten their own home to enjoy retirement… it was a comment that gave no power or credit to cancer. 

Got me to thinking about cancer, and my own life.  When I try to think back to my earliest memory of cancer, it brought back things I’d forgotten long ago.  I lost my grandpa Ricketts to cancer in 1983.  His name was Kenneth, which was where I got my middle name.  When he got sick, I was 6.  I remember making trips out to the farm where they lived in Illinois, to visit often as his time came closer.  The farmhouse had been filled with all kinds of special medical equipment that had been moved into the farmhouse with the hospital bed where he would later pass.  Inside the bathroom was an old fashioned water bottle – heat/ice bag.  Well… I was 6, and didn’t know what that was and hadn’t seen one before.  I assumed it had something to do with cancer.  Sometime after he passed, we visited my grandma Snyder.  I discovered a water bottle in her medicine cabinet.  I became upset to the point of tears that she had cancer and would die…  No… she didn’t have cancer, but cancer had made its initial presence known to me as something to be feared.

I mentioned earlier that I really didn’t know or understand my father-in-law, Jim.  During the time we spent in Iowa visiting him at the hospital, in hospice, and at the funeral; I got to know what a great man my children won’t get to know or play with.  Jim McIlravy, or Jimmy Mac, as the locals called him, was a character.  He was a fun loving man, who some folks thought was just some crazy guy to be made fun of.  But Jim wasn’t a character.  He was a man of character.  He was the type of man who would leave his crops in the field to help another farmer in need at harvest.  He didn’t value self… he was a man of service, and a man that was understood and respected by those who he selflessly loved.  Jim went to God in the arms of my wife as I looked on.  I don’t think I will ever see or feel anything in my life that will make me feel more helpless…

The BBQ turned my year around.  I learned alot about myself, about friendship, and about faith.  Our church family and friends turned out in awesome numbers.  Our friends stepped up and bailed me out of some poor planning on my part at the last minute.  All in all, we raised about a third of our money that night.  The $7500 seemed more manageable. 

The next week when I was at my Aunt’s funeral, my mother’ grade school classmate, Gail McDonald a published Christian author, wife of Gordon McDonald, another  Christian author, rode to the cemetery for the internment with my brother and I.  On the trip, she asked both my brother and I what our spiritual gifts were.  Then she asked what our wife’s gifts were.  I hadn’t thought about it in the context of where I was at with being in a funk, and in the context of what Meg was dealing with.  God’s hand continued to work.

Sometime during the training I discovered that watching Morgan on Saturdays was becoming the highlight of my week.  While meg was training… Morgan and I would train… ride the train at heritage park that is.  These are memories we will cherish forever.

The fundraising, planning, and now trip to Austin have helped me grow in my relationship with my wife , my understanding of friendship, and my faith walk.  I have a renewed faith in the generosity and heart of our county.  The news says things are down.  The reality is that people are up.  People are up to supporting good causes.  And they don’t need the government’s help to do it.

I now know that cancer, while a valid threat, is not something to live in fear of.  Cancer is something that we are a part of working to cure.  My Aunt Lila was right.  Cancer doesn’t mean stopping our dreams.  We have to continue to do the work we were gifted to do.

Turns out my spiritual gift is service.  I think Jimmy Mac and I had a lot in common… No – my kids won’t get to know grandpa Jim or play with him… but, I can be the kind of man he was…  and teach them the lessons of selfless loving service he valued. 

Cancer might have taken grandpa Jim, but his legacy will strongly live on.

It all started when I went out to the Jerinas lake house in the summer.  I didn’t really know what to expect, but I left there knowing that I had just met some very good, very passionate people.  Every meeting, training ride and event from that time on only confirmed my original impression.  All of those who have known me for long know that I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I know that God was at work when Chasse asked me to do this just as He was at work on me when I agreed to do it.   And now, He’s been at work this week as we have made this journey across the country all working together to fight this disease that has plagued all of us in one way or another.

When Team Yellow arrived this morning, it was an incredible moment in time.  We were all so emotional and all I could think is that I’ve known most of these people for less than 6 months (and some much less than that) and yet I’m standing here crying with them, hugging them and loving them.  It’s amazing what can happen when people come together for a common cause.  It’s obviously what I needed to learn for my 43rd birthday and I’m so thankful for the lesson.  God, once again, thanks, I got it.

Dennis

Today’s ride greeted us with rain…lots of it. We started in the dark and looked forward to our first ride in the light. Not even 2 hours into the ride I was bonking and with that all of this weeks emotions flowed out and could not be stopped. I cried.. a lot… as I thought about all of those that helped make this possible. I did not want to let anyone down and just like that Joey and Ron pulled me back in and with their love and support I pushed forward.  Having Laurens join us brought the tears back.  I love this girl I love that she is such a fighter.  It was Laurens that brought me to this group of amazing people..now family.

This is what our team was like all week. If any one was suffering or needed an extra hug we just knew to do it. Anne and Jennifer were amazing and I know without a doubt that we could not have done this without them. Tedd (double D), Ron (karaoke king), Beth (queen of one-liners), Joey (route master) and Laurens (the slayer)  could not have been a more amazing team to be on.

Today my Aunt passed away from Cancer. As I said in an earlier post she had a “mean cancer” (her words) but she was thrilled to know we are fighting for her and all others that have been touched my this.

Thank you Ron for dreaming something so big and then allowing us all to be a part of it.  You are amazing!!

Relentless Forward Motion.

Robin Blackburn – Team Yellow

It is an honor to wear the P3C3 jersey… It has meant the world to me to ride for Kim….I am grateful to my team for pulling me. 

RJ, Reed and Ridge.. you are very lucky men.  

Tebbets, we missed you and have been thinking about you all week. 

John Cash  Thank you for making this possible for me… you are truely an inspiration.

Tommy  Thank you for the honor of riding for Kim…

Mum,Dad and Leah thanks for believing I could do this.

Jack and Alli I looked at your picture whenever I was tired.  I kept peddling!

Kim and Scottie… thanks for the help on the hills… i love and miss you both.

Nap time!

Kathy

First thing, word up everyone one for Kim Stancil’s birthday today – everyone send her a message! (I think she will remember this one!)

Ok, for the Pinkly adventures of yesterday:  we had the honor of being the inaugural team crossing into the Texas state line after crossing an approx 1 ½ mile bridge into the state.  After stopping for multiple photos we then had the pleasure of multiple miles of Texas rollers – no wonder Lance won the Tour!  Some people have a personal trainer; I have a personal pacer – thanks Arthur who was always there to pull me back into the group after the lovely rollers.  My tough moment came about 5 hrs into the ride when I started to bonk but remembered our team motto “shut and ride” and that we hoped to go 10 more miles before we took a break! Well, I sucked it up and took a Hammer Gel – big mistake. I spent the next 30 minutes on the bus holding a barf bag – but hey this old girl recovered and finished the ride with the gang hauling at a 20+ mph pace!!!!!

Pink out and on the town!

Our night shift from midnight to 6am started in Huntsville, TX in a light wind and rain, and it would only intensify.  By 3am the rain was blowing in stinging sheets and the wind made holding a straight paceline very difficult.  This was doable, but about 4ish the wind made a dramatic shift from south to north, and like passing through a refrigerated curtain the temperature dropped noticeably, the chill set in, and the rain was pelting us with force from 20 to 30 mph winds.

We soldiered on, with our field general, Jonathan, leading the way.  We quickly learned that an eschelon formation would help us to deflect  the strongest winds, and though new to working with each other, we fell into it like a seasoned team.  Riding with The Green Cycling Machine has been a living, learning experience that I will always cherish.

This ride also started out differently, as we took time during our Prayer Circle to dedicate the day to specific and special people.  I thought of my brother Dave, who survives leukemia and is now also focused on healing other health problems.  I thought of my Dad, taken 24 years ago but never forgotten.  My aunt and uncle, my Mom and younger brother, Chris, and all the friends whose lives have been connected with me through this Herculean effort.

My highest praises to the folks of the P3, especially Ron and Kevin, who I met after only a few days of moving to Greenville, and who opened my eyes and heart to a whole new way of living and contributing to life.

Lovestrong.  Livestrong.

We have arrived in Austin!  We are now heading out the front door of the hotel to welcome the Yellow Team, the finale of the trip that will bring us together for our parade into downtown as the P3C3!

Jerry

I admitted in an earlier post that I didn’t think we would ever find enough folks that would agree to take 8 days off of work, sit on a tiny bike seat for 6 hours, or ride in a vehicle for 1300 miles. Ron, Kevin and Kim KNEW we would.

Our journey here last year was incredible and everyone on it is a part of my heart. This year has proven to be incredible in a new way. It seemed strange to me leaving Greenville this time with some of our teammates from last year waving goodbye to us. I wasn’t sure if we could duplicate the bonding that went on last year, but oh how we have. When you are on a trip of this magnitude, you can’t help but get to know the people on your team. Our team is unique in that we have lots of returning members: Ron, Beth, Laurens, Joey and me. So we all knew a little bit about what to expect on the trip. It didn’t take any time for Tedd, Anne and Robin to blend right in. All the riders have been doing alot of training together and Anne and I are Iron wives together (Louisville 2007) so we have that bond already. The reason the definition of TEAM is on our jersey is because I wanted it there. It is such a key ingredient to this trip. I have been so touched by all of the teams who are posting here. It sounds as if they have had the same experience bonding and gelling as a team as we have.

Our midnight to 6am shift touched my heart in a way I didn’t know possible.  My sweet husband’s voice came over the radio advising the team that they would be dedicating each pull to those for who we ride.  I was in the bus behind them watching as they worked together.  Beth had a dedication where she wanted the team to kiss the sky.  In unison all five riders raised a hand to heaven.  I was both touched and saddened as Joey and Ron named so many family members.  Name after name, sometimes multiple names at a time kept coming over the radio.  Tears welled up and spilled over as I looked at my watch to see that they had been doing this almost THREE hours.  How could these five super- people still be calling out names?  At one point I saw Tedd reach out for Robin’s hand.  My heart swelled up with pride as I watched and listened.  I was in complete awe of my team.  Then they got out of their paceline and were riding side by side.  I instinctively knew what they were doing.  I knew what the next radio transmission would be.  They wanted Laurens to know they felt her riding with them, that they missed her physical presence beside them, how we are in the fight with her.  This ride, this team….I can’t express how honored I am to be here.  Cancer: it’s UGLY, it has broken us, it has ripped people from us, but….it has brought us together.  I feel so blessed to have these people in my life.  And when I say these people, I mean the entire P3C3 family.  I type this as we head to our transition with Green (Awesome) at 6am.  It’s dark again, it’s raining, we are cranking tunes in the car, singing to “It’s A Beautiful Day” and looking forward to seeing the rest of our family when we get to Austin later this morning.   I can’t wait to hug and kiss each and every one of you.

Love to you all,

Jennifer

we stopped at a gas station in east jesus texas and a woman walked up and asked what we were doing and she was so excited she donated to the cause and as we left, her and her daughter followed us for 10 miles just to see us ride.  Today was the first day we have ridden in any traffic and it was great! we felt like rock stars, nearly every other car and truck even fisherman in a lake were honking, waving,  giving us thumbs up ( a entire different finger than I am used to seeing on a bike).  It was so encouraging to the entire team that we kept going faster and riding stronger with each mile.  We were pulling into Lufkin tx and the rain started. We had expected that to slow us down but we turned into a well trained team (other than Arthur the pro who fell like a real winner) we were riding at 25 mph, in traffic, in the rain and we looked like a first class race team.   We got off of the bike and got a massage and drank some great texas beer. We are a strong team, with great support.  We are in the van now laughing and telling stupid stories. What a trip! Well Kerrie is telling me to get off of the computer, so im out.

Night one the darkness brought us cold.  To-the-bone cold that you have read about in the early blogs.  In that darkness we found teamwork and  hard efforts required to stay warm, to perservere and to defeat the cold inside of us and outside of us.  We didn’t do it alone, we did it together, taking turns bearing the brunt of the cold on the front and being thankful to others for providing us with the relief of tucking in at the back, even if just for a few blessed minutes.

Night two brought us the darkness of monotony. Long, straight, dark roads with no signs of forward progress, no signs of life, no signs of light,  like riding your bike on a treadmill in the dark.  But in the darkness of monotony came the light of comraderie!  We had to transform what we had, into what we needed.  So we sang, we quoted movies, told bad jokes (or at least I did), we lifted each other up. And then from an unexpected place, in an unexpected way (no really it was unexpected), help from friends.  Giving us what we needed to make it to the end of that night.

Night three brought us the darkness of pain and loss. This night we honored those who have been taken from us and those who have beaten cancer.  There were tears, lots of tears, and anger, but also glimmers, however brief, of victory and hope. In that darkness we found strength, courage,  honor and purpose inside of ourselves.  We found  we were not alone, we had angels pushing us forward, we had friends and family needing us to fight for them and we had each other to support, encourage and to push us forward.

When I think of this adventure and the view from the darkside, I remember, “There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion.”  As you have read this week, there have been a lot of emotions. So let the transformations begin.

Now it is up to all of you reading this take the emotions from these blogs, these riders, this journey… I challenge you to take your emotions, your enthusiasm, your anger and use it to transform the darkness of cancer into the light of a cancer free world. Donate, volunteer, hug a survivor, visit a warrior, pray, ride, run, sell lemonade, walk, it doesn’t matter what you do…just do something.  Because you never know when your actions are the light someone needs to help them out of their darkness. Together we can take the light of love and action and destroy the darkness of cancer….

The emotion of this trip has been transforming for me and for the whole Mellow Yellow team…and tomorrow..well..tomorrow, we see the light and we are excited for what the light brings!!

RideSTRONG into the light!

A quick hello from the “quiet” Jerry.  Raining in Huntsville, TX just hours before our next leg.  Had a great meal of Italian and sitting in a crowded Starbucks sipping coffee and blogging away.

Almost lost my bike today with a bad skewer connection on the Team Awesome van’s rack.  Led to Bo putting a sign on it that he found that read “Free Bike”.  Earned me the mantle of Calamity J.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all your support.

LOVESTRONG, LIVESTRONG.

JERRY

I started with a cycling friend name Jackie Whitted. He left to early with pancreatic cancer. He was the biggest George Hincapie fan I have ever seen! He was a rider just like us and would probably be there if he could to support this ride today. I went through my family list (Harrington’s, Sullivan’s, cousin’s. aunt’s, uncles, grandparents…..). I put some unusual names out there like the people of Bogalusa LA that have dealt with a blight of cancer due to environmental issues. Paul Newman and musicians. I left my personal reason for the end (and most importantly as it is Susan my wife but I always think of our 5 year old son as he too is part of this battle!). In what seemed like just a little while we were through with nearly 3 hours of our ride, just saying names and making our pulls in the paceline. Quite amazing and truly surreal.

Last year was the first year. Amazing ride but we were all trying something new and had no expectations. This year is way different. Different people, new course, new people we meet on the road that look at us funny and many that are bewildered by the meaning behind this ride until they look at the magnets and realize that they too are surrounded by Cancer. I think this year has been taken to a new level. For this team, it is not about pace, it is not about hurrying to the next point and not about how great we are climbing. It is simply about the cause.

We wrapped up our dedication portion with the group riding side by side as we named our warriors and our current survivors on the ride. I am not sure I personally considered how hard it must be to be in the support vehicles listening over the radios as the names were being called out for hours. It could have well gone on all day and night from Greenville to Austin. It was quite amazing to the see the light on the back of Scott Schuey’s bike as it rode on the support van in front of us for nearly the whole night. That red light was a constant reminder to all of us of why we ride and a person on the list that was there with us that night.

I am leaving to get some dinner, and go to bed early as we have a 3:30 wake up call to get us going to meet our 6 am transition. It should be our last ride of the process of going to Austin. Friday morning the team will ride as one into downtown Austin and enjoy the fruits of our labor. The sleep should come easily enough as we all are tired and are over 24 hours without sleep. I apologize for my rambling but it is hard to put all of these thoughts together in one page.

Austin, here we come! Thank you to all of our supporters, friends and families who understand why we ride! 

Joey Sullivan

Team Yellow

This has been an incredible experience. I’m several days behind and I’m not going to go back and recreate each day for you, especially since you can read about TeamYellow’s adventures in my team members’ entries. I just need to let you know what an honor it is to be a part of this particular team.  It’s amazing how quickly these people become like members of your family.  We’ve known some of the team members for some time now, but have really gotten to know the others and I can’t think of a better team to be on!  TeamYellow ROCKS!!!!!  

There have already been some extremely moving experiences for me.  The first one was when I turned out of the hospital parking lot onto Faris Road and looked at all of the cyclists and support vehicles ahead of me.  It truly was a sight to behold.  How incredible to have this many people making their way from Greenville, SC to Austin, TX raising awareness and money for cancer research.  Everyone is giving up 8 days of their busy lives for this important cause.  It seems that we have all been touched by cancer in some way – many of us, multiple times.  Next comes the times that our team is out on the road and Scott Shuey’s bike is on top of our support vehicle.  Laurens and I have truly felt like Scott was with us.  You’ve probably all read by now thm and at Scott was one of our warriors who lost his battle with cancer just a couple of weeks ago.  We are taking his bike to Austin with us to symbolize that he is with us.  For whatever reason, Laurens & I really felt his presence the night we were driving down the pitch-black Natchez Trace.  We knew that we were taking Scott along for the ride and that was extremely special.  Lastly (at least to this point) was last night’s ride in which TeamYellow members would ride in the front of the paceline for  a few minutes, sharing with the team via radio, a name of someone they were riding in honor of or in memory of right at that moment.  Ron came on the radio at 1:00 and said that we would be doing this for the next hour.  It lasted over 3 hours and we didn’t get to all of the names on our team van.  It was unreal.  Our team has some very special people on it and I am so blessed to be a part of it.

Spending time with Laurens in the van while the riders have been on the ride has been a highlight.  I didn’t really know her when we started this journey, but now…….We can just look at each other and get the giggles.  We have had tons of fun during these many hours in the van and have lots of inside jokes!   When we get to Austin and participate in the 5K/ride this weekend, I’ve added Laurens to my list of why I’m here, as she is currently going through chemo because her cancer came back.  She’s just a great person to be around!

So…we’ll try to catch some zzzz’s here tonight before heading into Austin tomorrow morning.  It’s hard to believe that this part of the journey is almost over.  Now we have the Austin adventure to look forward to for the weekend.  I’ll try to blog again soon!  Thanks so much for supporting us in this really important cause and thanks for following us!

LiveSTRONG!

Anne

After a few mishaps on the first day that kept us medics a little busy, all of the riders have been accident-free and have been working together like a team; focused on a goal with a common mission in mind. I have been impressed by the encouragement passed among and between each of the teams, as they pass each other on the road or meet the next team at the next rendezvous point.

The point that was seared into my memory was the two hours last night that the Green Team spent riding in honor, or in memory, of loved ones have dealt with cancer. So many, many names! Just out of these five riders, dozens of names were mentioned and many lives were talked about as each of these cyclists took their turn “pulling” the pace-line. Each name represented an individual, with a family, holding plenty of memories; and some of them were re-lived by the riders as they rode in their name. And those mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg. There are countless people who are fighting this disease that we don’t even know about; families that are changed by the daily struggle of doctor’s visits, medications, and all of the medical bills.

One of the riders on the Green Team said something that really caught my attention. Well, it wasn’t necessarily what he said; it was the pattern of what he said. As all of the cyclists on this team rehearsed the names of family, friends, and even some strangers that they met, this rider kept naming members of his family who had to cope with this disease. Father, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins- all of them diagnosed with some form of cancer. Any person who had this list of family members would be greatly concerned for their own personal health, and their chances of being diagnosed with cancer. And this rider may have that concern. But this man does everything he can to stay in shape, eat right, and then goes the extra mile by raising money to donate to cancer research… but is that enough? Are we all just beating the wind as we work together as a team in this cause?

Then an astonishing thought struck me. While this rider may appear to have all of the hereditary indications of a fatal disease, and one would only think that his days are numbered, we all need to remember that each person’s days will come to an end. It could come in the form of seventeen years of fighting a battle against brain cancer, only to have your body succumb to the disease; of maybe something as sudden as an aneurysm in the brain, or a car accident. The truth remains, we are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we should focus on a cause, on a mission, on a goal, that will remain past our death, and always live each day as if it were our last.

Anyone, and everyone, has been reminded of this truth in what way or another. My heaven-sent reminder came through the family memories of a loving cyclist on a secluded Louisiana road in the middle of the night.

I’ll be honest, I knew we had a good bunch of people for the “in-between” times. However, I wasn’t so sure how it would be on the bikes. I have been very pleasantly surprised.

Jerry – he is a BIG dude. Normally that translates into some problems climbing. Sure in that very steep first leg he struggled just a little, but he was right there with us. On these flat sections he is a God-send! He is powerful and because he is big, he punches a huge hole in the wind. I’ll ride behind him any day!

Meggan – I call her “Meg-a-watts”. She is my favorite wheel. Her cadence is like butter. Oh, we both share a sadistic attraction to climbing. I now understand why her nickname given by others is “Afterburner.”

Bo – again, I was surprised after that first night. Bo fell back a bit on that ride and I thought it might be the way it would be for the week. Now I call him “The Closer” or “Horse”. I found that by the end of the ride when I am feeling tired and I look back I find Bo right on my wheel. Then he is around me chomping at the bit heading for the barn.

Then there is Nikki. After her very hard fall that first night and the subsequent pain and stiffness, I would have expected to hear someone complain or stay in the safety of the vehicles. Nope, not her. Tape her up and prop her on the saddle. She IS going to finish this memorial ride for those she loves and supports. I’m not getting in her way!

Me? I feel like this is MY team. As the most experienced rider, I feel some responsibility to their safety and success. After finishing the century last night – three of the five on our team got there very first – I was beaming like a proud papa.

In case you are wondering, there is a video up of the day. You can find it at LowCadence: http://wurl.ws/zYai

On to the serious side of the ride to Austin.  We are constantly reminded of why were here by the presence of Scott’s bike, by my teammate Chase and by Lauren’s reoccurence of cancer. It’s not about the bike.  It’s about trying to understand why it happens to those we love and to so many others in our lifetime.  I thank Ron Jerina for his dream of the ride and it becoming bigger than we ever expected.  We are having so much fun but we never forget why we’re here.  Those who are stricken with this terrible disease are much stronger that I could ever attempt to be.  I will try to use their strength on my rides and keep my focus on the reason why we’re cycling to Austin,TX.

Noon to six today.  May rain.  It doesn’t matter. We are joyful.  God is with us and we are happy.

I am so proud to be part of such a great team.  I will never forget the hardest ride of my life.

It’s interesting how things progress. On the road you feel for yourself , cold and damp. Then, like a beacon, you look ahead and see Scott’s bike up front leading the way, driving the vision of why we ride. I’m getting to old to worry for me, but I ride for the younger people and their children so that they may see the day where cancer does not exist any longer.

As those thoughts were float through my mind, the sun came out showing its warmth and beauty. Our shillouttes drawn across the fields painted by a master artist inspired the team onward. It was a glorious day.

Part 1:

Hooray for awesome hotel staff!

Our first night (Sunday) due to the good heart of the general manager at the Doubletree in Chattanooga, TN we were offered rooms at the employee rate of $29/night.  It may not seem like a big deal, but every $ we save on the overhead of this trip is another $ that goes to cancer research and survivor advocacy!

Today was no different… The Hampton Inn we found last night in Tupelo, MS was nice enough to offer us the federal rate but could not go any cheaper without a manager on site.  So, this morning after we’d already been charged $70/room, I spoke to the front desk receptionist, Bridgette and explained to her what we were doing and asked if there was any way to get a further discount.  She proceeded to call the general manager to ask if that would be possible.  30 minutes later we received a call to our room saying they had already adjusted our rooms down to the employee rate of $29/night.

TeamAwesome with the awesome Hampton Inn Tupelo staff

And tonight… we had a very good idea of where we’d end up, Natchez, MS… so who did we call? No… not ghostbusters, but the Hampton Inn.  I spoke to the manager, explained what we were doing and she didn’t hesitate to offer us rooms for the employee rate, $29/room.

I look at the generosity of these folks as a testament to the fact that cancer touches everyone, and if you’re just willing to ask, people want to be involved and help out in any way they can!  So thank you Bill Mish, Stephanie Browning (& Bridgette), and Janelle.  I’ve always been loyal to Hilton properties and this has only reaffirmed my reasons for sticking with them.

Part 2:

Hooray for awesome Team Awesome teammates!

First things first… today aside from riding the priority was laundry… Loren, Megan, & Jerry got up early and headed to the local laundromat to wash our stinky riding gear… It was not only nice to have clean clothes again… but riding in the van was no longer filled with the stench of dirty cyclists.  You three rock!

Our shift today ran from 6 pm to Midnight.  We had a smooth transition with the Polka-Dot team close to 6 pm… Transitions are such great times to catch up with the other teams and cheer them on… you cheer for them as they arrive and they do the same when you depart… and the Polka-Dot crew absolutely killed it today… riding more than a century during the “Happy Shift” (noon-6) which got our hopes up.  After all, Megan, Bo & I had never completed a full century.

We rolled out to cheers from Keith, Reuben, Rene and Dennis (towel boy), along with the entire Polka Dot crew and our support folks… it was exciting and I was more than pleased to be starting my first full shift!!  We headed off into Jackson, MS commuter traffic… Bob Kramer started out riding with us as well to help pull in the daylight… which turned out to be a great thing since in the first few miles… Jerry’s rear wheel went “soft”.  Bob took a look at it, pumped it with CO2 and we were off again… for another 1/2 mile when it decided to no longer hold air… aside: if you’ve read about the polka-dot outlaws you know that for this shift we couldn’t have a lead or follow vehicle… so no NASCAR wheel changes… and at times no radio and no other cars for miles around us.  Bob thankfully had another CO2 cartridge and Jerry had a spare tube… in less than 5 minutes he had the tube changed out… and we were off… for real this time!

This slow start was a bit of a downer for the group, along with the fact the support vehicles had to leap-frog us… our goal of hitting a century was in jeopardy.  Traffic was steady for the first hour or so but man… the Natchez Trace Parkway is smooth… clean… and has little wind.  Animals were everywhere… and when I say animals, I mean deer… lots and lots of deer.  We saw a few cross the road ahead of us… and it was at first kind of neat… then there were more deer… and then… out of no where, no more than 10 feet in front of Jonathan 1 deer jumped in front of him and crossed the road, then another!  I thought we were going to have a Matt Lauer moment on our hands.  Alas, Jonathan is a great rider and wasn’t phased… He just kept pulling.  Everyone kept pulling.  Which brings me to how awesome my teammates are.  They pulled me through this shift… without them I definitely would not have made it.  We paced it out on the road and I hugged wheels… pulling some… but really relying on my teammates for support and strength.  Negative thoughts would pop into my head regarding how I couldn’t keep up with them and wouldn’t make it… but Megan, Jonathan, Jerry, & Bo were there… when I was gapped, they’d slow up for me to catch onto someone’s wheel.  I thought of my list and why we were riding.  I thought of Scott Shuey’s bike on our support van and his rear light leading the way… and kept going.

Our goal was to make it over the Mississippi River into Louisiana to complete our full century… and with an hour to go we were getting close to the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway… our goal was in sight… it was as if we acquired new legs and everyone kicked it up a notch.  The mile markers on the Parkway continued to decrease until before we knew it we were exiting… 5 miles to go to the Mississippi River!  News was coming over the radio that we’d be transitioning before the river and we said no way!  We needed that extra push… a full century has been a goal for Bo & I for a long time and what better time, place, and cause to accomplish it… plus we knew we could do it with time to spare!

As we approached the river there was a huge parking lot and I thought some of my teammates we telling me to turn off… thinking that was the transition point I slowed up… only to hear, “No… go… sprint zone… go!!!” from my hubby.  So I took off and started climbing up to the bridge… I reached our support van and was yelling “Go! Go! Go!” as I was about to overtake them.  My legs were so exhausted but I looked up and could see the sign, “Louisiana”.  We did it… we made the state line… my teammates could have easily caught me… they could have jumped ahead and made it to the other side of the river while I was still making it to the top of the bridge, but they pushed me, they cheered me on… they were that extra strength in my legs pushing me to make it.  On the descent Bo joined me and we rode into the transition point with 101 miles behind us.  Our first century and we did it together with our Team Awesome on the Ride to Austin. Team Yellow was there cheering for us as we arrived. It was amazing and I know I was grinning from ear to ear.

So thank you to my awesome teammates.  Without your help and support, there’s no way I would have been able to complete this 6 hour shift, much less a full century!  I am truly blessed to be riding with each of you for this amazing cause!!

-Polka Dot WILL meet and exceed expectations…even if they have a run-in with the law.

-Just when you think nothing else can possibly go wrong with Jerry’s bike…it does.

-Natchez Trace farmers again remind me WHY I’m doing this…(see earlier post)

-It’s awfully lonely in the dark with ZERO radio communication…

-Deer are equal opportunity…they also like to sprint in front of bicycles.

-Jonathan Pait can pull for miles and miles….

-Bo Z. “heads to the barn” around 4.5 hrs in…(ie: starts pickin’ up the pace!)

-Nikki Z. only needs one good arm to ride 100 miles!!

-No turns, flat terrain & very little traffic makes for a kick-ass ride…Green Team knocked out 101 miles in 6 hrs!! 

-The Mississippi River is W-I-D-E!!  Louisiana, the Green Team has arrived!!

-The Yellow Team, even with Ron’s glowey-eyed tights, is a sight for sore legs

Until tomorrow…and the midnight – 6 AM shift!!

2. The theme from “The Natural” is very dramatic and inspiring when you crank it in the middle of the bayou at mile 70… in fact… right now… somewhere just outside of Natchez, MS some deer is busy carving a bat out of a lightning struck tree trunk with its teeth.

3. If you use the restroom at the rear of the bus… make sure a little old lady isn’t checking her mail.

4. Ice is free to P3 in French Camp, MS…  home of a very special warrior.

5. Bob Jones University is not exclusively Baptist… and I won’t get smited by a lightning bolt if I visit.

6. Jerry knows how to sweet talk the best Burger King burgers you’ve ever had out of Burger King’s finest… even after they have closed for the night.

7.  Polka Dot Team… Breakin the law, breaking the law…. breakin the law.. breaking the law!

8.  Big Joe Sullivans Hot Pink Shorts… Breakin the law, breaking the law…. breakin the law.. breaking the law!

9. 95 miles on the Nantchez Trail.  70 deer, 2 armadillos, 1 snake.  73/95=0.76 critters/mile

10. Reuban is the Obiwan of PB&J… 

11. If you ever need a super hero… call Polka Dot’s Sally.  She’s our hero!

12. Johnathan does tricks… there’s the arm pinwheel back stroke at 30 mph on the downhill, the put your let up on your seat mobile stretch, the low riding litter snag, butt wiggle, and my personal favorite… disco Johnny.

13. Team awesome graced the trace faster than a greased pig with a rocket in high gear tied to its tails flying down an icy roller coaster track tryin’ to get home for supper to its mama!

The Natchez trace is a very beautiful road and very flat!  Team Polka Dot rocked a strong pace for 88 miles before we got pulled over by a Park Ranger!  It was unbelievable that the P3C3 crew traveled along the Natchez trace for our 88 miles plus the 90 miles covered by Team Pink, plus however many miles covered by Team White before getting enough attention to warrant a stop by the Park service. 

The guy was a nice enough guy, but he started out a little gruff.  I think part of it was because the riders thought he was pulling over the bus, so we (ok, it was really Ed) decided to keep riding.  The Park Ranger had to get on his PA system to tell us to pull over.  It surprised the heck out of Jeni, so she stopped while the rest of us continued to ride on.  By the time the rest of us stopped, He had to yell at Jeni to “Come up here!”. 

First thing he asked was if we had a permit!  A permit?  We don’t need no stinkin’ permit (do we?????).  He was mostly concerned by the fact that we were using both a front and rear support vehicle.  His concern was that we were entering a very high traffic zone and the folks headed in our direction would not be able to pass with the very high volume of traffic that would be making their evening commute along the trace. 

Mr Park Ranger’s first suggestion was that we pull over and stop until the evening commute was over.  Team Polka Dot would not let this happen – that is when we started asking what we could do.  Of course, as riders, we were primarily concerned about keeping the wheels rolling.  He explained to us that we could (against his better judgment) continue riding, but we would have to send the support vehicles forward and leapfrog with them from stop to stop.  There was two pull outs nearby – one at 6 miles and one at 13 miles.

He had stopped us at about 445pm and we were scheduled to hand off to Team Awesome (aka Team Green) at 6pm.  We were hoping that we would be able to get at least 110 miles in during this shift, but he put a bit of a damper on that goal.  We stopped for about 15 minutes dealing with Johnny Law, so we considered the turnoff at 13 miles to be a possible transition area. 

Dawn and the Hincapie Bus rolled to the 13 mile turnoff while Sally drove the van to the 6 mile turnoff.  We had plenty of time left in our shift when we passed Sally, so we continued to rock on towards the 13 mile turnoff. 

Traffic was definitely getting heavy – thankfully most of it in the opposite direction.  This did seem to work against us a little as it did make passing us more difficult for those traveling in our direction.  We picked the pace back up a little because it’s just what we do. 

We pulled into the 13 mile turnoff at about 540pm.  We had a choice it seemed – another 10 miles or another 5 (maybe 6) before the next good opportunity for transition.  10 miles in 20 minutes wasn’t going to happen, so we opted for the 5-6 miles.  We kicked it up again and did our best to make good time to the transition area. 

When we pulled in, we were obviously pleased to see Team Awesome (aka Team Green) getting suited up for their ride.  Team Polka Dot rocked 105 miles along the Natchez trace today. 

With the strong results from each team on the Natchez trace, plus our good showing, we made up some miles to get closer to our planned itinerary.  Seeing Bo’s facebook post, it looks like Team Awesome rocked a century (plus?) as well, so that puts us right back on schedule.  AWESOME!!!

Thanks to Sally and Dawn for all of their excellent Support.  They are really taking care of us as we make this journey.

Nikki, Meggan and I just completed our first ever Century. We hit mile 100 as we crossed the Mississippi River into Louisiana. For me personally, it’s a goal I tried to hit earlier in the year and missed out on. I’ll keep this short and say that there is no other way that would want to complete any such milestone, in the company of such amazing people, in the name of such a worthy cause, and in honor of so many who have fought and are fighting this horrible disease.

Thanks to my Team Awesome crew who pulled me down the Natchez Trace on a gorgeous fall night:

Jonathan: for your calm leadership on the road, keeping us together, and keeping me calm when things aren’t going right

Meggan: for being the diesel engine that drives the Team Green Train down the road with your maniacal pulls off the front

Jerry: for keeping it light, singing good old rock ‘n roll tunes in the paceline and having the largest slipstream this side of John Siddens

Loren: for being insanely detail oriented and getting us to where we need to be

Betsy: for unbridled enthusiasm and willingness to make things easier on all of us spoiled riders

Nikki: for being the toughest chick I know, banging out the miles like a champ on only one shoulder

Team Awesome is truly awesome. I can’t think of a group of people I’d rather be riding with.

As for me, this Century’s for the ones I lost in the past year: David Beadles, Roger Mitterling, Jim Williams, and my Uncle Buddy. I miss you guys.

As we passed thru the dark, wet, fog in the freezing cold on Monday I saw it…..”come on…I will pull you….you stay on my wheel and I will get you there…..don’t give in let me help you….I will come back for you and keep you going…..don’t go to far ahead of us……we will pull you back into the pocket to keep you safe…..if you are shivering we will get your warm….” T-E-A-M……I have been shown over and over in the past 2 days what that REALLY means! It touches my heart. It makes me realize that it may take a village to raise a child as they say……but it takes a TEAM to get to get thru 20 degree weather and up huge mountains……it takes a team to get you to Austin, TX ….it takes a TEAM to get you thru Cancer. So far so WONDERFUL!

Being a support person is WORK, but it is a labor of love for the riders that punish their bodies to raise money for this cause! I feel so so lucky to be here!
Nite!

sally
Polka Dots

Our second ride was from 6:00pm to midnight, we actually saw the light for one hour and then tucked into the darkness for the next 5 hours. We continued to cruise and Ron cues us to turn left and I looked left and yelled nooooo, it was the darkest road ever and we were heading in. This is called something Trace, whatever it’s called the middle of no where to me but trees, us and our Angels woods. Needless to say, I got a little crazy in the head being away from civilization, I am not a fan of the woods, Tedd was trying hard to tell me a ghost story and I would take off from the pack. One time an animal came running out of the woods and I screamed and took off and one time I thought there was a creek in the ditch but no creek just trees, trees and more trees!! Just when I thought my mind was gone the white came hauling past me on the left with the biggest and whitest moon ever and it wasn’t in the sky. Now I know why they are called the “white team” and for the next hour to the finish it was on…..!! I sure do love me some “Miltshakes”!!

We are all having a great time and loving the support from all of our family and friends. I want to thank everyone that donated, it is you that helped make this possible (thank you Ken Smith, Smiley’s). I want to acknowledge everyone we are riding in honor of especially Laurens Flanagan whom is with our team and I found myself wanting to see her on that country road to keep me focused of why we are riding and I find myself missing Dustin and Jeni terribly, hugs to you both! I love to ride, it is riding that I am with my Angels – Deena and Stephanie whom are two of my best friends that have lost the battle. It is on the road that i am one with them and I know they are always with me guiding and protecting me.  Last night was extra special because we had Scott Shuey’s bike on top of our van (Scott lost the battle to cancer a couple weeks ago and he was supposed to be our warrior this year) in his memory and it was awesome and very inspirational.

Got to get some ride before our moonlighting ride!  Love you all!

Beth

It is amazing to be along on this journey.  Last year, I saw it all from the road.  This year I am seeing it from the team car.  Each shift I have ridden along with Anne to “birddog” the course and provide some comic relief for the riders.  It’s really been fun.  It has been great to be involved and not sitting at home feeling sorry for myself.  I took my first chemo treatment almost 2 weeks ago.  It’s about time for me to start loosing my hair.  I know it is about to happen, but when you are looking for small animals and transition points along the way- it’s easy to forget for a while.

We often say that this trip is not about the bike ride, it is about the cause.  My team is the perfect example of this statement.  When I can’t ride, I can’t share the workload.  Every member of the team has to ride a little bit harder because there is one less person to pull.  My teammates still have me stand in the rider pictures and watch out for me just like I am on the bike with them.  I wish every person who ever  has to get chemo could have an experience like I am having this week.  It just takes the sting out of having cancer.

So things change, but I am gettin’ by with a little help from my friends.

  Then the sun came up and it was like the green flag was waved.  The pink team (plus Arthur from the Great Escape) hit 21 mph and never let out.  We came together in a perfect pace, communicated well, and had a great time. The warmer the temp the faster we rode.  I felt stronger at the end of this ride than I have ever felt at the end of any ride.

 We loaded our bikes, got our massage (thanks Renee and towel boy) and went to find food after we realized it had been 24 hours since we sat down to eat.  We drove 45 miniutes to crap hole mississippi, and ate ate the mexican restaurnt that was the towns namesake.  And of all the places on earth the yellow team walks in just long enough to take advantage of our clean van windows by covering them with window marker. 

Everyones mood is great, the weather is fantastic, and we have brought alot of attention to our ride.  We are 40 people who are showing the world how to  liveSTRONG.

please excuse the scattered thoughts no sleep and tight quarters dont make interesting stories.

Also shout out to Arthur for pulling me back into the group after I faded on a few hills and all my teammates.  I did a few ceremonial pulls at the beginning of ride and then snapped back to reality and safely tucked myself into the center of the pack.

Now for our team round up:  Keri did the entire ride hammering in the big ring, Coach Barry made sure our form was excellent, Dustin blocked the wind for a 2 mile radius, Ray was a work horse pulling, Jeff was the silent stealth rider, Kim and Jessica kept us in line and for goodness sake would Joe please open up and tell us what he is really thinking instead of making us read his mind.

Ok for those of you shocked at the amount of emotion and thought that I am spewing in these posts – I blame it on sleep deprivation, hypoxia and lactic acid build-up – doubt it was the Corona I just drank!

Pink out!!!!!!!

(Damn, Yellow Team just vandalized our van with yellow paint – revenge is in the air!!!!)

Our team is in Tupelo, MS this morning and we are heading to Winnfield, LA where our team will ride again in the morning from 6am until noon. Last night they rode the Natchez Trace from midnight to 6am in 40 degree weather.

Your class might get a kick out of tracking our progress. We sould be in Austin on Thursday so look fast.

Love you and looking forward to seeing you at Thanksgiving.

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.

Now we are on the way to do some need laundry before we begin our Midnight shift. Tedd – tell Grandma we are on our way.

Relentless Forward Motion
Robin Blackburn – Team Yellow

White team started out yesterday morning in Chattanooga TN.  We stopped by a bike shop to get something to keep our heads warm.  If you are in Chattanooga check out the new Trek shop.  Ask for Kim… she will take great care of you….  we spent a lot of time inthe van.  Mike and Don took great care of us and made sure we were where we need to be and fed when we got there.  We had both lunch and dinner at buffets.  A first and a second for me.  We rolled out and hit the Nachez Trace.  We spent a couple hours at THE gas station in Collinwood, TN.  Great people.  We had a great time chatting and sharing stories.  We pulled the kits on and headed out to meet TEAM YELLOW!!  Rumor had it that they were cold and tired so we thought we would spice things up a bit.  We drove East to find them onthe Trace.  We saw their headlights coming at us and the next thing I know Milt has his window open and suddenly it was no longer a moonless night!!!!  Yikes…. butt ( hehehe) that wasn’t the end of the light show.. nope we pulled over for a quick change of seats and rolled west to pass them again!!!  Yup you guessed right the window wasn’t the only thing to go down as we passed them a second time!!!  OH MILT!!! ( we have photos).  With everyone laughing we rolled onto our transistion point and waited for Yellow to get in.   We put Scott’s bike up on our van and it was a quick reminder of why we are riding.  My very tired bones were suddenly ready to ride.,  Yellow pulled up in great spirits and gave us a warm send off.   With in a few minutes we were greeted by a possium and a couple of deer.  The wild life seemed like a welcome guest.  A few miles that all changed.  As rolled along we saw a young SKUNK cross in frint of us.  Judy and I realized that it was about to do its best Milt impression and we started to sprint in a style and with the strength that would make Big George proud….. I was off my saddle and leaning over the handle bars like there was a green jersey at stake!!  Luckily everyone made it clear and our Support staff didn’t have to change the locks on the vans… Mike made it very clear that he would leave us in TN if we got sprayed!!!   I can’t say I would blame him.    I got too cold and spent some time onthe bus warming up.  Keith and I talked about how much we missed Kim and then we quickly realized that the skunk might not have been so random!!  Seemed like something she would pull!!!  I rejoined the team amd before we even started peddling a star shot across the sky.  Thanks Kim  I needed that. 

So it was cold, we were tired, we were attacked by wildlife.  A HUGE THANKS to The Pink Tide ( we are in Alabama) for the Hotel rooms…. oh that was the best hotel bed I have ever slept in!!  

So all an all we had a great day… Oh yeah when I talked to Jack yesterday he told me that Miley Syrus lived in TN… he said she had a white house and that I should tell her he said hi!!!   I saw a couple white houses and waved to everyone!!!!

We are getting ready to roll again. 

love the comments   keep them coming!!!

Thanks to Loren Snyder.  I have done better than survive the first 24 hours with his encouragement.

Thank you to LINDA PAGE for several tips and inviting to meet the group prior to traveling.  You forgot to tell me not to slam door closed before Jerry had his hand inside.  He is fine and was a very good sport about what he regarded as a minor injury.

Pink out early!

We first hit my favorite coffee shop in Chattanooga, Chattz, then headed off to try and find team Polka-Dot.  TN is beautiful country… but rather hilly… It seemed like every twist and turn in the van was meant to make me question if I should be riding.  At each switchback I’d tense up and the pain would make me wince.  But then we made it to Spencer, TN and decided to change into our riding gear at the local library.  That’s where we met Denise.  A woman fighting breast cancer. We added her name to our van and things started to come back into perspective.

It made me think of my buddy David, to whom Bo and I dedicated this ride. David Beadles was a friend of ours from Grad School who was diagnosed with skin cancer last year.  Early thirties, seemingly healthy, married with a beautiful little girl and a rock-star at his company.  By the time he left us in September 2008, there were painful spots of cancer popping up all over his body.

It made me think of my old Sunday school teacher Jan Dybdahl who has been fighting breast cancer for years and the pain inflicted upon her and her entire family as she has battled this disease.

It made me think of Laurens , who is a breast cancer survivor, was suppose to be a rider this year, however she got cancer again and is currently undergoing chemo… did I mention she STILL came along with us in the midst of treatment??

It made me think of Jerry Scroggins.  My coworker who was definitely brought into my life for a reason neither of us knew when we first met… maybe this is it.  Jerry was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer that has spread to other areas, including his lymph nodes… I remembered reading his caringbridge site post after his last chemo treatment and talking to him on Saturday as we were getting packed up and ready to go on this ride.  I thought about him mentioning how surprised he was regarding how painful Thursday’s treatment was… and how much pain he’s been in for the past few years trying to figure out what’s wrong.  He was trying to figure out a way to drive 9+ hours to meet us on the route… or to find ways to make it to Austin to meet the entire team when we roll in.  He’s lifting me up, praying for me… supporting me… What have I done to deserve all of this? That’s my job!  I’m the one who is suppose to be lifting him up, supporting him, praying for him, riding in his honor.

So… I would ride today come hell or high water.  Our wonderful medics got my shoulder wrapped so the pain was manageable and then went to find my bike.  With my crash the night before the mechanics grabbed it to give it a once over before our next shift… it was about 15 miles up the road so jumped in the van, got my bike… rode back to the team with Bob (one of our awesome trusty mechanics from The Great Escape)… jumped on the pace train my teammates were rockin and we rolled on…

At first it wasn’t bad.  I just got into my bike position and pedaled.  The flats and downhill were great because I really didn’t have to change my position, which meant my shoulder was okay.  About 1/2 way through our shift I could start to feel it getting worse… there were a few rollers and a couple of times where I needed to get out of the saddle… and that’s when it was really bad… and that’s also when I thought of my list.  Specifically I thought of Jerry… his words of encouragement to me on Saturday, “use my cancer, my pain to get you through.”  Jerry is fighting for his life.  It’s painful and scary.  My pain? My fight? It’s nothing.  He’s the reason we’re doing this.  So all those doctors who couldn’t find his cancer when he first started showing symptoms find it sooner.  So we don’t have to wonder, “will I be the 1 in 3 who gets it?”

I go to sleep tonight, praying for Jerry and all of those on my list.  Using their cancer, their pain, their fight to put things in perspective and keep me going.  In a few days my shoulder pain will just be a dull ache, but they will still be fighting for their lives.

So RideStrong P3C3 friends and never forget why we’re doing this… in the cold, in the rain, in the light, in the dark… we ride to pick a fight with this awful disease called cancer!

1. You can lock the wheels up on a 10,000 lb bus… and it won’t produce excrement in Jerry’s shorts.

2.  Broken speedometers have friends… broken odometers, missing road signs, and roads that don’t exist on GPS.

3. Missing bikes create coaching opportunites for team members that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

4. Inside every Mercedes Benz, is a monster truck trying to get out… we have proof!

5. Cancer survivors are everywhere… there’s a very special one in Spencer, TN.

6. Stops at state lines are more beautiful with “moon” light.

7. K,k,k,Kia…

8. Sunscreen is essential… even for driving the bus.

9. Thoughts of the spaces ukuleles will fit into, enter your mind at the oddest times…

10. Super awesome performances spew pink polka dots in Food Lion parking lots…

Today could not have been more spectacular for us. We had a little bit of consternation as we tried to track down Team Polka Dot for the 12PM switch. We’d been hearing horror stories all morning about temps in the 20s, brutal climbs, and bone-chilling descents, which really brought our internal whining about our “difficult” 3-hour shift last night into perspective. So, we were ready to get on the road and eat up some miles to do some justice to the suffering that teams white, yellow, pink, and polka dot had endured to get us where we were.

We hooked up with Perry, Jeni, JD, and Ed just in time to transition, and the look on their faces told the story: they were shredded by those three Paris Mountains in a row. I know that I was super-motivated to ride hard for them and really move the ball forward in our stage. Nice job, Team Polka Dot.

We set off fairly sedately, as we had some directional issues with unmarked turns (hey Tedd: where were all the Nellies?!), and Nikki’s bike was MIA on the Great Escape van. Before long though, Master Jonathan got us organized in a rotating paceline and we started gobbling up the miles. I can honestly say that I have not had a more satisfying group ride than I had today with the Mean Green Machine (aka Team Awesome). With a crystal blue sky, rolling Tennesee countryside and perfect riding temps (55-65) all day, we rolled down the road like a steam engine. Before long we grabbed Nikki, bum shoulder and all, and kept the pace set to “SLAY.”

Gratuitous proud husband moment: I gotta give props to my wife for EATING THE ROAD ALIVE with a bad shoulder and not once batting an eyelash. It’s that type of heart that reminds me why we’re doing what we’re doing on this ride. Way to go babe, you did the entire P3C3 crew proud!

Anyway, I could keep babbling about how awesome Team Awesome’s ride was, but I don’t have the words. 85 miles later Team Mellow Yellow, caught us, took the baton and sailed on. Hope they had an awesome ride as well. Keep riding strong and safe everybody, and check out Jonathan’s video of our day if he ever gets it up!

We also had some good laughs on our drive to transition.  Laurens did some driving today and she now has a new nickname.  The Slayer and her new motto is I don’t count road kill, I make it.  I don’t know what got in hear but anytime a poor defenseless animal runs in the road, she aims the vehicle at it and speeds up.  I am not sure what the final count is but with Laurens keeps putting notches on her belt.

We are almost to the hotel for a needed massage and sleep.

ScottStrong RideStrong LiveStrong

Out.

The ‘planned’ itinerary called for the transition to be in Dayton, Tn, but we’re glad it was not.  As cold as it was, we needed that ‘extra’ 14 miles to just start to warm up our muscles – unfortunately, our hands, feet and faces didn’t necessarily get all that warm.  We pulled through Dayton and the Bus stopped for fuel.  Sally and Team Polka Dot continued up the climb.  This was the first of three climbs for us today.  In fact, this shift is what we have been training for when we did all of those Paris Mt repeats over the last couple of months!

As we made our first ascent, the sun was starting to rise.  What an amazing site to see that orange line forming on the horizon.  Unfortunately, the temperature was not rising with the sun (not yet anyway).  The climb was awesome (hey, I love climbing, so no matter what, I’m going to have positive thoughts about any climb)!  It was the longest of the three and we gained something on the order of 1000’.  It wasn’t really over at the top of the main climb – we had some great rollers as we crossed the plateau. 

The sun was up as we rode those rollers, but still, the temperature was working against us.  As we started our descent, we were rewarded with incredible views of the valley below socked in with fog.  Awesome.  By the time I thought about getting my camera out to snap a photo, the views were obscured by trees.  I think Keith may have snapped some good photos. 

The descent was brutal.  I actually love descending as much as I love climbing, however, this descent was just not fun.  My hands became little bricks that just could not work the brakes.  I pulled a gap on the rest of the crew because of it.  Ed was not far behind, so we stopped before we descended into the fog.  He was frozen as well and he looked like he was not happy. 

Shortly, Jeni and Perry pulled up, and a few minutes later we started rolling again.  I looked back to check for everyone, and Jeni was not to be seen.  I asked Perry what was up and he told me she had gotten on the bus.  I was worried, but knew she was in good hands with Keith, Rueben and Dawn. 

We stopped just a short ways up the road at a McDonald’s to allow everyone a chance to re-gain some blood flow.  Ed and Perry climbed into the van, while I paced in circles around the van.  It turned into quite a long stop.  I checked once on Jeni and was told she was ok, just very cold.

I was looking at our mileage on the day so far – we had covered only about 25 miles in about 2.5 hours.  Then we took this quite long warming break.  I was very concerned that we weren’t going to get 50 miles on the day.  We had a lot of climbing left to go.

After some hot chocolate and more heater time, Perry, Ed and myself re-started our trek.  As we pulled out of the parking lot, I saw that Jeni was still shaking terribly – this after more than 30 minutes in a heated environment with dry clothing and blankets – She was obviously borderline hypothermic.  I am so happy she and the Medics made the choice to put her in the bus.  She now was riding with Sally in our support van. 

So, the remaining members of Team Polka Dot tackled the second climb of the day on their own, with Jeni ‘holla’ing encouragement through the radio to the team.  I did my best to relay that encouragement to Perry and Ed. 

We pushed pretty hard up this second climb.  It too was something close to 1000’ elevation gain, but not as long or as much as the first climb.  We stayed together throughout the climb and pulled to the side at the top of the main climb to allow the traffic to pass.  We were all feeling pretty good at that point and like the first climb, this one rewarded us with several miles of rollers before making the 2^nd descent.  Thankfully, the temperatures were coming up and this second descent was not quite brutal – just tough and again, that is due to the cold. 

A short stop at the base of the descent to allow more cars to pass and we began the third climb of the day.  Authur had gotten suited up and joined us for this next part of the ride.  Really cool that we have been able to share our stages with both Bob and Arthur – the mechanics from The Great Escape in Greenville. 

Arthur helped in pacins us up the climb, but we were definitely slower on this climb than the last.  Team Polka Dot was beginning to feel the effects of the ride.  Once again, at the summit, we entered a series of rolling hills through some incredibly beautiful countryside.  We set ourselves up in a paceline and started knocking out some miles. 

Arthur helped out greatly by giving us some great pulls to allow the three of us some recovery time.  On the radio, I could hear Sally and the Bus talking about our transition with the Green team.  I was a little concerned when I heard that they were still quite a ways behind us at 1140am. 

We discussed our plan of action should they not make it to the transition point on time.  I chatted with Perry and Ed.  Ed said ‘I’m spent’.  Perry and I talked about letting Ed get on the bus while he and I continued, but Keith put his foot down;  “If Ed is spent, everyone is stopping”. 

Turns out we neededn’t have worried.  Team Green came flying by us at about 1150 to set up the transition area.  They were a sight for sore …. legs?  Yes, we were very happy to see them.  They moved forward a few miles and we continued our ride.  We met them at a local grocery store and handed off the baton. 

That was our 2^nd Stage experience.  I really want to say Thanks to all of the other teams for doing such a great job through the night.  It was rough conditions and you all showed your strength. 

One other comment that I think is important.  Seeing Scott’s bike on the roof of the support van really does make a big difference.  I didn’t know him, but the outpouring of support for him and his family by this group of incredible people is very heartwarming.  Having his daughter escort and his Father ride his bike the first few miles at the head of the P3C3 peloton was a very emotional experience. 

RideStrong P3C3!!!

JD – Team Polka Dot

With only 2 weeks to go, Cannondale was notified of the problem. I let them know about the ride, the cause and the problems. In that matter of two weeks, Cannondale delivered me a new frame, and Bike Worx of Spartanburg had me on the road the day before our ride. What fantastic support! Thanks to Eric and Kevin from Bike Worx, because the first night riding it was flawless.

Those that know me understand that I don’t ride when the temperature is below 70F. Well, I really broke that rule this morning! In the early morning hours of 0300 hrs, team pink took to the road, and it was cold. Bone chilling cold! Temperature hovered around 28F ( not 28C),I put on every bit of clothing that I had. The major body parts stayed warm but the feet and hands were frozen. After our 3 hour ride, it seemed to take another 3 hours to thaw out.

Once off our tour of duty, we piled in the van and drove to our destination for the next transition arriving at 1400 hrs. Looking forward to some good sleep.

Our team consists of a total of 9 people. We were instructed to pack “light”. I guess the definition of light packing defined by a male or a female is quite different. Guys packed one bag – females ? Tight is an understatement in our van.

Looking forward to a little sun tomorrow, even though we are starting out again in the early morn and cooler (read cold, but not freezing) tempetures.

Team pink is a great group to know, be with and ride.

So the White team had a great night and everyone is rested and ready to hit the road again.  I am so proud of Judy!  She road like a champion last night.  Our SAG crew is terrific.   We are packing up the hotel room and getting ready to search Chattanooga TN for some warm clothes.   My friends up north will make fun of me for saying 32 degrees is really cold but when you are descending an 8% grade at 34+miles an hour   32 is REALLY COLD!

Soon we will be Back in the Saddle again!

Mum, Dad and Leah… If the phone doesn’t ring you will know that it it me….

Roll out!

Kathy

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.

Chasse  said on our ride last year that a bad day on the bike is better than a good day getting chemo.  That has always stuck with me and although our ride was cold and not the best one I have had, we were out there pedaling.  Thank you Scott and Dale for the push on our ride.

Thank you Julie for the goodies.  They are fantastic and I don’t see them lasting all week.

Miss my boys.  Love you guys.  Write me and call me (and mommy).

ScottStong RideStrong LiveStrong

Over and out.

Not 100 Yards from the hospital, big Jerry flatted… and we had our first NASCAR styel wheel change thanks to the Great Escape Mechanics.  We waved good-bye to team Polka-Dot at the Bi-Lo parking lot, got everything together and jumped in van to scout out our first transition.  It was at this point, that things began to go in an odd direction.  5 Cyclists stripping down with towels wrapped around their waists, applying chamois butter etc in the middle of dinner time traffic at the McDonald’s drive-thru in Seneca (a very popular place I might add)… was rather entertaining for the onlookers and Jerry was able to garner some tips (aka Donations).  Unfortunately Jerry also got his hand slammed in the door of the van… incident #2.  We still managed to meet up with team Polka-Dot and have an incredibly smooth transition and rolled-out right on time.

Things were going fairly well in the late afternoon sun until we had to pull over and let some traffic through.  Pulled into a church lot that turned out to be small loose gravel and my bike decided it no longer wanted to stay upright.  I went one way… and the bike went another (Incident #3).  Fortunately I wasn’t going too fast but my shoulder took a nice pummeling.  I ended up in the bus for the rest of the ride… (GRRRRRRRRRH)… But Team Awesome powered on as the sun went down, along with the temps… then it got hard!

And it kept getting harder… and the road, kept going up… and up… and up… Shout-out to Special “K” Weinacker our wonderful SC State Women’s Cat 4 Champ for setting up a cheering section not far from the GA State border… so… Team Awesome got their first State Border crossing under their belt and powered on.

Now I had a bit different view of the ride… from the bus… watching the cars pass by… and come way too close to my teammates, but they killed it.  It was freezing, dark… and lots of elevation gain.  From the bus we all of the sudden saw Bo jump out in front and start sprinting… and then his arms went up in the air in George Hincapie winning the US Pro fashion… and then we realized… we’d just entered the city limits of Clayton, GA.  On this ride… when you’re that cold… and traffic is high… and the road just keeps going up… it’s the small victories that count.  Like in life… you gotta take the good with the bad… and really take advantage of those small victories!

The team highlight was near the end of the ride at the following shop where we pulled off to let more traffic by, “Antiques… & Men Stuff Too”… don’t worry, we got a picture and it will be forthcoming.

We hope we’ve front-loaded our shifts with the all the adversity and mishaps and are really looking forward to our first 6 hour shift today from noon-6.  Conditions look Awesome… Of Course… because that’s how we roll… and because we’ve got the awesomest support staff one could ask for in Betsy & Loren.  So this is Team Awesome signing… until next time folks!

- Nikki, Bo, Megan, Jerry, Jonathan, Betsy, & Loren.

As we rode away, through the lines of friends and family who came to show their support, those emotions came on very strong.  What did I say – repeated exposure is going to teach me how to understand and deal with these emotions.  There is no problem there – they keep coming up.

I was very bummed that I didn’t have enough time to get a photo with one of my warriors.  I only met him today for the very first time – He’s a cute little guy only 8 years old.  I think he liked that his name was on both my arm warmer and our team van.  He wanted to take the magnet with him.  It was very touching. 

I hoped to spend more time with my friends who came to see me off.  I’m not even sure I was able to thank all of them.  Time rushes by so quickly – both in life and in this journey on which we have embarked.  Thanks to Yukie for the chocolate chip cookies, to Silvia, Elise, Steve, Hoot and Janet, Gavin, Courtney, Debbie, James, Savannah – you guys made our departure very special for me today.  Sometimes I forget how many friends I really have.  Thanks for reminding me. 

Special Thank you to Gavin for the excellent surprise we found in the team van when we got off the bikes – you’re the man.  Perry says the 2nd tuesday of February will now be considered a national holiday to Celebrate GAFranks day. 

Our first shift on the bike was pretty interesting.  We had to stop many times to allow traffic to pass while we traveled along Hwy 88 and we got a little turned around during our tour of the Clemson campus.  As we turned on to Hwy 76, the wind seemed to kick up a little. 

Thanks to Bob Kramer for riding along with Team Polka Dot today.  He pulled us along at a great pace for a good number of miles. 

We traveled a little over 47 miles in our first 3 hour shift.  That is about what our route planners mapped out for us, so we met our goal.  I thought it would have been easier to cover more miles.  It’s the stops that kill our average pace.  We’ll have to continue to work on that. 

Tonight we are headed to Cleveland, Tn to find a hotel.  Tomorrow starts the first of our 6 hour shifts.  We’ll ride from 6am to noon.  I think it’s going to be cold in the morning, so I’ll definitely be bundled up. 

Good luck to all of the teams out there tonight – Yellow, White, Pink, and Green.

jd Team Polka Dot

On our way to Murphy we saw a bear, a lynx, and a cougar. Ok, not really, but we have to entertain ourselves somehow.
Gotta go, Ron says it is time to get ready. Think warm thoughts for us!

Our team has 8 members this year. Ron Jerina, Beth Rusch, Tedd Garner, Joey Sullivan, Robin Blackburn, and me, Laurens Flanagan. We have two incredible support ladies- Jennifer Jerina and Anne Garner. This ride doesn’t happen without the support personel. Thanks to Hertz, we are riding in style, a Ford Expedition.
As a repeat participant (more on that later), I must say we have a great team. We already have a few inside jokes (Beth) and Ron and Joey already want a McDonald’s ice cream.

Thanks for checking in on us. We will update often. You can also follow me on twitter- laurensflanagan.

AND- may the challenges begin- I think we are the first team to blog!

You can keep track of the group’s current position here: http://wurl.ws/91cG

Have a great ride guys, we’re all here rootin for ya!

I want to thank each person who saw my goal of $8,000 and not only said its possible but laughed as we flew by it….nearly $13,000  I am humbled and forever grateful. 

This will probably be my last nice blog because looking at the weather the rest of my post will be filled with tons of colorfull language.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

Dustin Retherford

I am amazed at the journey the peeps of P3C3 have taken me on so far and I am excited and scared about where this journey is going to take me next.  Already I am an emotional mess.  I’m afraid of how these emotions are going to be exposed over the course of the next week.  But I’m excited because this is the type of journey of which I am in need.

It is never easy to put myself outside of my comfort zone, but some things I can handle better than others.  Being outside of my physical comfort zone (pick an extreme adventure sport or activity) will always surge the adrenaline, but I know how that feels.  I know what to expect and I know how my body and mind will react to it.

It’s the emotional comfort zone I have never really ventured far beyond.

I don’t know what compassion is really supposed to feel like.  I don’t know the real meaning of pain or suffering.  I thought pain was humping a rucksack through the mountains or swamps (or both) for days and nights on end.

I think I’m starting to get it.  Talking with a survivor the other day I could see the pain and suffering in her eyes as she described to me what she went through during her diagnosis and treatment.  There were emotions rushing around in me that I’m not completely familiar with.  I was uncomfortable with these emotions, but I tried to grasp what effect they were having on my mind and body.

This is how I’m going to learn about these emotions – the same way I learned to deal with the physical and emotional sensations that had once lain beyond my physical comfort zone:  Repeated exposure.

This terrifies me.

First all the individuals who have contributed to our ride. With the economy in the state it is in, I was very concerned with people reaching their fundraising goals but with so many generous people giving to our cause everyone has reached their goals and many even surpassed them. 

Second, our sponsors and companies who gave us items or great deals to help us save on operating cost.  I am sure I am going to forget some but I want to mention a few of them.  The Spa at West End – for the second year Stacy has been a major sponsor.  Hincapie Sports – Rich, Drew and all the gang for the design and deals on our awesome jerseys and for the use of the bus.  Centec for being a major sponsor. The Great Escape – Year two for them also, for sending a mobile bike shop with us in case we have any bike issues and for some great fundraising rides. Dewayne and Will at Hertz for incredible deals on our support vehicles and allowing us to leave them in Austin, Josephine at Thrifty / Dollar Rentals for finding us a super sized van to carry the Team Pink and for a great deal. 

Third, Kevin Dunn and the Palmetto Peloton Project  team for allowing this vision to become a reality.  This ride would never happen without you guys.

Fourth, those who are participating in the ride who help me with so many details.  Nikki, Dustin, Jessica, Renee, Linda, Joe J, Joe S and Tedd.  You guys rock and I appreciate your help.  There are two people I especially want to thank who went above and beyond anything I asked them to do.  That is Laurens Flanagan and Joey Sullivan.  Without you two this ride would never happen.

My family – Jennifer, RJ, Reed and Ridge for you love and support and allowing me to train for and plan this ride.  I am sorry for my grumpiness especially as this ride drew closer.  My mom who made sure the money that was donated went to the correct rider.  I love you guys.

Finally, our warriors, cancer survivors and all those affected by cancer, thank you.  You guys are the inspiration for this ride and will be our tailwind that pushes us to Austin.  We will win this battle one day.

Now it is time to finish backing and spend a few more hours with the family before we push off.

ScottStrong, RideStrong, LiveStrong

jd – team polka dot

I just wanted to say for those of you who will be riding and those who will be the warriors for 09….I will be thinking of you all and fondly remembering the wonderful experience I had last year as a warrior. I was privileged to ride along the way.

I thank you riders for your dedication to this ride as it helps all of us going through the devastating disease of cancer feel a little more hope that through these types of events, one day there will be more for fighting this disease than chemo and chance.  There will be cures! Cure is a word that as a cancer survivor has become my mantra and I will never lose hope for a cure because there are folks like you who continue the fight when we can’t.

I also want to say to the support folks along the way, the ride wouldn’t be possible without you – so thanks to you too. Riders you are in “good hands” with Renee and Dennis. Get it….(had to throw that in)

You all will be in my thoughts and prayers that God watches over you as you travel to Austin either by bike, car or plane.

Again I thank you GO TEAM!

Janet Rigdon

ovarian cancer survivor – 9 yrs and still in my journey but never giving up HOPE!

Hope tells me that…

The future will be better than today.

What’s broken will one day be fixed.

What hurts will one day be healed.

What is wrong will one day be made right.

What has been missed will one day be compensated. (Scott Hodge)

Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone.
May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.

Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who know hate, and let that love embrace you as you go into the world.

May the teaching of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them.

Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.

Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.

Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way.

What you may feel you lack in one regard may be more than compensated for in another.

What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility.

Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience.

May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on an other’s judgments of your accomplishments.

May you always feel loved.

– Author Unknown

Rob Bailey

For those of you who are local, I hope that you will come see us off Sunday afternoon.  We’ll be rolling away from the GHS Cancer Center at 3:00 pm this Sunday afternoon.  We’ll be there around 1:30, so come see us & witness this incredible event!  I think I can promise that it will be a moving experience.

Our team of 42 fantastic people is picking a fight with cancer and we want to win.  Thanks to all of our family & friends who have supported us, financially & with your thoughts and prayers.  We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.

LiveSTRONG!!!

Anne

As I was searching my heart for just the right words to say to you guys for this incredible commitment and display of strength, I just kept coming back to two simple words. Nothing extravagant or powerful, nothing glamorous or well-rehearsed, not a well-written quote with great punctuation, not a poem with a beautiful rhyme or a long story filled with intrigue and passion.  Just two words;

“Thank You”

Angie Suttles, Survivor

So enough complaining! We are just a few days away. I have yet to pack my bags but I will hopefully have all of the maps completed tonight (yes I am the idiot who gently persuaded Ron into a route change! Blame me!). The bus should be ready to roll today (fresh from being serviced by a Childers Automotive, Steve Childers is a survivor! So he will have a magnet on our van). The vans and the trailer should be good to go on Friday and I think I am nearly complete with raising my money (Woohoo!).

Last year I posted a picture in the bus of my wife Susan and our son Trey. I wrote across the picture “Why I ride”. I will post the same picture this year but plan to add a few more. I plan to include one of Jackie Whitted. Jackie was a rider and he is smiling down on us today proud that we are doing this ride! If other riders want to include a photo in the bus, let me know. I will be happy to bring the materials to hang these pics.

I think the most important thing is not the ride. It is the people who are affected or will be affected by cancer. My personal reasons are close but we all have been affected by Cancer in some way or another. At 3am when I am going into the bus to get a cup of coffee and say I want to go to sleep (It happened last year), I will probably look up at that photo, get my cup of coffee and tell myself that I came on this trip to ride in support of this cause and finding a cure. Then I will get back on the bike and remind myself why I ride!

I think it is important to think of those people next week as we ride. We have all been affected by Cancer. I must thank all of those who have supported this cause! Without our donors and our supporters we would not be able to do this ride and provide a little help in this huge fight. Once again, this isn’t about how great of shape we are in (and I am not in shape, my team will thank me for that (or vice versa at some point). It is about the cause and those who are fighting and those who fought.

Thank you all of my (our supporters). Thank you Susan and Trey (why I ride!) !

JOEY SULLIVAN

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

Can you imagine what the world would be like if we didn’t have people who believed in change?   Just let the world pass by without noticing all that we have?  Or all that we could potentially have? 

A friend of mine facebooked the other day that her child that had curly hair wanted straight hair and the child that had straight hair braided hers to make it curly.  Funny how we want things we cant have.  I want a bigger house in the country but not the payment to go withit.  BUT I am satisfied with the one that I have. 

I am also satisfied with the path that God has led me on.  This journey of cancer.  This journey of fighting and meeting fellow survivors.  I am not happy that I have cancer but I know that God has a plan for me.  I am so blessed.  I am so lucky. I am so faithful to HIM.  For those reasons I am satisfied. 

Being apart of this group means sharing, learning, growing, understanding others, helping, caring, and being satisfied with the God has Chosen.

If you have never been apart of this blog or followed us this will be the most interested blog.  I hope that you find the time to check us out each morning. Follow us on our journey.  Understand why we all are giving up our own lives for 8 days to make a difference for people that are effected by Cancer. 

The tears, the laughter, the jokes, the sore bottoms, the tired legs, the bonding is 100% worth it.  We want you to know why we are making a difference.  Why we are making this journey.  So I hope you join us. Comment cause we need to see that people Believe in what we are doing.

Ron and Jennifer Jerina thanks for making this happen.  Thank You.  I cant wait till Sunday. 

Love Jeni Schu…Polka Dot Team

When Ron and I first had the notion to start this, I remember telling him, “We will NEVER find enough people that want to ride for that long and that far.”  Little did I know then just how many people were in the same boat with us.  We were (and still are) ANGRY at Cancer!  In 2005, it took Mike Jerina away from us.  It changed us.  But through our heartache and sorrow, we have found a purpose.  We have joined with others who have the same feelings: What can we do?  We feel so Helpless.  We’ve got to DO something!  We CANNOT just stand by and watch this disease continue to take away our loved ones.  

My sweet husband found running and cycling to be a good outlet for his frustration.  He rode in his first P3 Charity Ride in 2006.  We went to the LiveStrong Challenge in Austin in 2007 where the idea for the Challenge to Conquer Cancer was born.  With the support of so many, he made the ride a reality in 2008 and we are about to ride again in 2009.  I need to thank the Palmetto Peloton Project for that.  This journey has helped us heal.

Anne asked me today at lunch, “How is Ron handling working, being a dad AND planning this ride?”  Without much hesitation I responded, “He’s part Superman”.  (Just a little something he inherited from his father.)  I am extremely proud of Ron – words really cannot express my true feelings.  Saying that he is a Super Man is somewhat of an understatement.  His passion for this ride is contagious and I can’t wait to get started on our new journey together.

We’ve assembled a TEAM of 26 Riders, 10 Support Drivers and 6 M&M&Ms(Medics, Mechanics and Massage Therapists)  for a total of 42 wonderful people that have committed themselves to this common cause.  We are ONE team that is divided into 5 parts so that we can get there by Thursday.  Our jerseys this year have 2 definitions on them:  Team- a group on the same side organized to work together and Victory - defeat of an opponent.  The state of having triumphed.  I KNOW the heart and soul of this TEAM and we want a VICTORY over this Ugly opponent we call CANCER.

Thank you to all of those who have supported us both financially and emotionally.  Please pray for our safe travels.  Stay in touch with us through this blog – we love reading your encouraging messages.

The countdown is on.  Let’s go Conquer Cancer.

The new journey begins in 4 days,

Jennifer Jerina

When I began, it was another grand adventure – with a pretty serious commitment to raise some money for this cause.  As I sit here tonight, just 5 days before we make our departure, it has become something else.

I don’t have anyone who is very close to me that has experienced the horrible effects of cancer or treatments related to cancer.  I sit in my little insulated world without any real clue how difficult it is for those engaged in the battle and the loved ones of those engaged.

What has changed?  Obviously, this experience has directly exposed me to people who are survivors, to people who are currently battling and to those who have lost a loved one.

Still, I find myself avoiding the real emotional expression of what I am seeing around me.  In the last several weeks, a number of emails have circulated amongst the P3C3 crew about warriors who have fought their final battle and of others who have been called to fight again.

I’m afraid of the emotions associated with this news.

I want to believe that everyone in the world has it as good as I do.  I want to believe that cancer doesn’t really affect as many people as it really does.  I want to believe that people don’t really suffer through their battles…

Obviously, I’m still not coming face to face with reality.  I am still in the denial phase  of my relationship with cancer.  I’m still afraid of the reality of it.

I only hope I am as strong as our Warriors when it comes time for me to face the reality.

jd – team polka dot

A few weeks ago Bo and I had not raised $5000 of our $10000 goal.  We were trying to figure out which one of us would stay home.  We made this commitment to honor the memory of our friend David and it was absolutely killing us to think that we wouldn’t be able to fulfill it… and now we sit $500 away from our goal… and we are going to fulfill our commitment!

If not for the Grace of God… the goodness of those around us… our fellow riders helping us out… family, friends, friends of friends of friends donating… We are going to Ride for David… and Jerry… and Laurens… and Jan… and Aunt Mary… and Pat… and Crystal… and Janeen… and Maura… and Uncle Bud… and Uncle Buddy… and John… and Helen… and Jim … and Betty … and Roger… and Scott… and the list goes on.  That’s what sucks… the list goes on… like it never ends… every person we talk to has more people to add to the list… We need to shorten the list!  You in?

I have no idea what the next couple weeks will look like but I want to thank everyone who has helped me get here… oh and Scottie and Kim if you are watching a TAIL wind would be nice!!

Woo-Hoo…

In just a matter of days we will leave Greenville headed for Austin, TX.    I am forever changed.  With every mile that we cover we are that much closer to a true miracle in finding a cure for even the meanest cancer.

Robin Blackburn – Team Yellow

While I am support this year, I WILL RIDE NEXT YEAR!  This year I hope to take good care of my Polka Dot team…making sure to have them at transitions on time, and keep them happy while in the van (I’ll try not to sing too much!), etc etc.

I had a tough time deciding on what to have added to my arm warmers.  I could’ve put  Jane Pate on my arm warmers…but people wouldn’t quite get that….so I simply put   “My MoM”, “My Sis”, “My Sis in Law”……I think people will then understand how cancer has affected my life.  Simply put…I am going on this trip  for them, and for me….for the breasts, lymph nodes, ovaries that have been lost in my family alone!

I cry when I think of leaving Sunday!  Thank you to all that have donated and I hope everyone will send messages along the way.  If the blogs affect you even half as much as they affected me last year….we will see YOU next year as support or as a rider!!!!!

With dedication,

sally dunn

What’s left is some last minute fundraising followed by the final preparations and the ride. I am unbelievably excited about this little adventure. I’ve met some really awesome people, and done some really great rides. I’m glad to be heading into the main event feeling well prepared both physically and mentally.

The past week and this weekend was the big taper. We did some good rides even if they weren’t of the same length or intensity. Tuesday we met a little early to get the long country loop before it got dark. I had a good time taking Taylor and Gavin to school as we rode perimeter road back to the parking area.

Thursday we rode out of Heritage park. I feel a little guilty about this ride, but not terribly so. The plan was to ride out at a moderate pace, then kick it up on the way back. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but Danielle went off the front, and that set in motion a series of events that ended with me and Perry putting a major hammer down for a pretty nice run to a stop sign.

I had just rejoined the group (after a nature break) when I saw Danielle off the front of the group. Nobody was chasing, so I didn’t really think anything about it right away. I was paying attention when Jeni split the two guys leading the pack (later she said they were debating whether to reel Danielle in or not) and start bridging. Not to my surprise, Perry broke from the pack, followed by Taylor, a guy in Timkin kit and Ray (another of my P3C3 buddies). When I saw Ray break from the pack, I decided I would go ahead as well. I broke ranks from the back of the pack, and pushed hard to bridge. As I was approaching the breakaway group, I saw that Jeni had made the bridge and had pulled in behind Danielle. Perry and Taylor also pulled in behind Jeni.

The Timkin guy was another story. He might have made a brief attempt at letting up, but he pulled around the breakaway group and set off at a pretty good pace. Perry reacted quickly and I let my momentum carry me right into his draft. Taylor pulled out with us and held our wheel for a little while. It wasn’t long before Mr. Timkin started to let up. Perry then took the lead, and I stayed on his wheel. See, I am learning something – I know how strong Perry is, so I’m going to let him do whatever work he wants to do. I held his wheel until I sensed him letting up slightly.

When I knew he had done what he could do out front, I pulled around and called to him “tuck in here Perry, Let’s go!”. He grabbed my wheel, and we continued to hammer. I could tell he was hurting by the sounds he was making. I was pretty surprised as I have never known him to display weakness! I kept yelling at him to keep it up as we powered along the road. We saw the approaching stop sign and he kicked into sprint mode. He came up beside me and I continued to yell at him – I was trying my best to provoke him. “You think you got something??” I yelled as I stepped up my cadence to hold his pace. We came across the line together and let up to coast in for the stop. It was a great time. I think the other riders in the group were marking us a little as there was some great friendly competition out there that night. I think we did somewhere around 28-30 miles.

Saturday was the last ‘long’ training ride for the P3C3 group before we head out next Sunday. We did the ‘Sticky Bun Run’ from Furman up to the Bakery in Saluda. I was a little concerned about the weather as the forecast called for 60% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day. We started out with a few sprinkles, but that was the worst we got.

After we crossed Hwy 25 in Travelers Rest, we were treated to an incredible sunrise. The sky appeared to be on fire. Plenty of clouds in the sky, but they were clearing out and the sun was reflecting off the clouds. Obviously my words do it absolutely no justice at all. I pulled out my camera to snap a photo and wouldn’t you know it, the battery was dead and I didn’t have my spare with me! No pictures except what I snapped in my head! It was beautiful.

We did the traditional Furman to Saluda route. This did not include any of the optional climbs. The highlight of this ride was the climb up the watershed. Not a terribly hard climb at all. It is sustained and that is what makes it difficult. It can basically be split into three separate climbs – Dividing Waters road, Old Hwy 25 and Saluda Road.

In this group we rode with on Saturday, I am the strongest climber. There are some very strong riders, but something about climbing gets me really pumped and I can ride a pretty strong pace. There was a guy who I had not met before riding with us that day. I wasn’t sure what kind of a rider he was, so I had my eye on him. I know Perry, Jeni and Megan, I know Taylor and Bo, Nathan was an unknown. As we climbed dividing waters road, I found Taylor and Nathan riding right up front with me. It was interesting to see how it played out, but more interesting would be the climb up Old hwy 25.

As we turned right off of Dividing Waters, Perry and I were giving tips to Taylor – it was his first time up this climb so we were trying to share our experiences with him. He set out pretty strong and actually led for a while. I took a few minutes to find my pace and let him do whatever he wanted. It wasn’t long before I came around him and took the lead. I could hear someone behind me, but I was getting lost in my little climbing rhythm and tried to ignore them. I wasn’t sure who it was, but I did suspect it to be one of five people – Jeni, Perry, Taylor, Bo or Nathan. In fact, I wasn’t sure that it was only one person. I wasn’t going to let it effect my pace though, I just kept my cadence.

There is a section on Old Hwy 25 where you can start to open it up a little. I suspect that this is where we dropped Taylor. I pulled the little breakaway for a while before I decided to see who I was dealing with. I pulled to the left and signaled them to come around. It was only Nathan, so I pulled in behind him to take advantage of whatever opportunity I could get from his draft. He kept a pretty good pace and seemed to be pretty strong during that faster section.

As the grade increased, I saw the chink in his armor. He was a pretty good climber, but I could tell I was stronger. All the riding I have been doing this year has really paid off. I came around him as we approached what I’ll call the switchbacks. These aren’t really switchbacks in the classic sense, but they are the closest you’ll find on this section of Old Hwy 25. Those who know this road will know where I’m talking about. The grade increases as you approach these turns.

It’s probably less than a mile to the intersection of Saluda Road once you get through these turns. I know this and I also know that the climbing is done about a half mile or so before the intersection. As I approached the crest of the rise, I clicked up a couple of gears and started pouring on the power. I had already pulled a gap, but I wanted to open it up as far as possible. I pushed up into the big ring and pushed hard until I crossed the small bridge just before the intersection. It feels really good to feel strong at the top of a nice climb – I felt it on Saturday.

Nathan pulled up shortly behind me. Taylor followed not too long after that. Jeni and Perry were riding together and Jeni decided to continue rolling along. As I remounted my bike, I saw Megan round the final turn before the intersection.

Taylor, Nathan and I played king of the mountain on the next climb as well. This time it was Taylor who crossed the state line behind me. I turned around and rode back down to ride with Perry and Jeni. We rolled together for a while before I got sucked in again by Taylor’s obsession with competition .

We had a really nice (and pretty long) stop at the Bakery. It was really fun just chatting and listening to the chatter amongst the group. Everyone is really stoked about how close we are to this big event. There are some lingering concerns about meeting the fundraising requirements. I’m not the only one who is still a little short. Others are further than I am. I really hope that we all can make our fundraising goals. We only have one week to go.

If you can help, please visit the donation page and help out this cause by supporting me, or Bo and Nikki Zimmerman. We can all use any support you can give. As I said early in my fundraising efforts, no amount is too small – $5, $10 – whatever you can afford. It all goes to a great cause and helps my friends and I meet our fundraising goals. Without your help, our ride is not possible. Thank you to those who have given and those who will.

Why?  Why is that I can be so lucky?  Why am I given more chances then others? 

What is it that drives my heart into the ground everytime I find out someone has been taken to a better place because of Cancer?  Cancer.  Its just never certian. A sure thing. A done deal.  It keeps us guessing.  Wondering. And sharing.  It tells a story, it brings us together. 

How can it be so cruel and so good at the same time?  I think of all these people with the P3C3 group.  We are all so different.  Ages, Abilities, Health, and yet we are so close.  Close because of Cancer.  That nasty little booger.   I would never have met such awesome people if I didn’t have cancer.  

I am very lucky.  Not sure why I am chosen to do this but I plan on making this Cause Known. Because of people like Scott, Kim, Laurens, Sally, Barb, My Dad.  Cancer is very bitter sweet isn’t it.  I wondered why God would even have a thing such as Cancer in this world.  Then I realized….He didn’t create it.  He just allows us the opportunity to come together in faith, hope, and love.  He gives us the strength when our family and friends suffer from it.  He offers his arms to those who struggle and can’t anymore.  He makes it sweet with the friendships and the bonds that come from the clutches.  He makes it possible to endure all things.  Riding, Educating, Struggling, Defining, Awareness, and Hope. 

Riders, Warriors, Support and Friends…. we have 11 days to go before the big day.  Ron said it best in an email….Stay focused and remember WHY we are doing this.  It is not to be the fastest group or the group that covers the most miles. It is not to be the first one up the mountain top or to cross the border into the next state….. It is for those people that we love and care about that we ride….into the day and into the night. 

Stay focused!  11 more days to go.  Can you feel the excitment in the air?  The glorious chills, knowing we are all making a difference for others and defining for ourselves what cancer is all about…..

            So Scott (ScottStrong) this P3C3 Challenge to Conquer Cancer ride to Texas is for you and I will only make it by “drafting off you”

Chasse

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Renee’ Killian-Zeiger

Hi Austin gang and all the followers who cheered us on as we made our way through to Austin.

First and foremost, I want to thank each rider whom I had the privilege to work on during the ride.  Matt T. got some extra lube from my tears while in Bogalusa, LA during a visit from Punkin’.  She was an incredible 72 year old lady who stood by the massage table telling her story and how excited and thankful she was that we were all doing our parts in this amazing adventure/journey!  I had to keep wiping my face I was crying so much.  Secondly, I can’t thank Team 3 enough (including Stacy C., Keith H, and Reuben H.) for rescuing me in my time of need on Wednesday night in Navasota.  You guys rocked my world!! I had been awake for a long time at that point (I think only a few hours of cat napping at best since Saturday night 10/18/08) and then stayed awake for the rest of the night in the Team 3 van watching Ron J., Dennis Z., Beth R., Toby C., and Rene Mc., ride the 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. shift (I got to watch my man, Dennis!!).  What an honour!!!  I still get teary just thinking about it.  We finally arrived in Austin after launching Team 4 with Ron Jerina and Rene McCurdy hanging with T4.  Well, I don’t have to tell you the story there.  Everyone has already written much about those two hanging on for more riding.  I think I was awake for more than 36 hours and was exhausted, in Austin, I kept bursting into tears and finally took a 2 1/2 hr. nap Thurs. afternoon.  The journey was not over with yet.  Sunday………….now that was a day to always remember.  I chose to ride the 45 miler and was rocking and rolling along, minding my own business, when passing a rider (there were hundreds everywhere) and I heard…….pppppssssstttttt………I looked over and it was Keith Houston (one of our three medics), riding all by his lonesome.  He said that he was alone, a slow guy per his words, and I said, “No worries”, I will ride with you.  Little did I know at that point, that 15 miles was his longest distance.  Did I forget to mention that Keith is a brain cancer, testicular cancer survivor!?  I told him I would pull him in the rest of the way.  He pulled me too!  Keith and I had a blast!!  We were rocking and rolling!  I do not know at what point, but we heard what we thought was an ambulance so we got over to the right side of the road.  Well, low and behold, it was Lance and his entourage!!!  Keith and I were minding our own business when Lance, Taylor Phinney, a few hangers on, a personal State Trooper escort, and 2-3 motorcycle medics finally caught up with us!!!!  Lance rode with us…………..about the distance of a gnat’s eye lash.  Taylor Phinney was pulling Lance and that little (and I do mean little) group blew past us like we were not even rolling.  If you have never had Lance PASS you, well, I can’t even explain it.  When you see Lance riding with the peloton in the Grand tours, all the others are chasing and are hanging on somewhat, but this was something you had to truly witness yourself.  He even stood up after passing us and DANCED ON THOSE PEDALS!!   Huh!  I was even close enough to Lance to see the sweat dripping off the end of his nose!!!!  So at this point, whatever Lance left on the road out there somewhere around the hill country out from Dripping Springs, TX, Keith H. and I picked up and took off.  We starting turning and burning and for about the next 4+ miles, we were cruising along at better than 24 mph.  A number of riders were complaining about the “hills” on the 45 miler.  These were not even as steep as some of the north Greenville county roads we ride on around here. So no worries here.  That was exciting to say the least!  Now I know there are a number of people in Greenville who have had an opportunity to ride with the “Lance man” when he has been here, but this……………………you just have no idea how fast that man really is.  I finished ahead of Keith H. and when he got to the bus, he was cryin’ like a baby.  That was the longest distance Keith had ever ridden.  He was just INCREDIBLE!!!  I am SSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOO proud of you and your new PR.  You ROCK, Keith Houston!!  Dennis and I also got to meet and talk for a while with Kevin Livingston (former pro cyclist) at Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop (Lance’s bike shop on Nueces in Austin). Cool place!  Kevin L. was a most gracious and great and kind guy.  DZ and I hung out for a while (the place was rocking) and I could have stayed longer!  Wanted to go back Sunday, just did not have time.  Do I want to do this again next year.  Well, here is my dilemma.  Do I take care of the group with massage OR do I ride!?  Well, I can’t tell you just yet, you will have to wait and see.  I will have to figure out how to help all you folks if I ride.  Stay tuned for my decision.

Last but not least, this is probably one of the MOST memorable experiences of my life.  To have been a part of the initial group to make this trek was just……well I can’t even come up with a word to describe how truly fantastic it was.  Some last comments to some folks on the trip.  Susannah…..uh oh, I think I am about to start crying again! For all your words of tenderness, kindness, love and hugs on Thursday in Austin, I love you!  Laurens for your hugs on Thursday as well.  Lisa B. and Kevin D. for being there for me on Thursday as well.  For my husband, who truly knew how much of my heart and soul I left along the way to help all of you because it was just the thing to do.  IT WAS AND HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE!!  Again for Team 3’s help, you were amazing. For Ed, your comment about being the “Unsung hero”.  We all did this because………..well it was just the thing to do.  For my dad, who passed 14 years ago.  For Jonathan Pait for your beautiful tribute to this “Whole thing”!  I did not mention everyone, but you ALL counted just as much as the next.  You all have become so near to my heart.

Last but truly not least, Ron Jerina for your vision, (and Jennifer Jerina for being the woman behind the man) for all of the people who donated to Dennis and myself in the name of trying to wipe out this senseless dis-ease from our lives.  God bless you and thank you!

Dennis and I hope to see you soon!

Renee’ Killian-Zeiger

You can also read about my experience during the ride here.  What a great week!  Now we’re all headed out tot he airport to fly home.  I’ll miss you guys!

I was enjoying my ride and my legs were feeling pretty good on the descents and level roads, and I was averaging just over 17 mph, good for a guy my size!  I hear a siren, and knew that there were a couple of crashes.  So I thought they were ambulances.  NOT !!!  A couple of motorcycle cops cruised by me on a straight, slightly descending road, and I suddenly realized….. YES  YES   YES  !!!!!   LANCE !!!  Lance and Taylor Phinney pulled up to my left, and Lance actually glanced at me…  I was suprised and said ‘Hey, Lance !!!”  He nodded !!!!  and of course then dropped the hammer, and he and Taylor rode off like a locomotive.  No wonder they called Lance and US Postal, ‘Le Train Bleu’  !!!!  I was happy to get my Lance glance.  I also figured out that since they caught me at mile 55 of my ride, they must have already finished his 45 mile loop and was on their second loop!  What fantastic athletes.  Well, I finished my ride in under 4 hours, which was my goal, and I was very happy.  A great ride for me, and teh 65 miles made my total for the week at 395 miles.  I shoulda rode an additional 5 miles….!!!!!

Later I was fortunate to go to the stage where Lance was speaking, and afterwards I was even more fortunate to meet him and get his autograph!!!  A coupe for me….  and I told him of our team and our efforts, and he said he knew of us.  I was proud to be part of this……

And as a great finale, we all had an impromptu dinner in the atrium here at the Embassy Suites, then we walked to Lance’s bar, Six, and had a nice time.  Then home and to the airport bright and early.

What a trip.  Memories for a lifetime.  Thanks P3.

John S 

Quite an eventful ride as it turned out – first I stopped to help a rider who took a curve too fast and flipped off a bridge – looks like some facial fractures and she was starting to go into shock when the EMT arrived, say a prayer for her.  They also had a lot of cattle crossing guards you had to ride over – must work great because I never saw a single cow!  Lots of supporters cheering along the course which is always great.  When I passed one group tailgating, my keen eye saw a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Crème, so I turned around grabbed Lisa and told her to follow me.  We rode upstream for a moment and then joined the nice folks for a shot of Bailey’s and a donut – best rest stop ever! 

Well I finally had my first fall of the trip, I wiped out in the port-a-john and almost did a face plant in the urinal!  Cleats don’t work well on slippery floors! 

We have one last function tonight which is a party at Lance’s bar, so we will see how it goes…..  But overall one of the most incredible weeks of my life!  However I miss my hubby and kids and want to go home!!!

          A quote is sticking in my head from the Livestrong donor dinner last night which sums up this week and my heart:

“Cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life”

Chasse

Livestrong

I could not have found a better team to be a part of than Team 4.  How in the world can 5 people who barely know each other, let alone have ever ridden together, put together such a fantastic team?  We all bonded so well, each of us offering our personalities and strengths to the Team.   We rode well together, almost from the start finding our place within the peloton, and using that to cover many miles and many hours.  We shared limited space (all of us in the van, including Lisa and Mike), without nary an incident… unless you count the many hilarious events we shared.  Our inside jokes will forever be burned in my mind ( ‘ANIMAL!”…..  “SH_T-G__D__N!”…  “Hampster… PULL, CHASSE !”…… “WHERE THE HECK IS THE ROUTE?”…. you name it, we laughed. Laughed. And laughed some more. 

Austin has been a place of fun, too.  Since arrival, we have eaten a celebration dinner together and some enjoyed the .. ummmmm.. evening ‘festivities’ of 6th Street in Austin, arriving back at the hotel shall I say, at one-ish. 

This morning was the first LiveStrong event, the Run for the Roses 5 K.  More than 3000 people ran, walked, rolled, and even uni-cycled the course.  Yellow was everywhere.  People cheering. People screaming.  Giant smiles on lots of faces.  Grimaces of those who crushed the run for personal bests, or for just finding the ability to finish.   THe walkers, dogs, kids, babies, and the bike-taxis with kids from the local Children’s Hospital.  My gosh, what an event.  How it takes your breath away.

Then, back to reality.  Back to the hotel for laundry.  Yep.  I figured that it was time to stop smelling like I have been on a bike for a week.  OH!  I WAS on the bike for a week.  No WONDER I smelled.  Well, Lisa, Ray and I tossed our smelly stuff into the washer and dryer, and it is so nice to pull on a shirt that smells nice!  Then we all had a nice afternoon of whatever the person wanted.  Joe, Ray, and myself did an impromptu bike tour of Austin, shaking off our legs to be ready for tomorrow.  We saw a HUGE bike shop ( I found a great light bike jacket. And it FIT !!!  YES !!!  AND.. Ray talked the bike shop into an additional 10% more off the 30% already off the jacket.  Now, if you haven’t figured it out already from following the blogs, I am sort of a big guy. BIG.  And if I find clothing that fits, I usually have to buy it.  So to find a bike jacket I like, and that fits, and looks good…. I buy it.   YAY !!!    We went by the convention center where LiveStrong was set up, and I was able to snag a photo and an autograph with Chris Carmichael..  the guys and I then rode up to U.T.’s campus, and realized that Texas is playing Oklahoma State this afternoon….   WAY TOO MUCH traffic to deal with, so we turned around and headed back to the hotel to rest up for a nice dinner tonight and rest for the Ride for the Roses.  Hopefully, we will have the ability for our group to be recognized by Lance.. ya’ll keep your fingers crossed.  We all put in a lot of heart for the cause. 

Well, off to my bed to put my feet up and watch football, or perhaps to channel surf!!!  Ha… old habits die hard !!!  Talk to you tomorrow !!!

Thanks again for tuning in and following us… 

Big John

Well, there is still much to write, however, I have to be careful, because every time I get still, I start fading.  I actually went back to edit and finish this blog and just nodded off..no lie!   Tomorrow morning is the 5K and I am helping with a wonderful person that Dennis and I met this afternoon, Kim Crane.  Kim is an incredible cancer survivor that met up with Ron Jerina last year.  Ron is going to push her in her wheelchair in the 5K and a number of people have offered to help.  I volunteered to help as well and am excited to be able to to do so.  It is early to be going to bed at 8:35 p.m. but I can’t seem to keep my eyes open and my typing is getting slower so I am going to call it a night.  Got to get up early in the morning.  To the Zeiger family and friends who have sent us good wishes, keep em’ coming.  By the way…………………can anyone recommend a good massage therapist, I am in need of some hamstring work.  It started cramping this morning on our ride in to Austin.

LiveSTRONG, ROCKon

Renee’ K-Z

p.s.  I love all my new massage hogs……23 was the last count I think!!!!

 As our shift came to a close and we arrived at transition, I felt very sad.  I was not ready to stop riding for all  those affected by this horrible disease.  Rene asked team 4 if they would mind if we could continue to ride with them and they welcomed us (thanks Kevin, Chasse, Joe, Ray and John S).  I continued to ride and silently rode each pull for those affected by cancer.  I rode for another 30 miles with team 4 then got in the bus.  I asked Rene if she wanted to rest for a while and she said no so she kept on and on and on.  With about 8 miles left before we reached our hotel in Austin, I got back off the bus and finished the last leg of our 1500 mile journey with team 4 and if you can believe it, Rene.  She rode for 12 hours and logged over 150 miles.  She is one tough cancer survivor.  It was an honor to ride the last leg of the ride with team 4 and having  2 cancer survivors (Chasse and Rene) lead us to the end to our other cheering P3C3 teammates.

I am looking forward to riding with the whole P3C3 group tomorrow into downtown Austin for our encore ride.   I am looking forward to the Livestrong Challenge this weekend and seeing some old friends and meeting new ones.  I am looking forward to planning next years ride.  But most of all, I am looking forward to donating all the money we raised to our charities so they can put it to good use and find a cure for cancer.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey with all involved with this ride.  I could not have asked for better teammates (Beth, Rene, Toby, Dennis, Jennifer and Stacy).  We had a great time together.  Thanks for making this week one of the most memorable weeks I have had.  Thanks to Kevin for pouring his heart and soul into P3 and all his help making this ride, that people said was impossible, a huge success.  Thanks to Mike McCurdy who kept the world informed of our doings.  Thanks to all of you who were with us in spirit and sent us notes everyday on our blog.  But most of all, thank you Jennifer for all your love, support and help in this event that was just a dream one year ago. 

I hope everyone here in Austin enjoys the weekend at the Livestrong Challenge and gets as much out of it as I did last year.  Until next years ride…

Dear Julie,

You don’t know me and I don’t know you but the story of your husband has given me courage and inspiration to pursue my work this morning and why I am waking up early and going late to bed at night every day.

I have joined Bradmer Pharmaceuticals in December last year and all the minutes of my professional life are devoted to the BRAD-301 / GLASS-ART Study.  Before that, this Study was to me complex and challenging in implementing it (with the help of the Duke team) in all the targeted sites (we have 5 open as of today and more to come in the near future) hoping that all these efforts will be making a difference into someone life.  Seeing its logo on the back of the shirt of your husband this morning gave me chills and wings to fly higher from now on.  Why someone remotely involved into the Study would want to carrying it on its back if it was not for bringing courage, hope and inspiration into someone else life.

This is a turning perspective that I was not expecting this morning and I am tremendously grateful to you and Keith for bringing real life into this adventure.

May your life continue to be wonderful to both of you and your family,

Thanks for inspiring me to continue my daily work,

I am sending myself courage and hope to you and Keith (and all the other participants) and may this biking adventure brings more awareness into this disease,

Enjoy your day,

Hélène

Hélène Dulude B.Pharm. Ph.D.
Director, Clinical Development-Bradmer Pharmaceuticals

It is learning to dance in the rain!

This has become one of my favorite inspirations because to me it not only depicts the way I have come to view life, but it is also the way I have chosen to deal with cancer. These two sentences took on a whole new meaning this week as I had the privilege to accompany and support a dedicated group of cyclist from Greenville, SC to Austin, TX  and through it all it has been a

learning experience about the human spirit.

These cyclists took on a challenge and they are meeting this challenge with true spirit and one common goal in mind to ERADICATE CANCER!

Sunday, Oct 19^th  the morning of departure, there was no mistaking that the air was not only filled with a chill, but also determination and anticipation of the upcoming ride, you could almost see the faces of  the personal stories in each riders face and know why they are riding. The long awaited journey was here and now they were ready. All the preparation would soon pay off. It was heartwarming to see the crowd of well wishers and those who wished they could go, come out to give the riders a proper send off and you could tell the riders were grateful.

This human spirit together with their personal stories kept them focused and guided them along the way through cold nights, hilly roads and impatient travelers. Although these travelers continued to acknowledge them as number one!  Oh and let’s not forget the joy of traveling back roads and enjoying the sights and smells of road kill.

As they ended their daily rides of sometimes 90 plus miles, they walked about obviously filled with aches and pains from sore, fatigued muscles and bloodshot sleepy eyes. Yet the smiles and encouragement was abundant. Business was conducted on cell phones while lots of food was consumed and laughter was shared as though the ride was just a walk in the park with no complaints except for the razor burn, right men?

 Today we are on day four and the spirit is still strong. The stories are many and the gratefulness is huge. The people that gathered around out of curiosity from the towns we stopped in and the acts of kindness like police escorts were always welcomed. Each day is a new adventure especially with the wonderful GPS systems that took you places you never knew existed.  We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

As a cancer survivor I am grateful to all of you for all your hard work and for all the money raised for the fight against cancer.  You never know which dollar or which mile peddled could very well be the one that gets us closer to the never ending hope for a cure.

There just doesn’t seem to be the right words to say as Thank you is not enough. These riders have taken on the challenge to ride for all those currently in their cancer journey, those who their journey has come to an end and for those in the future, rather than sit and wait for the storm to pass….they are truly dancing in the rain.

YOU GUYS ROCK! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Janet Rigdon

Support Team

The rides were long (a total of about 315 for Team 3), the pace was frequently high, the riding conditions were often not the best and schedules were crazy but I can honestly say this is one of the most wonderful things I have done in my life. And the amazing part is we haven’t even started the ultimate goal of our trip – the LIVEstrong Challenge. We are really looking forward to sharing in the struggles, the challenges and the triumphs of those who fight their battle with cancer every day. And, hopefully, we can share a little understanding, a little comfort and a little encouragement to those we encounter as we bring our stories and your monetary contributions to the LAF organization in our Challenge To Conquer Cancer.

Team 3 – you ROCK!!! Thanks for bringing me along for the ride. We WILL win this battle with cancer!!!

THe day started of windy, cold, and moist.  I think we each approached the day with a different attitude.  We were tired. Dog tired.  Tired of biking.  Tired of being nice.  Tired of riding all cramped up in a minivan.  But as usual, you tend to mire yourself in your personal problems and forget why we ride this ride.  Cancer survivors that ride, like Chasse, don’t forget.  They have done much harder things. So you shut your mouth, get on the bike, and ride!  Ride to honor. Ride to remember.  Ride.

We awoke to cold winds at 4 am.  We had a hearty (hearty?) breakfast of egg sandwiches and egg bagels, constructed by Chef Mike and Chef Kevin, with the help of a microwave and a bowl and fork.  I, of course, added my usual cherry Pop-Tarts as a supplement. Yum. Now we piled (again) in the van and headed towards the Transition with Team 3.

Once we met up with Team 3, the ride started out in fairly good fashion… but where do we go???!!!!  We again started unsure of our route, but soon rememdied that, and took off.  Renee and Ron from Team 3 apparently had not had enough, and rode with us.  Ron eventually took to the van, and later on in the morning got back on his bike and finished with us, but Renee….  Renee…..  Renee eventually rode 12 hours today, 6 with her team and 6 with us. She probably ended up riding 150 + miles on the bike today.  Not bad for a cancer survivor.  Go get ‘em Renee. 

As we rode, I began to see what a toll the ride took on me.  I had very little ability to focus, think, and concentrate.  I was not sure why, and several times wanted to get in the bus.  But I endeavored to perservere.  So I rode on. Team 4 +2 rode on.  We then noticed something unusual.  It brought new life to us, and I believe helped us go on.  SUNLIGHT! ! !  By gosh, real live, honest sunlight.  Now, there were clouds all around, and it was cool, but sunlight!  You must remember that for the 15 hours of riding we did before today, only around 1 hour was in the light… sunset in Florida / Alabama!!!  And now, we get our chance to ride in the light!  WOW !  I believe it helped each of us to go on.

The weather stayed cool until we rolled into Austin.  The wind stayed active all day, mostly side winds, a bit of headwinds and tailwinds.  The terrain was mostly flat, but begain to show long, rolling hills as we continued towards Austin.  The traffic also became very heavy.  But with the protection of the van and bus, we moved steadily towards out goal.

As the hours passed, we stopped a few times to take on food, fluids, and we steadily made progress.  Suddenly we noticed that the amount of businesses on either side of the road, and we rode into Austin.  The city of Austin had not ONE ‘Welcome to Austin’ sign on our route in, so we didn’t stop for a photo op, and rode steadily on, looking for our hotel.  Finally, we found our street, and turned.  We rode past a cheering Joe Julian shooting photos of us, and then saw a big crowd of P3 riders and personell awaiting us with cheers and bells.  As I mentioned earlier… there were lots of hand shakes, hugs, smiles, tears, and relief.  All five teams arrived in Austin with no injuries, no real problems, and success with the ride.

I was not part of the dream of this ride, but know of its origin.  I was one of the first to commit to the ride, and am proud of that.  But thanks need to go to the following people:

Kevin Dunn
Lisa Barwick
Ron and Jen Jerina

The cyclists who committed to the ride: Forming Teams 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The drivers, mechanics, medics, and support personell who went along.

The companies, businesses, and people along the way who donated goods, money, and time.

More that I probably do not know about, and I may forget about.

The Greenville Hospital System Oncology Research Institute and Lance Armstrong’s LiveStrong Foundation.

And NONE of this would have ever come to pass without the real reason for the ride in the first place:

Those people who fought cancer, beat cancer, succumbed to cancer, and the families and people involved in cancer care.  You are the reason we ride.

Thanks for allowing me the honor of riding for you, each and every one.  I will be back.

Now, however, I will finish my Mountain Dew, savor my full tummy, and am already thinking about the activities for the next couple of days…… As soon as I can figure out the way to do it, I will be putting some photos on the website and link to Flickr.

Take care….. thanks for listening !

John Siddens
Greenville, South Carolina 

:: Challenge to Conquer Cancer Ride – Team One Day Two

:: Challenge to Conquer Cancer Ride – Team One Day Three

Throughout our ride we had a cancer survivor.  What a lady!  Just think, being a cancer survivor, riding from Greenville to Austin, and most of all, putting up with an all man cycling team riding in a van designed for people of 120 pounds ( Just for point of reference, I was the smallest male there and I weigh 170#).  On team 3, there also is a cancer survivor – and what a tiger she is.  She ended up not only completing her 6 hour shift before us, but rode the other 6 hours with our team in order to come into Austin.  What a sight to see both of them in front of the pack leading us to the finish to be cheered by all the others. All I can say is that I was blessed to ride both them.  God bless and keep you both.

As we view the world through the eyes of the media, most of what you hear is bad news.  Ever hear good news about anything?  The truth is totally opposite of what you see and hear.  No matter where we went or who we talked to, they would do whatever they could to help.  It is such a great feeling to know that the world is mainly good! Examples abound in the text of the blog.

- A church congregation stopping the service to great and cheeer our riders

- People running down our vans in order to give donations to the cause

- People honking showing support for our riders

- Discounts for hotels and meals

- With lack of cell phone service (Verizon), people would volunteer there’s in order to do what we needed

The list could go on forever.

Also in talking to people you never met, you find that somewhere, they have been touched by the devastating disease of cancer.  From 6 year old cousins with liver cancer, 28 year old sisters who died of breast cancer, nieces, nephews, sisters, husbands, wives and the list goes on.  Cancer may never be eliminated from our bodies as it is believed to exist within us, but can be controlled.  This is the cure we all strive for!

In closing, I would like to thank all our support crew.  We could never have ridden without you.  My teammates were great!  Assembling 5 independent riders who didn’t know each other, put them together, expect them to function as a team and then have them get along.  We did!

Most of all, I would like to thank my wife, Patty, for without her, I would never had the opportunity to do this.

God bless all the survivors – those that have conquered cancer and those that must live with the aftermath of its devastation.

More updates to come!

Livestrong! Booyahh!

Livestrong

Chasse

We left Brenham TX this morning after being treated to egg sandwhiches made by Kevin and Michael in the hotel room.  There was no 24 hour breakfast, and at 4 AM, a microwave turned our eggs into egg sandwhiches.  It took us a while, but we finally figured out how to improvise. 

We met team 3 in La Grange, TX.  85.5 miles later we arrived in Austin, TX.

We’ve made it and we appreciate everyone’s support via the blog!  I’ll write more later.

Love to all,

Lisa

I planned a nice long blog, but my stomach calls.  After we arrived and many hugs, high fives, smiles, and cheers were exchanged, Team 4 checked in and now plan a nice BIG lunch…  REAL food.. mmmmmmmmmm.

Back to you later.

John S

I enjoyed visiting with p3ride group as they rode through Bastrop today
Conne McMahan
In Beautiful Cyclist Friendly Bastrop, TX

She also took some pics for us, they’re posted with our other pictures on flickr.

So we settle into a nice easy tempo of about 20-22 mph, just cruising, the roads are nice and flat and everything seems A Okay. At our first turn onto highway 96 everything changes. We immediately see the team 5 girls getting a massage at the side of the road (old gas station) and realize that we have a stiff crosswind. This road continues for almost 35 miles. So I did what any overbearing (non-designated) team leader would do, I taught the boys how to ride an echelon (I wish I had photos, i am the proud father of a team that can now ride a true side to side echelon!). This kept our team up in the 20’s and the 20 mph crosswind really was not fun (nor was the highway that stayed busy with logging traffic, though the log trucks did come by offering a little wind relief).

We all knew the forcast called for evening rains so at the refill stop (gasfor bus) we decided to push on and get through the rain (or at least get ahead so the next team would be able to enjoy their rain ride). This was where the madness starts because the first half was actually very serene compared to what was coming. The road began to get a few little climbs and the team starting riding a fast paceline with 27+ mph tempo. This was starting to hurt my legs but it felt kind of good. We then took a turn off of 96 and passed through a town and then began the last 45 miles of the ride. THis is where the madness officially began because the team had 2 hours to go and we decided to push on to highway 59 a little more than 13 miles beyond the official transition. Our ride was highlighted by a construction stop of about 10 minutes which stiffened up the legs and was promptly followed by a downpour of rain as we began moving again (still pushing hard though). With one hour to go tempo was in the 24+ range with some strong rollers and sporadic heavy showers, this just seemed to egg on everyone as the tempo kept increasing. At the 15 to go mark, we were about 30 minutes out from transition, I am guessing the team rode 13.5 of those miles in 30 minutes and the hills kept getting steaper. Rob topped one climb and just looked over and said, “I’m done” though he kept pulling through without any issues (I have said that several times in this ride so far, so I know how he feels!).  We finally rolled into the town of Shepard TX and teams 2 and 3 were there to meet us. It is a cool feeling to have that many people waiting for the transition.

A few tidbits: The support crew kept me in stitches today. Keith has quite a sense of humor as does Johnny Boy who actually claims he saw the elusive teradactyl today (actually it was huge bird, I mean huge).  Jonathon kept up his video work and is starting to put together Jonathan’s road kill diaries for a future viewing. His latest Youtube video should be up soon, and you will nice that I (Joey) seem to take advantage of making faces at the camera every chance I get. This latest video shows the who deal, it is cool! We did get our first official armadillo sighting today.  The support people rock, without these guys we would be in trouble. Thomas, John, Keith, Reuben, David, Arthur (who is currently annoyed with me because I keep breaking wheels, only 2 today though), Rene and her crew (who absolutely made my day with stretches and working that gunk out of my legs, I needed that and it would be an issue without you and your crew!). The bus crew has kept me in stitches on the radio, those guys seem to have fun with our team (probably with all of the teams but I think roadkill watch has kept them laughing with us).

This has been a fantastic ride so far, and today we make it to Austin, still a few more rides to finish out the week but all is great! I must thank everyone for their well wishes and support. This is about awareness, raising money for those we love and want to get healthy and it is about Living Strong!

Team 1 has had a fantastic ride, an oddball mix of people (5 totally different riders, 2 main support people, Thanks guys) and the coolest attitude I have ever seen in a group tagged together to ride. Everyone has stepped up to the plate and kept it going strong. Thanks guys! 

Booyahh Livestrong!

After a great six hour sleep, a terrific breakfast, and lots of water and powerade, we got on the bikes.  I felt great the entire time.  I remember very clearly the high I felt the first time I ran 10 miles, and this was just like it.  We covered 60 miles (our estimated distance) in about 41/2 hours.  With another hour of ride time left and just 3 miles to the Texas state line, we decided to go for it.  Seeing that “Welcome to Texas” sign and riding up to it has been the highlight of this trip.  Rene our massage therapist (and a GREAT one at that)
even had yellow wildflowers waiting for us and we had our own paparazzi there to take dozens of pictures.  We still were not at 12:00 and so we went on about 10 more miles, confronting a supreme example of road kill (Publix doesn’t even have meat that fresh) and our first and only flat, which was exchanged for a fresh tire in record speed.  Finishing the day at 77 miles, I really wanted to keep going to ride my first century,
but my team convinced me that today was not the day for that (I’m still pouting).

I know I couldn’t have done it without Kerrie pulling, Crystal shouting encouragement from behind, and Laurens guiding us all from the back with help from Joe’s warning honks and Keith’s navigation.  And I still don’t think my team knows what that did for me.  I ran my first marathon in January of 08, and as an adult-onset athlete, I was thinking that was the pinnacle for me and what would be next.  I was afraid that there might be nothing left, and that at 40 I would be washed up even before I had begun.  I needed the challenge of a ride like this day’s and to know that I still can meet those challenges.  Now I am ready for the next one — I am no longer afraid of failure or letting myself or anyone else down.

I have met many incredible people on this adventure, but I have listened to two women’s stories with particular attention.  I wrote in a previous blog my reasons for doing this ride, but one I neglected to mention is another fear — of getting this dreadful disease we are fighting against and dying a horrible death like my grandmother and uncle.  The two women who (unknowingly, until now) have helped me overcome this fear are Laurens and Janet.  Listening to how these remarkable people met the challenge of cancer, fought the fight, and are learning to live new lives affected by their disease and treatments has been encouraging to say the least.  Would I want to have this disease?  Of course not.  Would I welcome the challenge of cancer the way I welcomed the challenge of this ride?  Of course not.  Would I automatically assume that a diagnosis of cancer means the end that my grandmother and uncle met?  NO.  I am NOT AFRAID of cancer.

Today was Team 5’s best day for riding.  We all had an awesome night’s sleep at the LaQuinta Inn where Laurens negotiated us low prices and convinced the staff that we needed to have breakfast at 4:00 AM.  At this point, we had eaten around 4 PM, and decided that we didn’t need much for dinner that night.  We settled on pineapple and Reese’s cups so that we didn’t have to spend anymore time on “non-sleeping” activities.  We all were so tired and went to bed at 5 and 6 PM and did not wake up until our alarms went off at 3:30.  At 4 AM, we were treated to a DELUXE continental breakfast that was waiting on us when we went to the lobby.  We had waffles, cereal, bananas, bagels, juice, coffee, etc.  It was an awesome pre-ride meal and it was at 4:00 AM.  After a great start like that, we just kept the momentum up and rode like pros.

Today’s ride was great and we rode most of it on the shoulder of the road.  The shoulder was nice and wide, and it allowed us to keep out of the way of cars and to relax a bit.  Kerrie led our group the entire time and she is a machine!  She is an incredible athlete and she really stepped up to lead our group.  We averaged about a 15.4 mph, and rode about 77 miles.  This was the most miles that any of us had ever ridden in one day.  We felt awesome and could have ridden another 30!  I think the key was all of our sleep we had gotten the night before, the amount and types of food we had eaten, the road was smooth, and it was finally DAYLIGHT!  This was the first time our group has ever seen daylight on a ride, and we decided that even though we “wear our sunglasses at night”, today we would put in our dark lenses.

We took a few “natural” breaks along the way, since Kerrie decided today was the day that she would rehydrate.  We stopped about every 45 minutes so that everyone could “relieve” themselves.  The only difference this time was that it was not dark, so we had to be more conscience of cars! The communication today between the riders and the support vehicle was awesome.  We felt so comfortable and confident riding today, and again it was one of our best rides EVER.  Tom rang his cowbell for us anytime he passed and took lots of pictures of us while riding. The sunrise was spectacular, and we definitely felt like we were experiencing the best part of the day.  While riding through Louisiana we decided that it was important that we added “eaux” at the end of every word in honor of the creole and cajun Americans.  So banana became “bananeaux”, and river was called “rivereaux” etc.  It was pretty fun making up words for all of the every day objects that we saw.  We had a hard time pronouncing the names of the river and creeks that we were passing over.  Kerrie informed us that they were all Indian names….nothing like a little culture while riding!  It did concern us a little when we saw a sign that said the next river that we were crossing was called “Quicksand”…..

The only mishap today was when Kerrie got a flat tire.  It was pretty unavoidable since we had ridden on the shoulder most of the day, but we did a nascar style tire switch, and were back riding in under a minute.  Great teamwork from our team and the support crew.

Susannah rode like a champion today.  She is an incredible rider and rode like I had never seen before.  She really stepped it up to the next level, and showed her confidence and spirit for this ride.

Crystal decided that since we were “roughing it” and peeing outdoors, staying up all night, etc, she would forgo taking a shower until we reached Austin. (Honestly, she fell asleep at the last hotel, and didnt wake up in time to get a shower in!) That’s right folks, she has not showered since Monday afternoon.  The team hasn’t started complaining yet….

The highlight of the day was crossing the line into Texas.  Our cue sheet had us stopping and transitioning with Team 1 about 3 miles from the Texas border while still in Louisiana.  We decided early on that we were going to be the first team into Texas, and we were going to ride more than our alloted mileage. We finally stopped at about 77 miles and transitioned with Team 1 about 6 miles into Texas.  We stopped and took pictures at the Texas sign when we got there, and we felt like the paparazzi had descended.  I think we spent 10 minutes take pictures, posing, goofing off, etc.  It was awesome!

Today Crystal had her first massage with Rene. After some apprehension with getting a massage due to some previous bad ones with other massage therapists, the team convinced her that Rene was great, and she needed one to relieve her muscles.  She admitted, that it was so relaxing and nice and the BEST massage that she had every had.  She plans on booking an appointment with Rene when she gets back into town.

Team 5 is a very close knit group, and we all ride with yellow handlebar tape in honor of our loved ones that have been affected by cancer. The yellow tape is a constant reminder on why we are doing this ride, and it puts everything in perspective.  We ride together as a strong united force against cancer.

TEAM 5: Crystal, Kerrie, Laurens, Susannah, Tom, and Joe

We are exhausted from a 30 hour wake period.  After our transition last night, we decided it would be best to get as close as possible to the next transition point.  Not to mention it was 6 am in Nowhere, LA.  There would be no check in at hotel until at least 1 pm.  Plus, we wanted to get our bodies back to a normal sleep pattern,  So it made sense to get in the car and keep driving.  I was wide awake and took the wheel for the next 3 hours.  I have no idea how I managed to stay awake or why my body was allowing it. I’ve found that my body tolerates much more than I give it credit for under normal circumstances.  This is indeed the challenge of a lifetime for me.  It is properly named Challenge to Conquer Cancer.  We’ve all been challenged in so many ways, but I nothing compared to the challenges that cancer patients and survivors have conquered.  That is why we are still in excellent spirits . . . this is bigger than all of us.

The team is ready to eat, we’ve had a cat nap.  Just a quick few thoughts that I wanted to share -

The medic team is AWESOME.  We’ve not needed them for anything major – but they have been incredible instrumental in getting us where we are today.  They navigate, drive the bus and generally provide the team with moral support.  I can’t imagine this trip without Rueben, Keith or David. They are wonderful.  They’ve also had the hardest time getting sleep and rest . . and still remain positive and upbeat.

The trip has gone AMAZINGLY well by my estimates.  Sure, we’ve had some bad roads, and some detours to make, but it has been a GREAT trek for all the teams across 5 states considering the magnitude of what we are accomplishing.

Staying properly nourished has been a challenge.  When we can eat, there is nothing open. When we should eat, we just want to rest.  When we are hungry in Nowhere, LA there is nothing to eat.  I learned very quickly to eat whenever you had the chance because you don’t know when you will be able to eat again.

Cell service . . . we had very little of it last night, and this was something we didn’t anticipate (at least I didn’t).  It made for a challenge to get the transition set up. 

Rene Z and her support team Janet and Donna are troupers!  Renee has made every effort to make sure the teams were taking care of and keeping them going on this long journey.  They have had little sleep and they are finding out too just what our bodies can tolerate .

We were so excited (me the most) that we had a laundry mat on site at our hotel today! I was beside myself, but I think it was because I was deliriously exhausted.

 Just some quick thoughts, I’ll write more soon.  I’m going to get left at the hotel (and miss my chance to eat)if I don’t get dressed now!

Lisa

Having that little voice in my ear made me think about the people who helped me through my journey with cancer. My friend, Edie, told me to call it my journey- because it was a journey. Little did I know that people would be so supportive. A lady that I worked with, but didn’t know well, brought dinner to my house every week for 6 months. I wasn’t hungry most times, but the fact that someone remembered me was all I needed. She is now one of my best friends I remember one time I wanted to give up. I had taken 4 rounds of chemo and had just taken number 5-Taxol. I had a reaction to something and had a rash all over my face and shoulders. To add insult to injury, my face was swollen and I had lost my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I really didn’t feel bad, it just wasn’t fun looking in the mirror. I couldn’t drive and my husband (remember he was only my boyfriend then) was working. He called Dr. Gococo, my oncologist, got me an appointment and even had someone from his office pick me up to go. Dr. Gococo told me I was fine and that I would be okay. He was the greatest cheerleader. I remember telling Will I was quitting chemo-it just wasn’t worth it. To say the least, he didn’t let me quit. He knows how to make me just mad enough not to give up. I am glad I didn’t give up. Again, it was the voices of support that kept me going.

My whole point of my post is this-don’t ever give up, don’t ever, ever give up!

At one point we encountered a very bumpy road. It was by far the worst road we had seen yet.   Uneven pavement on both sides so we really had to stay in the middle. I was in front continuously describing the road as we went. At one point, I said something like “stay in my line”.  Laurens complimented me on knowing cycling jargon.  I felt like a team leader on this shift.  Thank goodness for the great lights on our bike.  We could have never managed the dark rides without them.

During our 6 hour shift, I saw my teammates transform before me.  I witnessed the true definition of bonking.  One of our teammates was fine one minute and delirious the next.  One slowly became very tired and quiet.  She went to the bathroom, ate a banana, and suddenly came back to life.  One was great one minute, and emotionally exhausted the next.  I was constantly observing them.  Myself, I felt pretty good.  I was able to step up this shift and help my teammates achieve our goal and then some.  I felt a real sense of accomplishment knowing that I contributed as a teammate, and not just a rider.  This day was a real turning point for me: I think I have become a cyclist.

After our shift was over, we immediately directed Tom, (one of our support guys), to take us to the nearest Waffle House.  I hadn’t eaten since Monday at 4:00 PM, and it was now Tuesday at 7:00 AM.  I couldn’t wait to get a double cheeseburger.  It was so good.  I didn’t care that it was really breakfast time.  My body didn’t know time…it only knew hunger.  While at the Waffle House somewhere in Mississippi, in walks our massage therapist Rene with all of her assistants.  They travel to the teams to give massages after the ride.  What a  welcome sight!  Rene set up her table in the parking lot at Waffle House and gave us all recovery massages.  It was awesome and crazy at the same time.  By the way, I had my eyes closed and almost fell asleep not knowing all the traffic passing by probably wondering what was going on!  It doesn’t matter the location of a massage as long as it was good, and it felt SOOO good.  Thank you Rene Zeiger..what a gem of a person! Rene had to raise money just like we did to accompany us on this trip.  You see, it is not about the bike.  It’s about the message we are spreading.

Fast forward, Tuesday night 10:45 PM in Lake Charles. LA.  After spending most of Tuesday we had lunch (I guess it was lunch??), got a hotel room, and attempted to sleep before our next ride at 6:00 AM.  I fell asleep at 5:00PM, couldnt hold my eyes open any longer, and now I am awake.  We tend to catch sleep when we can.  This will be our first daytime shift.  More traffic most likely, but more daylight.  Continue to pray for us and for all of those stricken for cancer, we are riding for you!

Kerrie

Now, let me lead you up to our departure.  I noticed where another blogger mentioned Nowhere, Louisiana.  Boy was this right.  We travelled from our nice hotel Lisa mentioned in her blog to the netherworlds of mid-southern Louisiana.  Flat.  Did I mention flat? Flat as in pancake?  As in griddle?  As in FLAT? I forgot there are places where the sky keeps going on forever.  What a difference from the mountains and rolling hills of the Upstate.  We seemed to roll on forever past farming towns and areas seemingly recovering from the hurricanes.  We pushed on to reach Morganza, Louisiana, a thriving village of 859 people (as of the 2000 census).  One gas station and a cafe (Not Your Mama’s Cafe) in one building, the only thing open as of 830 pm.  We stopped with trepidation, assuming we would be fed to the nearest Cajun’s alligator.  However, we were stupidly and laughingly wrong.  We ate FABULOUS food at the Cafe, met great locals, who donated some helpful information (can you say “The ferries are closed after 9 pm! You can’t go that way tonight!”, some stories of cancer in their familys (thanks Chuck and Lisa), and allowed us free reign of their gas station (lucky Chasse won 5 whole dollars on one lottery ticket.. me.. as usual I donated $3 to the Lottery).  We contacted Team 3 and found that we needed to move on to find them, so we packed up and moved on.

We chased Team 3 down somewhere down the long, lonely stretch of Louisiana 190, transitioned with them and took off.  Less than one mile later, Kevin, who was leading, yelled, “ANIMAL!” and swerved to his left.  Now who the heck yells ‘ANIMAL’ while on a bike?  Who the heck knows what to do if someone DOES yell ‘ANIMAL???!!!’  Well, obviously not me and not Chasse.  A split second after Kevin yelled it out, I ran SMACK DAB over what was probably an armidillo…  and of course Chasse, tucked in right behind me, hit it, too.  Well, I am not sure what happened to that animal, whatever it was, because we were so shocked and amused at the same time, we began laughing uncontrollably.  Now, not to slight the poor injured or killed animal, we felt sorry for it, but imagine someone not saying, “Gravel!” or “Rock!” or “Bump!” but “ANIMAL!!!”  My gosh we giggled for what seemed like an hour.

So, then the ride settled down to a rhythmic humdrum of each of us pedalling in unison, taking in the night, its sounds, its smells, and its darkness.  We travelled some pretty harsh roads, actually veering off the course because of the gravel road it turned into.  But despite the occasional grumble about Louisiana needing some of the P3C3 funds, and the crappy roads, we pedalled on.  We actually stopped because of some small bladders (hear that Ray !!! LOL ), some udating of Chamoix Butt’r, battery changing, etc but made pretty good time.  We did a time trial for a while, ripping up the road at a blazing 21 mph (sorry Chasse!) but that was one time.  The morning approached and the miles seemed to become longer and longer, especially as the Transistion approached.  But we finally saw some blinking yellow lights in the distance, and came upon some fabulous ladies representing Team 5 chomping at the bit to get going.  GO TEAM 5!!!!!

Once gone, we packed up, headed to the nearest filling station – yes filling station – for massages from Renee…  now THAT must have been a sight to behold by the locals !  I’m suprised the local constable didnt come by and cuff us all !!!!  We then hit the local Waffle Shop for  some tasty and filling waffles, eggs etc.  We again found that the cook and waitress both had family members affected by cancer, and they gave us $20 of their hard-earned money and filled out two magnets..  It is amazing how many people along the way have stopped to look at us, and once they get past the disbelief and shock of what we are doing, share their stories, and often give money to us….

Now we have arrived in a town north of Houston, Texas…. Brenham or somethning… you kinda loose the towns after a few days of riding, no sleeping, and long drives in the van.  Anyway, the hot tub awaits us… then a brief rest or sleep in the Best Western, a nice Mountain Dew (nectar of the Gods !!!!), and our 6 am shift awaits!

Thanks to each of you who follow us in this effort, and we hope you are inspired to do something within your own skills and means to fight cancer and it’s terrible effects.

Soo, once again I bid you farewell, and until I have energy again to blog ….

John S

Hey…a shout out to Rob Dempsey of HIS Radio who has dedicated his time to ride on the P3C3 and cover the event from the road on his Blog

Rob interviewed me and broadcast it on HIS RADIO…I love sharing my story.

The reason that I am doing this event is to inspire others that have been told that you only have months to live and prove that a statistic is just that…it doesn’t take away your passion for life, your soul for God, or your body’s will to serve and survive!
Though it is Duke’s motto…At Duke…there is hope. there are great physicians, nurses, advocates, family members, policy makers and survivors who are making cancer a national priority, a personal war on cancer and I am honored to get to know several on this ride this week. I know that we have touched many lives throughout this journey in each town that we have ridden through.

Team 5 is the all-girls team and has quite a story to tell about their journey.

I hadn’t eaten much on my long stretch but the armadillo road kill at least didn’t tempt me! On another note, we found it interesting that Georgia had a lot of road kill, Alabama had none, and Mississippi had little. The team discussion was focused on rumors of ‘Bama BBQ…I can say that ’cause my family is from Alabama.

My wife has been posting other blog entries on the Brain Tumor Awareness Organization blog for me since I haven’t been able to.
Well, catch you later!

So why am I on this ride?  Well, for those of us who are healthy and blessed, it IS our duty to listen to God’s call in regards to our time, talent and treasure.  So many have suffered and battled this dreadful disease, it is time we all do something about it.  You would not believe the stories of folks we have met along the way.  One in particular for me is Mason Eson, from Georgia.  His mother pulled up next to me as I was waiting for Team 3 in the van and told me Mason (now 9) was diagnosed with Lymphoma at 18 months, treated successfully and fully recovered.  She handed me $10 and I wrote Mason’s name on a magnet and placed it on the van.  Turns out he is a bulldog fan, so I drew a “G” logo on his magnet too and he just lit up….if he only knew I was a Gamecock fan….

I am also on this ride, because I have such amazing and capable people that allow me to devote my time to outside causes.  Are you kidding me?  They love that fact I am gone and out of their hair…no pun intended.  Seriously, my Spa Team (The Spa at West End) is the best staff in the world and as we joined together to support the P3C3 cause, many of them wondered, “why this one Stacy?”  (They really think I am crazy half the time….)  Well, over this last month one of our girls was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, just having her first radiation treatment last week and another one, a preliminary diagnosis of ovarian cancer.  Besides that, each of us has had at least one relative or friend touched by this dreadful disease. 

So I am riding for “my girls”, Mason Eson, all of our loved ones and all the Cancer Warriors out there.  And, most especially for my healthy son Tradd who I pray will grow up to continue to be so, along with having a strong character and drive to “make a difference” in other people’s lives through the time, talent and treasure God gives him.  If only each of us did this….it would be a better world and probably cancer free!

So, I’m not sure if that answers why I am on this ride, but I AM ON THIS RIDE, we all are on this ride and I will cherish this memories for a lifetime!  I’m so proud of all the riders, support team (whoop, whoop), sponsors and all of you out there who are praying for us and bloggin us.  We love it!

LIVESTRONG!

Stacy Coulter, Proprietor, The Spa at West End

I have never been to the moon but I have seen video and pictures and can see the surface on the moon is pretty rough.  They need to put a sign on the road we were on that says “Welcome to Nowhere, LA where the roads are worse than the surface of the moon”.  For 25 miles we were dodging craters and road kill.  Everything on my body was hurting from all the bumps and holes we were encountering.  We were not able to go our normal lightning fast pace and we had to pull over several times to let traffic by.  Because the ferry to take us across the Mississippi River was broken down , we were taking a 47 mile detour to a bridge south of the route.  With  all the stopping for traffic, our slower speeds and our detour we were falling behind schedule.  After 25 miles of crater dodging, we finally found some smooth roads and our spirits we lifted.  Rene’s knee was feeling great and the pace picked up.  Since we were falling behind the bus decided to take us on a short cut to make up some time.  We had a team meeting and decided on a route and continued our ride.  We found the bridge to get us over the Mississippi River after stopping again to ask for directions.  It was cool crossing the river in the dark.  The lights from all the chemical plants,refineries and the skyline of the big city of Somewhere, LA were neat to see.  We continued our journey in the night and the roads were half way decent.  The temp was starting to drop a little and Beth started getting cramps in her quads.  We pulled over so we could all relieve ourselves and Beth put on her leg warmers to help with the cramps.  Two hours to go and we were getting a little tired so Rene and I decided to entertain the group.  We started singing Christmas carols.  The only one we knew all the words to was Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer.  We made up words for all the others or combined words from 2 songs together.  When we ran out of Christmas carols, we moved on to 80’s music.  We noticed the more we sang, the further ahead Dennis went and the further behind Toby and Beth dropped back.  I really don’t know the reason for this because I know I am a great singer.  It must of been Rene singing off key or do I have that backwards????  The last few miles on Hwy 170 were great.  It was flat and straight.  We saw more roadkill and one live possom and did a sprint just to get the heartrate up before we got off the bike.  We hit the transtion right at midnight.  Knocked out 82 miles.  Team 4 was excited to see us and ready for their tough shift from midnight to 6am.  We talked for a few minutes, racked the bikes and took off to find the hotel.

Rene Z had our rooms waiting for us at the American Best Hotel or something like that.  You would think it would be easy to find the hotel in Nowhere, LA where there is only 1 traffic light and no Waffle House.  Well, it was not.  We started by going the wrong way.  Then we programmed the address in the GPS and it took us to roads that did not exist.  We stopped at a gas station to ask for directions (believe it or not, it was my idea…I know I broke a man rule).  The gas station dude did not know where it was and it wasn’t in the phone book.  Somehow we finally found it around 1:45.  We unloaded the car and got to our rooms.  At this point I am starving.  pb & j and Clif Bars only hold you over for so long.  So myself, Jennifer, Toby and Reuben decide to go grab a bite to eat.  Again, this should be an easy task, wrong.  We passed a BK a couple miles up the road and headed to it.  We were all excited when the sign said drive thru open 24 hours.  Pulled up to the speaker and she said pull to the window.  We did and she said her computer was down and she could not take or order.  I asked if the grill worked she said yes so I asked her to take our order down by hand, cook our food, add up the bill with her fingers and toes and key it in later.  She said she could right it down but it would take a long time because she would have to walk back to the kitchen (all 12′) and tell the chef the order.  We argued for a while and I left BK empty handed.  At this point Grumpy Ron was coming out.  We found a 24 hr Walmart and I sucked it up and went in there to try and find food.  We found cold sandwiches but they did not look too good.  We found out there was an IHOP about 10 miles south so we hopped back in the van and continued our quest.  We found the IHOP and our spirits were lifted.  I thought IHOPS were open 24 hrs a day.  Wrong again.  Wendy’s, closed 1AM, McDonalds, closed.  Grumpy Ron is out in full force.  By this time it is 3am and still no food.  We find another BK and it is open, yea.  Order my food and scarf it down in a hurry.  Grumpy Ron is starting to retreat and we make the journey back to the hotel.  Rene is still awake and believe it or not there is wireless internet in our hotel in Nowhere, LA and she had the blog up.  We sat up a read  the blogs from the other teams and all the well wishes sent by everyone.  After all the reading Grumpy Ron is totally gone.  It is now 4am and I am ready for some sleep.

It is amazing how much your prayers and well wished lift my spirits.  Please keep them coming.  I know we all love to read them.  Our team has the hard shift today.  12 midnight to 6am that should bring us close to Austin.  Everyone on the entire P3C3 team has been great especially the support team.  They are always willing to do whatever we ask them and get us where we need to go safely and I cannot express how much I appreciate that.  This has been an awesome journey from the day we decided to put this together up to this point and I know this weekned is going to be incredible.  For all the folks we are riding in memory of, we miss you.  For the ones we are riding in honor of, keep up the fight.  We are going to win this battle.

Until next time…

Yes, we were late again to transistion – but who needs six hours anyway?  I pulled the whole team the whole way – go me, go me……..  (OK Dana is typing this and made it up)

Got going somewhere in LA, and kept going somewhere else in LA.  No cell reception, no stores, no gas stations, could have used a mountain bike rather than a road bike – but hey who’s complaining?  Not us, we had a great day.

Kristen had her regular breakfast – ate all the way to transition in the car.  Passed our first armadillo – cute as could be, even when he was dead   Met Pumpkin before we left – (see team 1’s blog), got interviewed by the newspaper in Bogalusa, when asked how he knew we were coming, he said “it’s a small town, not much going on”  LOL

We rode really hard b/c King Arthur made us.  He wanted to average 25,…..we should have let him

Lots of logging in LA, some not as successful as others.  How do you get a huge overturned logging truck (full) out of a ditch anyway???

BTW, here’s a joke…..How many P3 cyclists can you get in a stollen Walmart shopping cart?  We got 3, but John was in it so make that 4 b/c he counts as 2…… Thanks Rick for being our cart theif – it really helped pass the time while we were waiting for Waldo – helped with the luggage too.

Why do we write our blogs from end to start?  Must be lack of brain cells?  So here we are, after midnight at the Sheridan in downtown Baton Rouge and instead of sleeping, we are reading everyone’s blogs…only after a great dinner of Pizza and beer at Schlitz and Giggles – silly name, great pizza!

How do you spend $140 on Pizza – I guess there was some beer in there…..don’t worry, we’ll be at transition on time, we know what you were thinking – c ya tomorrow

I’m sure there will be more to come. Thanks Jonathan!

A few corrections, on my last blog I used the term MS, it stands for Mississippi. I hope it did not get miscommunicated, if so I am sorry. Also, I must say once again, that the support teams have been fantastic. This is definitely a team effort and the riders have a hard job but the support people have an even tougher job. I am not sure I could go on the bus for a 24 hour shift or longer as in the case of Arthur who seems attached to the bench seats in the back.

I keep seeing a few of the magnets on the back of our team van. There are several but one in particular seems to keep me motivated. It is for a 1.5 year old child dealing with cancer. I also see a few magnets for Susan. These are easy reasons to support the cause. I watch Susan live with it daily, so I keep the mindset that there will be a cure for cancer.

Keep the emails coming and for tonight, booyahh.

Livestrong!

We started a bit slow. The gals from team 5 looked beat. They rode awesome! That midnight to 6 drag is rough and they have some tales to tell. The only hard part for me was that they (and all others back to team 2) told me that the roads were nice and flat. After our first 6 hour run (mid to 6 on Monday AM) we were looking for some flat land because we needed it. So, we go about 10 miles that are nice and flat and then the rollers began. They were not bad but just enough to start the pain cycle in the legs at every hilltop. The rest of day stayed this way so we did what team #1 does, we hit it hard and furious. Our average while riding was about 21 miles per hour. We jammed through several sections at 24+ mile an hour speeds and even had the line running at 28+ several times. I don’t ride this hard during race season (maybe this will be my lesson about getting in shape!). It was a fantastic effort on the part of the team. Everyone made their pull and the momentum just kept on rolling. It was Booyahh!

Booyahh! I began this chant after the guys would make a strong pull. It came to mind when Matt was mimicking Bobby Bouchet from the Waterboy! Booyahh just came to mind. Now, a few little mindless thoughts from Joey. Today, the 3 theme kept coming at me. We had some technical issues this morning with the radios so I put on a radio and now we have the ability to talk to the bus. THis is good and bad becuase everytime I asked for mileage to the next turn I got the response of 3 miles. Yeah, i know it should have lost it’s humor but we all still laugh about. There are 3 guys on our team with specialized bikes. We have crossed into 3 states (GA, AL and LA, possibly MS but I was too sleepy to remember this morning).

Strange sightings today. Of course roadkill, we actually were looking for specific things we have not seen yet, not much luck (no armadillos yet) and not teradactyls but we did see a sasquatch sign as we rode throught the sasquatch national forest. I saw a roadsign that said “slow” 20mph” then looked down and realized we were rolling at 28 mph. It was cool! There was a wheelchair sign on a road, and when I looked up there was a guy in the middle of the road doing doughnuts in his electric wheelchair. It was kind of odd, he gave us a big MS hello and we just rolled on by. The roads varied from great to bairly tarmac. My rear wheel broke near the end of the day after one of these roads, I think the hub blew a bearing because it was making a nasty sound. Stll rolled but nasty noises!

We ended in Bogalusa LA> The people were incredibly friendly. A local came up to talk with us and then called the newspaper. I got interviewed and more people kept coming by to see what these weirdo bikers were doing. Her name was Pumpkin. She introduced herself to Rob and he replied ” I’m patch” so I am going to start calling him patch. She did not get the humor but she was incredibly nice and friendly. we met a lady named Deloris Hopkins at the pizza hut. She told us about the town history (lots of cancer due to chemical plants) and was incredibly nice. This was a great town with great people.

I must give a loud booyah to Keith, Arthur, Thomas and John. They were the support today. They are great, and still have a lot of humor even with little sleep! The support van was also there at the end of the day. Rene totally took care of my aches and pains, Matt also as he hogged the table saying he is injured! In fact, she took care of the whole crew. It was fantastic and her helpers are also great. Janet Rigdon helped on my legs which are feeling the pain of a few days of riding. 

Jonathon moment of the day: Rob asked the waitress if they were going to put cheese pizza on the buffet, Jonathon says ” If you want cheese pizza, take the pepperoni off” It was a Jonathan moment, hilarious as usual. We have a great group of guys, a lot of cut-ups and a lot of fun. By the way, jonathan just posted a video of the ride today on youtube. I am probably making faces at the camera as that is what I have made a habit of doing the past few days.

Long post, long day, great effort, lots of positive energy, lots of leg pain, but once again a great day!

Livestron! Booyahh!

Team 4 is making their way to the next transition point.  We think it will be near Morganza, LA.  We are on I-10 now, Big Joe is driving. 

Last night’s trip from Pensacola to Mobile was a good one.  Thanks to my well developed navigation skills (thanks daddy); I found a route that would take us directly to Mobile.  If we pulled this off, it would make up the mileage that has lost along the way here and there and put the trip back on track.  We took Highway 98 from Pensacola all the way to Mobile.  The van (me and Arthur the mechanic who I kidnapped from the bus) led the way.  Keith and Michael were on the bus and we stayed in constant contact using two way radios.  I led the team for safety reasons.  It was dark.  The roads were pretty good for cycling, most of the way was I nice shoulder.  The team was working well together and Joe commented several times on the great rhythm the team had.  The team logged 92 miles overall.  Team 4 had made up the mileage and made the targeted transition point.

The transition point in Mobile was to be at the Union Mission Church over “the bridge”.  Now, coming into Mobile, there are a lot of bridges.  So as we closed in, we had traveled over at least two bridges and I was concerned that maybe there was confusion about “the Bridge”.  I was in contact with Team 5, and confirmed that the landmark was “the bridge”.  It was dark, and as I mentioned, there were a lot of bridges.  So we kept on course following the GPS device.  It just didn’t look right, there were industrial plants, a two lane road and it looked like we were headed to no mans land.  Where was this bridge?  I left the team as they kept pedaling with the bus following.  I drove ahead and finally! I see this “bridge” that was to be the landmark.  And indeed it was a bridge.  There it was; a suspension bridge, appearing to be a very small version of the Cooper River Bridge in Charleston.  Now I got it!!  The meaning of the word “bridge” was clear now.  I radioed back to the bus that we were on track and as soon as we crossed over the bridge, we were at our transition point.  I told Michael to warn the team that this would be a nice little climb for them.  Not exactly what you want at the end of a 90 mile trip, but they were “on” and I knew they had it in them. 

The transition was successful and only 15 minutes behind schedule.  Team 5 was ready to go and you could tell that they had mentally prepared for the night shift ahead.  They were upbeat, full of energy and more than excited to start their 12 AM to 6 AM shift.  We cheered them on as the left the parking lot.  It was inspiring to see the 4 women on team 5 head out into the night, fearless and determined. 

Team 4 had reservations in Fairhope, which we had passed 20 miles back.  Kevin, bless his heart, decided that it would be really cool if we stayed at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope, AL.  Based on the location of team 3 earlier in the day, we did believe that Fairhope would be the transition point.  So earlier that day, Kevin called ahead and talked to the general manager, explained our cause and needs, and acquired 3 rooms at a rate of $99.00 each.  I have to admit, last night, Motel 6 would have suited me just fine (and probably the others as well).  As we drove for what seemed like forever back to the hotel, I was convinced that making these reservations was a bad idea.  But in the end, it was a nice stay and I was able to take a run along side the bay before we departed.  Chasse was happy to take advantage of the Spa amenities at the Grand Hotel.  Ask any member on team 4 about Chasse’s massage.  I think that the team is talking to her now. J

It is 6 p.m. and we’ve made contact with the bus to determine their location so we can plan our 12 a.m. transition.  The van ride has been quiet, I think we are tired.  I’m going to get the team motivated and mentally prepared for the 12 am shift.

I’ll try to make more updates.  I’ve found that the 24 hour off periods don’t give you as much time as you think!  I’ve learned a lot about each of the team members, their stories and their reasons for being here.  I will write about that soon.

I do want to say, this is quite the adventure.  It is fun, challenging and rewarding. It is not your typical vacation, but I am glad I am here.

We are …. LIVING STRONG

Lisa

As we got into the countryside we decided to perfect our drafting skills, with Kerrie “Powerhouse” Sijon leading the way. The girl has legs of steel! And to think she used to be resistant to the idea of having someone three inches off her wheel. Way to go Kerrie! We used our new cold-weather shoe covers and hardly felt the cold (yeah, sure). In between potty breaks (behind the trailer, in the bushes, behind a tree, but NEVER in a bathroom) we admired the shooting stars and beautiful moon.

A special highlight was crossing into Mississippi at 3:20 in the morning. Never thought we’d ever do that! We all jumped off our bikes for a quick picture at the “Welcome to Mississippi” sign and then proceeded on the route.

As we came into Mississippi, things started to go sour. Even with Tom ringing his cowbell for us like a farmer calling his heifers (we all decided that we needed some more cowbell!), we began to get tired of rolling hills, major fog, bumpy roads, darkness, and cold.

About 4:30 am the first issue occurred: Susannah bonked and had to get on the bus, medic’s orders. Crystal, Kerrie, and Laurens pedalled on, but soon hit a surprise: a impassable gravel road. On the bus they went for about a quarter of a mile until the road became ridable again. Soon after that, Crystal’s frustration reached a new high as she lost concentration and fell off her bike — bruised palm, bruised hip, bruised ego. Soon after THAT, Kerrie followed suit (she really just wanted Crystal to not feel left out, and became the only blood injury of the day).

You would think that once we reached the suggested transition area, even if it was 15 minutes early, we would want to quit. But no. The Fab Three (at that point) wanted to go on to get in all six of their allotted hours, cold, darkness, and injuries be damned. We ended up making great time and finishing ahead of the game, further up the road than what had been planned.

After yet another Waffle House visit, Rene Killian-Zieger gave us GREAT massages (in the parking lot, no less) to flush out the lactic acid and get us going again. We stopped one more time at McDonald’s for FREE iced coffees (thanks to Joe’s connections) and beer-for-lunch at a Chili’s, where we used the last of Anna from Atlanta’s gift certificates and once again had great service.

We are looking forward to our first DAYLIGHT ride and touring Louisiana and Texas by bike.

Pedal on!

Susannah, Crystal, Kerrie, and Laurens

Will (my husband of 17 months) and I went to France in July to watch the Tour de France. It was Lance’s seventh tour and it was amazing to have the opportunity to cycle in a place such as France. On July 16th, we rode Le Tourmalet before the pros arrived . It was my favorite bicycle ride ever. I don’t remember how many miles but I remember how steep it was. Fans cheered for me and asked me if I wanted a push. Supposedly, they aren’t used to seeing women cycle, so I guess I was a strange sight. I met a Frenchman who spoke a little English and with my very limited French we conversed. We met 3 miles from the town of La Mongie which was the finish line for that particular stage. I have to admit, I really struggled those last few miles. The Frenchman, whose name I do not remember only that he rode an older Eddie Merckx bicycle, encouraged me by saying “courage” and “allez”. I will never forget that day and the encouragement that got me to the top of that huge mountain.

Shortly after we returned from France, I found a lump in my left breast. Initially I really didn’t think much of it, but thankfully I had it checked out and was scheduled for a biopsy within two weeks. I remember September 2nd, 2004 like it was yesterday. I was recovering from the biopsy at my boyfriend’s house (Will and I were still dating at the time) and Dr. Rippon called to tell me that my biopsy was positive for cancer. She also told me that I didn’t have clear margins. She went on to tell me that Will would be by to pick me up and bring me to her office. I remember asking Will how many times he had told someone they had cancer. He was quiet for a minute but said lots of time, but this is different.

I decided to have surgery and chemotherapy. It wasn’t easy taking chemo. Being 29 years old and having breast cancer is quite a shock to most people. Jo, Dr. Rippon’s nurse, told me that cancer was like a “big bump in the road” and that I would get over the “bump”. I often thought of my ride up the Tourmalet and the man I met. It kept me going during the low times. Will was great during the entire process. I’m sure some parts were pretty scary for him, but he never let me know. My mama and daddy were very supportive also. Mama came to Greenville for every one of my treatments. Will and my mama became very good friends during the process. I often joke about Dr. Rippon and Dr. Gococo making me well and Dr. Lovett putting me back together. I will forever be grateful for the care I received. I hope I make them proud.

So four years later I am riding to Austin with my teammates Kerrie, Crystal and Susannah and my support guys Tom and Joe because I CAN.

Not having days as days and nights as nights really plays tricks with your body. Breakfast is supper and supper is breakfast. After being awake for over 24 hours, I realized that my little sister, Jeanie, does this every other day. She is a surgical resident at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is a great resident and will be a great surgeon. I am very proud of her.

It is now 9:34 EST and we are headed for Lake Charles. My team wants beer for lunch…

Laurens

So far, coordinating the logistics of transition points seem to be the most stressful and challenging part of the trip (for the support team). 

WIll write more soon!

Love to all

Lisa

One interesting thing to me is that we have had a (nice!) lack of dogs chasing us… but of course I guess dogs sleep at night!  LOL !  BUT, while rolling throught a small town approaching Daphne, Alabama, a dog suddenly awoke, saw us and began a sudden, viscious barking and growling.  The owner must have been sleeping, too, because he suddenly screamed: ” Sh__! G___mn! What’s going on!? Who is out there?!!”  We all began to laugh hysterically… knowing that one man’s dog may be TOO GOOD of a watch dog..  LOL.. still makes me laugh to hear the guy cuss and scream out all in one sudden breath…

We had ANOTHER ‘unofficial’ police escort last night.  Do we look like we need police???  But we like it!  While pedalling through Daphne, Alabama… there were a series of stop lights about half mile apart.  We noticed a sheriff sitting at a left turn lane at a stop light.  I figured he was watching for speeders.  But he suddenly sped up, and raced ahead of us to the next light where he did the same thing.  We realized that he was watching the intersections for us, and actually blocked one intersection for us as we rolled through.  Mike thought that he may have had a crush on Lisa !!! Cause he kept near her van, which was leading us!!!!  LOL…  Anyway, he eventually turned around, and sped of with blue lights blazing to confront some law-breaking citizen.

We then rolled on into Fairhope, Alabama, and realized we were passing our hotel!  We caught up the 30 miles we were behind when we started!  So we rolled on, and about an hour later, rolled through the industrial port area of Mobile, Alabama.  A last climb over a BIG suspension bridge (GO, CHASSE !!!) brought us in to the Transition area, where Team 5 was ready and roaring to go.  We drove BACK 20 miles to our hotel, and fell into bed, tired, happy, and awaiting the dreaded midnight to 6 am shif tomorrow.

LIVESTRONG  !!!

John

Livestrong!

I’m looking forward to our first night ride 6-12am. I hope my knee will stop hurting. It seems to only hurt on the bike. But I’m thinking positively-I’m going to be healed. (cause we’ve had allot of JC along the way) Seriously though- we have all been really blessed. Thanks Again, for all the support and prayers.

LIVESTRONG!

PS:  Laurens.. we did NOT get lost… we simply wanted to tour Barnesville, Georgia thoroughly!!!  We got a might, ummm, confused for a half hour, but simply found our way back to our proper course !!!!!!!!

GO Team 5   make us proud.

Good night…  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz

John

I was aked a couple of weeks before departure, could I drive the bus? Sure, I can drive a bus. It’s not TOO much bigger than my suburban….WRONG, not to mention it’s pulling our snazzy new trailer. Needless to say, I’ve been losing a little sleep over having to drive that monstrosity. Back to our departure. All bus drivers for the teams were asked to ride the first leg on the bus to get some ON THE JOB TRAINING. I ended up staying on for the first 3 legs so I got to see the first 3 teams do their three hours on the road. Team 1 started us off strong, even left the parking lot without the bus (their van was with them). Learned to swing wide, try not to bottom out and scratch the new trailer (well John took care of that one early coming out of BILO). We’re on the road and catch up with the riders. Things went great and we made it to the first transition. We all took a pit stop at the INGLES, and the bus got refueled and thank goodness it wasn’t me driving. Team 2 set out, again without the bus (they had their van). We got up to almost 60mph trying to catch up. We thought we were already lost. We pulled over at a church and asked what road we were on and they told us, “Oh, we saw some riders go through here a little bit ago” Back on the bus and away we went. Team 2 was riding fast. Alot of this stretch was 2 lane and the traffic behind the bus was backing up. We ended up having to pull over 3 or 4 times to let them pass, some with happy beeps, some with not so happy beeps (and some interesting hand motions). Our nice little 2 lane road then turned into interstate with traffic coming in from the left AND right. I’ve never experienced that kind of stress in my life and remember, I was on the bus. These riders took it all in stride and we finally saw exit 4A (couldn’t have be 4B that was 1/2 mile earlier). We safely met my team (3) in the parking lot of a lovely church. I jumped out of the bus, tripping all over myself to hug these brave riders. Their simple comment, “that was fun. Thanks for being behind us”. Amazing. This group of cyclists are just amazing. OK, it’s go time for my team! Again, THEY leave without the bus. Can you tell everyone was excited? Now I’ve already been on the bus for 6 hours with no lunch….who could eat with all of this stress? (I did have some cookies and a muffin, thanks Julie S!) The ride was great, good terrain, nice roads. Still lots of traffic. Lots of beeping (of both kinds again) and lots of passing. But the bus is keeping em safe. We were in constant contact with team 4 who was anxious to get on the road. Kevin kept calling me and asking “where are you? Plug this address into your GPS and it will tell you what time you will get here.” Lesson learned most GPS systems aren’t accurate on back roads. ANYWAY, we finally hook up with them at a church. When we got there, I thought they were holding a service for us. Everyone was outside waiting for us to get there…kind of cool. Renee (our AWESOME massage therapist) also met us at the church to give the team their much needed rub down. Toby cracked us all up by holding his chap stick tightly in his hands like a security blanket as he got his massage. I will try and upload the photo soon. He did it again today (day 2). He is very attached to his chap stick. He even offers it to us when he thinks we’re feeling down. I digress. Back to Sunday night. We leave the church and finally find a dinner spot around 9pm. It’s a Chili’s. We try and work our fundraising magic and the manager responds by gladly giving us the “Senior Citizen” discount of 10%. We smiled and thanked him and I quickly asked for a kids menu. I needed Reed or Ridge there to open it, because I had a hard time figuring it out. (It did have 2 crayons folded into a fancy shape) We then traveled to Rene’s cousin’s house arriving at 12:30am. We visited and tried to go to bed around 1:30. We woke up this morning and she had cooked up quite a spread. It was great. We didn’t have to drive too far this morning to pick up Team 2. We found them and cheered them on. They also rode into Florida with us. It was a beautiful and rare site to see 2 of our wonderful teams sharing the road. Our team was ready for their first 6hr leg. It was a gorgeous day. We couldn’t have ordered a better one. Again, roads were good. YEAH a little less traffic today. Not nearly as stressful as day 1. And I’m not driving the bus. One of our medics, moderately sized Dave, (I had referred to him as Big Dave cause he’s tall like Ron, but he didn’t like that name) is driving for me. He’s my new best friend. We chat on the bus and figure out that he will be coming off the road with us and wants to come to Pensacola with us. Our van does have an extra seat so we got us a new teammate for the day and night. After much confusion with 6 different people giving different details to one another, we find team 4 for the transition. DARN, we were 3 miles short of 100! Beth and Ron were so mad at me. Toby was glad we were in. His shoulder was giving him trouble. Our medic, David Porter (that’s his real name) fixed him up with an ice pack and bandage. Stacy and I were in charge of getting chocolate milk for the team as they got their SECOND massage in 2 days. We do understand that this hasn’t been the case for everyone, and we think that ours are over. They were cetainly good while they lasted! We had already figured out that we were taking over team 4’s rooms in Pensacola. Chasse told Ron “Don’t worry, they changed all the sheets…except one and we’re not telling ya which one”. We headed toward the hotel and decided we wanted dinner before 9pm tonight, so we stopped at OUTBACK. We checked in with the hostess and she actually asked, “do you need any kids menus?” Everyone looked at me for my response. “No, I’m gonna eat good tonight”. We sat down thinking it was 7:45 and Happy Hour was over (7pm) But…bonus…it was only 6:45 and 3 of us ordered 2 margaritas a piece before it was over. We all ordered lots of yummy food. I did get the 6oz special and my new best friend (moderately sized Dave) said “I didn’t think you were getting a kids meal”. We get to the hotel and had to do our own laundry and it cost us 4 quarters and it’s hanging all over the place. I came back up from the laundry room and 3 of our teammates were missing. I had a nighttime reading of our wonderful blog to the remaining teammates. Then the other 3 came in and told us that the ocean felt great! Can you believe it? That was after they sat in the hot tub.  Note to self: pack suit in 2009. We are having a great time. P3C3 team: thanks for doing what you are doing. I miss seeing the folks from team 1 and 5. Susannah, it was so great talking to you today. You guys are on the road now…it’s 1:29 SC time…I need to go to sleep. The rest of my team already has. I’m sure they are dreaming of our first ride in the dark tomorrow. I think we are slated to be in Louisianna.

Thanks for all of the mail on the blog. It has given us such motivation, inspiration and joy. Thanks for taking the time to read my long entry!

Goodnight,

Jennifer

And is team 3 short a rider, because they can’t find Dennis.

We finally made it to a hotel where we will be staying longer than 5 hours, more expensive because we are paying for the whole night rather than the hourly rate – 4 1/2 hours last night didn’t quite cut it.  Just a long nap in our books.

So backtracking, yesterdays ride started in Hartwell and we rode south to Athens.  Along the way we passed some interesting sites, among the most memorable was the rode kill.  first was the bloated cow carcass, a lovely specimen, but needed some help from Renee to loosen up….

Next was the headless dear, luckily on the opposite side of the road, and lastly the unlucky and obviously slow, red fox – poor guy…..

We’d like to thank Ronnie J for routing us on the Athens by-pass, who knew the indy 500 was in Ga???

Got to Dothan Ga (aka Duluth Mn) at 11 pm and asked for a 4:30am wake up call, why was the manager giggling when he called to wake us?  Thanks to our hotel manager (Quality Inn) who gave us a great rate, woke us up on time, had our breakfast ready to go, and was just very helpful.

By 5am, we tried to go to the waffle house – who knew they ever cleaned their grills – at 5 they were about to re-season them!!  So Micky D’s had to suffice, even though it was against Rick’s code of ethics.  By the time we made it to transition almost an hour late (after backtracking 50 miles) Kristen had already consumed over 1000 cal’s – which is why she pulled for 4 hours straight – you go girl!

A beatiful ride was had by all, great weather, roads and team mates,

A few special notes:  The staff at Chili’s in Conyers Ga, was so supportive and bought many magnets and came out to the parking lot to pose for a picture with the van.

The two ladies who passed the convoy today cheering for us even though we delayed them consideraby.

The final leg of todays ride across the florida border was ridden together with team 3 – we made a powerful statement with our sea of P3C3 jerseys!

Finally, because we are Renee’s favorite team (really, have you not seen her van?) we would like to give a special thanks to her and her crew – their talents and commitment are much appreciated (we appreciate those daily massages)

Also thanks to Renee, our van was filled with the lovely wafting aroma of biofreeze – great for clearing the sinuses…..

More to come, if we ever get to stop again…… and pictures too, if we ever get enough energy to walk the three flights of stairs down to the van for the camera….

We stayed the night at the Fairfield Inn and Suites.  They allowed us an early check-in and gave us the warmest welcome.  We know that cancer affects many people, and we were reminded of this fact again this morning. Two of the ladies who greeted us have mothers who are either battling cancer or have recently passed away.  We gave them all LIVESTRONG bracelets and added their mother’s names to the outside of our van.  We will post a picture of our van later. 

In about an hour, we will reload our bikes, bags and selves in the van and head to the transition point for tonight’s ride.  We are riding from midnight to 6am. Tom says we are “working the late shift”.  Riding at night is a new experience.  The bus is always behind us and we each have lights on our bikes.  We are ready for the cold- we shopped at Revolution 120 today.  Kerrie, Crystal and Susannah all purchased toe covers.  Our plan is to drive to Lake Charles after we finish in the morning.  We will update you on our progress.  Thanks for following us.  Laurens

Rob called his firend Mark Harris who is a contemporary recording artist and he took us to a late lunch. It was at this restaurant called Wintzell’s. It is a local seafood franchise that is fantastic. Mark introduced us to the owner who was great to talk with about our cause, and he is a big supporter of St Judes children’s hospital. He even gave us all T-shirts for visiting his restaurant. It was awesome! Mark Harris just performed at Fall for greenville just over a week ago.  It has been really cool to meet these people that support our ride.  I have been amazed by the hospitality that people have shown us on this trip.  

Tommorow morning we will be rolling out of the hotel at 4:30 to catch team 5. They reminded us today that it is mullet Monday!

It sounds like we are progressing fairly close to schedule. If it is off then only by a few miles and most likely is related to traffic down here on the coast. The teams should be out of Mobile AL tommorow and into Mississippi.

Livestrong! 

The air was so quiet and still, and we had no wind at all. We did encounter one item of road kill which was a large snake. We talked about it for a good 20 minutes before moving on to the next topic.

At one point, Kerrie decided to update everyone on her riding situation: her helmet was too tight, it was hard to chew gum with her helmet too tight, she needed to tuck in her shirt, her feet were cold, her legs were cold, her hands were cold, she needed more layers, she couldnt feel her feet, etc, etc, etc. This prompted her to immediately remedy all of these situations by suggesting a shopping trip for today.

After scoping out a Panera, Target, Bike Shop, and Chili’s in Mobile, AL, we have a shopping “necessity” list which we will take care of today! On our list we have included shoe booties, head covering, gloves, tights, wool socks, blankets, etc. We are definitely having some fun!

We are really meeting some awesome people along the way. Our waitress at Waffle House was named Pam, and she was a hoot! She told us that when she goes by “Pam” she is in a good mood, and when she goes by “Pamela”, she is NOT in a good mood. She was a “Pam” last night, so we were all happy! (It was 1 AM at this point.) We played some music on the juke box at the Waffle House, and handed out bracelets. Pam was a cancer survivor and was touched by what we were doing. It was really neat to see the waitresses putting on their yellow bracelets while we were leaving…they waved at us through the window and we could see them on their wrists.

Tom, our trustworthy, dependable, reliable, and safe driver, was relieved of his driving responsibilities after we saw that he needed a break. Our volunteer driver slept for the next 5 hours, while Kerrie and I (we did just get done RIDING for over 2 hours) stayed awake and drove 4 hours to Mobile. We sang loudly and decided that sometimes the women have to take charge! We made it safely and Laurens and Susannah took over laundry duty while Kerrie and I went straight to bed. We are recovering today and will post another blog after our ride tonight. We will ride from midnight to 6:00 AM (Eastern Standard Time…we did get confused when we crossed into the central time zone!) We love you all!

Crystal

Susannah

Let me start from the sendoff @ GHS Sunday morning. It was so wonderful to see so many friends and family members to see us off on our journey! We left @ 9am on our bikes, rode about 3 miles, then got into our sag vans. First stop, Panera Bread on Augusta Rd for coffee and bagel. I’ve come to the conclusion that this trip will make me very hungry!!! My teammates have renamed me Kerrie “I’m so hungry” Sijon!

Then on to Atlanta for lunch @ On the Border (one of my favorite restarants) besides Panera! Our plan was to get to our bike transition area (somewhere around Columbus, Ga), get a hotal room, and rest before our 9pm to midnight ride. Those plans fell through (we are learning to adjust to plans as we go) . We decided to hang out at the Ga. welcome ctr and chill in the van before heading to transition area. Crystal, our IT professional, was able to access the internet in the parking lot so I wrote my first blog there. She was patient with me, insisting on typing my part for me! If any of you know me, you know I can’t type. I refused to let her do my work for me. I know my children would be so proud of me if they could see me doing it all by myself.

We decided not to eat a meal before the ride so we snacked. Thank you, Julie Spitzer for all the homemade goodies! They are yummy!

Now, on to The Rock, GA for the transition spot. We started at the local post office parking lot. The weather was quite chilly, low 50’s to start. I really thought I was prepared for the cold. I was mistaken. My hands and feet were frostbitten by the time we were finished at midnight. Today, I am heading to the local bikeshop to buy toe warmers. fleece gloves and wool socks. We have the midnight to 6am ride tonight. I will be properly layered. The ride itself was beautiful and quiet. The road was smooth, a bit hilly, but not too bad. The stars and moon were bright and the air still. Our team did awesome staying together. We talked the entire time like we were sitting around the kitchen table. Laurens, our seasoned team member, took control of the team and was so awesome. She’s the best. I have learned so much from her and she is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. God put her on our team for a reason. A cancer survivor herself, she displays true grit and tenacity. Our leader, without a doubt. Before we realized it, midnight had struck and we were finished. Our spot was another local post office, this time in Woodland, Ga. I was so glad to get into that warm van. Temp. at the finish–44. COLD!!!!!

After riding we decided to head straight to Mobile, AL. Waffle House, then Alabama. First things first! Crystal took the wheel @ 145 am for the 4 hr leg to Mobile. I was the navigator/singing partner since all the rest of the team was sound asleep. We had great CDs. Christi Craft, it reminded me of spinning class! It was long and hard but Crystal did great and got us safely to Mobile by 6am. Our hotel room was not ready yet so we hung out at Denny’s and ate yummy food again. Then, finally to bed for the first time since leaving Greenville. We plan to relax, shop, maybe see the ocean while we’re here before the midnight shift.

We have laughed so much much on this trip, like we’re little children. But we never stop talking about why we are doing this. It’s not about the bike. It’s the message we are trying to spread, one person at a time, one Waffle House at a time. We are handing Livestrong bracelets and car magnets to all those who will listen. People have been so kind to us. We are lucky to see such human kindness. Please continue to pray for us. We can definitely feel the love.

We love reading your blogs too. Keep up the good work!

Until the next entry,

Kerrie

The details: The midnight shift started a little frantic, we were able to get out on a fairly timely manner and it was cold. It was about 45 degrees and a little cross wind heading out of Woodland GA. We rode down highway 41 for a lot of miles (about 45 or so) and then tuned down a side road to cut over to highway 27. This was the roughest road of the whole trip for us so far. The other roads have been fantastic up until this point. The thing we noticed was the hills started to get longer and steeper. On 27 the hills got steeper and longer and we ran through a series of about 20-25 of these hills, you go up (out of the saddle) and then go down (seems like 1/2 mile to a mile from peak to peak with them getting longer as we started up 27). I asked the driver John how far to the next turn and his reply was about 3 miles. I must have misunderstood him because it was close to 30 mile before this road ended. We pulled into a gas station and found out our transition was about 3 miles away. Yeah right, about 6 miles later we finally found them, we transitioned at about 6:35 this morning. 92 miles later!

A few tidbits, our climbing in the last hour was 4900 ft, we never thought we would have this much climbing while heading through lower GA getting ready to cross into AL and then FL. We averaged close to 18 mph for the whole ride (6.5 hours). This part of GA was cold this night, about 45 degrees at the start and it dipped to mid 30’s for most of the night. The night was clear and awesome, stars were out and the moon was bright at the start. Waffle house seems to be the restarant of choice the past 2 days, I love my scattered smothered covered and chunked!

On the lighter side, I have noticed that some of my teammates are quite interesting. Jonathan seems to have a fascination with road kill (as does Matt) and he seems to be keeping a count and list of all he sees on the road. He also has put out some one liners that are hilarious, my favorite so far is ” wow, that Hotel has a drive through window, that’s neat” and my second favorite was while riding at 4 am we passed a house and the front window was open, he said “man that guy really needs to shut his curtains when he gets dressed”. Apparently there was a guy standing in front of the window in his skivies trying to get dressed. okay, i guess you had to be there, it was funny! 

This group has been a lot of fun. We are all tired and only 1 day in, our systems are still trying to acclimate to 30+ hours of no sleep but we have done well and still seem to be on track. This is a great bunch of guys to be riding with at 3 in the morning!

We get back to sunlight hours over the next 2 days, I am looking forward to it. I will post team 1 photos as soon as I can get them downloaded. 

LIvestrong

Mike the webdude here: We’re supposed to be able to see where the guys are in real-time (at least every 10 minutes anyway) but we have to reset the tracking device successfully every 24 hours and we’re still figuring that part out. The last point tracked was from 7:30ish this morning, now they are surely in Florida heading towards Pensacola. They’ll be trying to reset the tracker on their next break (Toby knows how to do it, he’s in the saddle right now!) Sorry Everyone!

They were in Geneva AL not far from crossing into Florida as of 12:20 PM Monday. Team 3 is in the saddle.

Once we get the GPS device reset I’ll let you know – then you can click here to see where they are.

Thanks Yak!!

We will be leaving in another 1.5 hours to catch the bus and sattle up for the next leg, i am dreading riding from 12 am to 6 am but it will be a true adventure and challenge. I am already preparing to tell the team that we will have a WH policy ofmaking a stop for coffee anytime we pass one (WH= Waffle House if you didn’t understand).  Weather tonight is to be in the high 30’s so we will be bundling up and trying to stay warm.

Right now the Red Sox are playing. Go BOSOX! Matt is excited as they have started well but are now in the 3rd inning.

I will quit rambling but taking off from the Hospital this morning was awesome. Lots of excited people and lots of positive energy. We need all we can get. Still a long way to go but the adventure has started and everything is going well.

Livestrong

Susan, sleep well tonight and give Trey a big hug for me in the morning!

Let’s start from the beginning. After riding three exhausting miles out of town, we were so famished and needed to refuel at Panera. (We backtracked about 5 miles into Greenville to find the Panera) While we were there, we saw some of our supporters and told them that we had such a good adventure and decided that it was already time to refuel. Lauren’s husband Will dominated the conversation. After changing clothes, we decided that it was time to hit the road….

Our next stop was Atlanta, and we found an On The Border to stop at for lunch. After badgering the waitstaff for free stuff, we had an awesome meal thanks to Anna from Atlanta donating us coupons. Our driver Tom Cross is from Atlanta, and is an awesome volunteer for our wild group. We then stopped at Tom’s house and met his family and children. We took pictures of the family in front of the house and ate birthday cake. In 6 hours, we have only made it to Atlanta.

We then headed down the road again and decided that we should relax and sleep at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere in Georgia. Like I said, relaxing is difficult when you are excited!

We start our first ride at 9:00 PM, and ride for 3 hours. We are then going to stay awake and drive to Mobile, Alabama. This is going to be challenging considering we will have been up for 24 hours with just a couple of short naps. We plan to power nap, alternating driving, stop at a Waffle House, sing loud to our CDs, and tell stories and gossip.

Our plans are to sleep when we get to Mobile, and we will check in with another blog on Monday afternoon.

Please keep us in your prayers. We appreciate all of the people who have posted in the “Messages to the Riders” Post. They motivate us so much, and we love all of yall.

Team 5: Crystal, Kerrie, Susannah, Laurens, Tom, and Joe

Enter Ron Jerina. A close running buddy who’s more like a brother to me. The day he came back from Austin in 2007, his mind was filled with stories of his and Jennifer’s weekend. You see, he raised so much money for P3 in September 2007 he won a trip to Austin. He said the trip was not about running a 5k or The Ride for the Roses with Lance Armstrong. It was about the people he met. The cancer survivors and those there in honor/memory of their loved ones. He was so filled with emotion. During the Austin weekend he met a group of cyclists who rode their bikes from Calgary to Austin. Ron’s dad died of bladder cancer and he wanted to do something big to honor his dad. The idea came about to take a group from Greenville and ride to Austin. That was November 2007. All our conversations took place while running early in the morning. He asked me what I thought. When he asked, without thinking, I said yes. Now, remember, I am afraid of the bike and rarely ever ride. Go to January 2008, our first official Challenge to Conquer Cancer meeting. Here we go. Start training. Go to Donaldson Center and ride laps, learn gears and spend time on the saddle. Ron puts together teams. We start meeting at Mauldin Middle School for longer rides. Don’t forget the fundraising. I am so lucky to report most of my money was raised in the first month. I am so thankful for the generosity of my friends and family.

Now, why cycling? The reason is the Challenge to Conquer Cancer. It is about the ride, technically, but not really. The bike is the instrument but the heart and soul is the reason. On our team of four women, two are cancer survivors. All of us our affected in some way by this disease. We want to spread the word.

I still love running, but I’m starting to like cycling. This journey is my way of making a difference. On to Austin, one pedal stroke at a time. Please continue to pray for a safe passage and, one day, a cure for cancer.

Kerrie

Team 1 has finished their first leg and team 2 is now on the road. Team 3 and team 4 are in route to their transition points.  Team 5 transitions with Team 4 at 9 p.m tonight near Columbus, GA.

Team 4 (my team) has already encountered many supporters.  We stopped to eat breakfast at the IHOP in Anderson.  When we explained who we were (hard to miss us)  the General Manager, a cancer survivor, gave us coupons for IHOP to use along the way.  In the parking lot at IHOP, we sold magnets to inquiring patrons.  They were so happy to be able to write a name on a magnet that we will take with us to Austin.

Today was the first time I met Chasse.  She is the only woman on our team.  She is a breast cancer survivor.  She began riding a bike in 2002 after her breast cancer treatments.  Chasse is a physician at AnMed Health. She and I are going to get along just fine.  Her spirit is unbelievable and her determination is inspiring.  She is truly a delightful woman. I can’t wait to learn more about the cyclists on our team and why they are here.

I have a reprieve from driving at the moment.  Michael Clapp, the other support driver who will be driving the bus during the team’s cycling segment is in the car with us now.  It is close quarters in the van, so Chasse and I were sent to the back since we were smaller.  There 7 adults plus 7 bags, helmets, shoes and bikes on the top of the van.  Again, I will mention that we have index card size magnets splattered all over the car with names of cancer survivors and cancer victims.  Don’t forget the logos on the van too!  We can’t be missed!

So, that is the first report from the road.  We are headed to Columbus GA where our cycling segment will begin at 9 p.m. tonight.

I must say I’m proud to be associated with this group. There is A LOT of hard work that goes into making something like this happen. Thanks to everyone on the team, especially Ron and Jennifer Jerina, Kevin and Sally Dunn, and everyone else that put in their time and efforts to make this event happen.

If anyone would like to send our riders or support crew a message, I will be posting messages on the Messages To The Team page. Email me your message and I’ll post it for them to see when they log on every day. I’m sure it’ll help lift them up on their journey.

The raffle drawing for the Lightspeed Sienna bicycle took place this morning at the Greenville Memorial Hospital minutes before the team hit the road to Austin. The lucky winner is… (drumroll)

Missy Johnson!!

Congratulations Missy and thanks for everyone’s support!

Friday, we had a great turnout for setting up the vehicles and the bus. I don’t know who all helped out as many drove to Atlanta and back to pick up vans but there was a nice size group. After the van’s were picked up, we were able to get the roof racks installed and get the decals and magnets placed on the vehicles. The bus was another story. It seems like the bus is an enternal work in progress. We now have a bench seat in place with new coverings (and good storage underneath), and now we have an area designed to hold the water jugs and the coffee pot is to be delivered soon.  The only downspot of the day was the radio died on us so we are now concerned about 1555 miles of no entertainment (unless of course you consider Matt tebetts pranks entertaining, which they definitely will be (watch out team 5!!!). 

Saturday, Big Joe and I had breakfast, Matt Tebbetts joined us at Tommy’s Ham House. Then to the shop to work on the bus and get the radio operational. I must thank Justin (sorry but I don’t know your last name) for helping us get the radio working, it was as simple as resetting the system which is now working without issues. Thankfully, the support crews will be able to rest and relax with music and possibly some good movie entertainment even though their choices will be limited to guy movies that I have packed (hopefully others will pack a movie or 2 to help).  We also got some new lights installed today (Thanks to Tommy Satterfield with that help, amongst all of the other things he has done to help out with the bus). Finally, the support gear has been fully loaded along with a few pictures that I put in to give a suttle reminder as why I am riding.

Saturday night, pack the bags, go out with my wife for dinner and spoke with my little boy who is at the beach. I will be going 12 days without seeing my little boy. Sacrifices for good causes though I think Susan needs us to terrorize her on a regular basis (it’s part of her sanity!).

Tommorow morning, bright and early, I will be at breakfast at 6:15 and ready to pack the bus at 7:30 and riding at 9pm.  I will be trying to post on a daily basis. I think I owe this to everyone who has supported this cause. I believe in it and i watch Susan live it though we all live it with her. IT’s all about attitude!

Livestrong

I bought my first road bike less than a year ago in December of 2007. I was motivated to do something different besides running marathons, and after talking to my daddy, who is an avid cyclist in Seattle, I decided that I would give it a try. Not sure if I would really get into the sport, I bought a beginner bike from The Great Escape and went out on a few rides.

One day while running with Ron Jerina on an early Saturday morning at Furman, he asked me if I would be interested in riding to Austin in October of 2008. I thought to myself that this is the craziest idea that I had heard of. But then again, I do like a challenge! Since starting my days of running marathons, I think that anything can be accomplished through hard work and dedication. Even though I was a disaster on the bike (many falls, cuts, bruises, and choice words), I was determined to join in with the group to Austin and raise money for cancer research.

At one of our many organization meetings on Friday February 29, 2008, I got an upsetting phone call from my dermatologist. He called to tell me that the most recent mole that I had taken off was diagnosed as skin cancer (melanoma). I was devastated and cried in front of everyone. At that point, I really felt like I had a purpose for this ride and that I would prove to myself that I could accomplish this goal. I feel that everything happens for a reason: I was temporarily stationed in Greenville for a job assignment, I became friends with Ron Jerina, I bought my first road bike, and I was diagnosed with cancer. All of these things made me realized that I was destined to do this ride and raise money for cancer research.

I have become an advocate for sun protection (just ask my friends how annoying I am about sunblock), but again was diagnosed with skin cancer in July of 2008. After another successful surgery and a nice scar on my neck, I am again cancer free. My battle will continue as I see a dermatologist 4 times a year now, and am constantly living in fear that any one of my moles will be malignant again. Thank you to all of my family and friends for their support.

Cancer is an ugly condition that affects even a marathon-running, tennis playing, cycling 27 year old health nut. Yes, no one is immune from it. With the money raised from this ride, I hope we all realize that we are not only helping all of our loved ones that have already endured cancer, but we are also preparing a brighter future for our own health.

Team 5: I have become very fond of my team, and have enjoyed the emotional ups and downs, our many rides together, and of course, their friendship. Good luck to everyone on the ride, and be safe on the road.

Crystal

How, one might ask, does one become a crew member on a ride such as this? For me it was a simple matter of the stars and planets falling into perfect alignment. On Labor Day weekend, I traveled to Greenville with my sons, Thomas (7) and Charlie (2) to watch the U.S. Professional Cycling Championships. On the morning of the road race, there is a ride called the Stars and Stripes Challenge, which also benefits the same two above organizations fighting cancer. We had planned to ride but my son Thomas crashed and broke his arm while riding his bike two weeks earlier. So instead of riding, the three of us volunteered to be course marshals at the only sharp left hand turn on the ride. It was a good experience and a fine introduction for my boys into the world of volunteering. Two weeks later, I received an urgent e-mail from the Palmetto Peloton Project, the sponsoring organizations for both rides, looking for a few last minute crew team volunteers. It seems that a couple of volunteers had dropped out at the last minute leaving them short-handed. I was already planning a 4 day cycling vacation that week. How hard would it be to do this instead and be gone for 8 days? My mother-in-law was coming that week for the boys’ birthdays and I wouldn’t therefore be leaving Janet home alone with the kids for 8 days. Janet said yes and the tallest hurdle was cleared. I thought about it for about 2 minutes, couldn’t find a reason why I couldn’t or shouldn’t go and called Kevin Dunn to tell him I was ready to sign up. Needless to say he seemed pleased.

So on a practical level, all the lights were green to join the challenge. On an emotional or spiritual level, it seemed as if I was being called to participate. The events in my life and those close to me provided a strong motivation to join an organized effort to conquer cancer. Let me try to explain a little further.

When I was 29 years old I lost my mother to liver cancer. I had just returned from my honeymoon with my wife Linda and we learned that my mother had to cut her trip to Maine with my father short due to intense abdominal pain. They flew back to Atlanta where she received the diagnosis of liver cancer at Piedmont Hospital. This was a woman who hardly drank, ate very healthy and started doing yoga in the 70’s. She would later travel to the Mayo Clinic for surgery that offered some hope. She never recovered from the surgery and died one month later on September 11, 1986. It was a loss that our family wasn’t prepared for and our family would never be the same without her. To this day we all miss her greatly.

Fast forward to 2008, twenty two years later. Linda and I have been divorced since 1994. We have a beautiful daughter, Mimms (20), who was named for my mother who she never met. She inherited her incredible artistic talent from her though. Mimms is a junior at UGA majoring in graphic design in the art school. The week Mimms finished her Spring semester at UGA, she found out her mother, Linda, has Stage IV breast cancer. This is hardly the news my daughter wanted halfway through college. Before her diagnosis, Linda made some major life changes to prepare for the next chapter in her life. Her children were all grown so she sold the house we lived in and Mimms was born in to move to a smaller townhouse in a co-housing community in East Lake. She quit her job and went back to school to receive training for a new career. She is one of the healthiest persons I know. She has been a long-time vegetarian, she eats mostly organic food and she tries to avoid sugar. Her beverage of choice is water or herbal tea. How or why she developed breast cancer I do not know or understand.

But she has it and she is trying her best to get healed from it. She had chemotherapy early on. In August, she had a mastectomy. After that she underwent radiation therapy and an alternative vitamin therapy. Her spirit is strong and she is fighting the disease as best she can. We all are praying and hoping that she can be healed. It is a tough battle but if anyone can win it Linda can.

So when the Palmetto Peloton Project e-mailed and asked me if I could help try to conquer cancer, I couldn’t say no. I want Linda to live longer. I want my daughter to have her mother with her as long as possible. I want to help raise money so that a cure for cancer can one day be found. I can’t think of a better reason to drive a bus 15 miles an hour for 6 hours while 4 strong beautiful women ride their bikes towards Austin. I am looking forward to an incredible week. I will try to keep you posted on the challenge.

Team 1:  Riders:  Joey Sullivan, Matt Tebbetts, Parker Carlisle, Johnathan Pait and Rob Dempsey
Drivers: John Colacioppo and Thomas Heaney

Team 2:  Riders: John Harris, Ed Hernando, Kristen Weinacker and Clifton James
Drivers: Dana Spark and Rick Shepard

Team 3:  Riders: Ron Jerina, Rene McCurdy, Beth Rusch, Toby Coker and Dennis Zeiger
Drivers: Jennifer Jerina and Stacy Coulter

Team 4:  Riders:  John Siddens, Joe Sullivan, Ray Stonitsch,  Kevin Dunn and Chasse Bailey-Dorton
Drivers:  Lisa Barwick and Michael Clapp

Team 5:  Riders:  Kerrie Sijon, Crystal Myers, Susannah Hogan and Laurens Flanagan
Drivers:  Joe Julian and Tom Cross

SAG/Support/Medical Team:  David Porter, Keith Houston, Reuben Hawks, Renee Killian-Zeiger, Donna Gregory and Arthur Reaves

Yet there are many reasons I am doing this.  My husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2007, after a thyroidectomy due to a completely inactive thyroid.  The tumor was less than a centimeter in diameter and, according to doctors, “if you’re going to have cancer, that’s the kind you want to have.”  Can you imagine, a cancer you want to have!  After just a few weeks of real doubt, we were cleared of any cancer demons and reassured that this was a fluke.

My grandmother also died of cancer (cancer of unknown primary origin) in 2000 at the age of 91.  From the day of diagnosis to the day she died was one month exactly, and it was a month from hell.  That said, being with a dying person was one of the strongest and most moving experiences of my life.  I treasure it deeply in a little safe place in my heart, and I recommend the experience highly.  But I wish it had not been cancer that had taken this remarkable woman, leaving her, in the end, with such little dignity.

My uncle died at age 60 of esophogeal cancer, and it was another useless death, filled with pointless suffering.

My father in law was treated successfully for bladder cancer in 2003 but has scars that he will carry for life.

So, I ride for my husband and his cancer-you-want-to-have.  I ride for Betty and Bob and Paul.  I ride for Susan.  I ride for Sally, and Holly, and Rhonda, and Lisa, and Linda, and the other Lisa.  I ride for Grace.  I ride for Jennifer and Stacy.  I ride for Lindsey, who does not have cancer but has a terminal cancer-like illness that is so rare the only research it gets is for cancer first, and her four year old son and her husband on his second tour of Iraq.  I ride for my mother and mother in law and brothers- and sisters-in-law and all our children, so they may never face this disease.

I ride so that next year, maybe no one will have to ride.

Recently, as I was preparing to leave my husband and three children for a week (no easy task I assure you) I thought whiningly to myself, “I can’t do this.”  And a voice popped into my head (Joey, I swear it was Susan!  Or maybe, Kevin, it was Sally?) and said, ”Don’t you DARE say that.  Of course you can!”   Several hours later I picked up my new issue of Runner’s World (sorry, I do not yet subscribe to Bicycling or whatever it is) and here was the first thing I read, a quote in a sidebar: “There will be a day that you cannot do this.  Today is not that day.”

So, there will be a day I cannot do this:  today, and tomorrow, and the next and the next all the way to Austin, will not be that day.

Susannah Hogan

1) my dad died as a result of colon cancer     2) my mom nearly died from vaginal cancer     3) I have had 2 different types of skin cancers myself     4) I have been blessed by the stories from several donors who entrusted me with their money to honor or memorialize a loved one who was touched by cancer     5) one way I can attempt to regain my self respect after making some terrible decisions that cost me my marriage to a wonderful woman who was my best friend, wife, confidant, and outstanding mother to my 3 beautiful daughters.

These are actually only 5 of many reasons, but seem to be the most dominant for my ride.  I hope to use the many miles on the bike to constantly think of the reasons I ride, and when I am fatigued beyond belief, to buckle up my helmet, think of more than myself, and keep going.

At 6′ 6″ and 245 lbs, I am probably too big to ride bicycles, but I love cycling so much that I cannot fathom not being out on the bike feeling the breeze in my face and enjoying scenery.  The P3C3 ride will give me strength to begin my life anew and help me face a new and uncertain future.  I dedicate the ride to each person touched by cancer, and to each person touched by my recent decline…  I promise to find ‘Happy John’………………………

I am Joey Sullivan. I, like a lot of people involved with this ride, have a personal reason for doing the ride and mine revolves around 2 people (and there are many more but for the ride’s purpose, 2 people).

The first person is Susan, my wife. She was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer a little over 4 years ago. She has been through it all and has come out looking fantastic as always. Even with her second go around of this cancer she has maintained her fantastic attitude and kept an incredibly positive outlook even though her doctors have not been so positive on several occasions.

My second person is our son Trey. He is four years old and was about 8 weeks old when Susan was diagnosed. I truly think this is almost as much about him as it is about Susan. The only mom he knows is incredible, she always has time and steps above and beyond especially in times when she is not feeling well (which as anyone knows, with cancer there are good days and bad days).

With the good and bad, I have learned that dealing with cancer is as much about attitude as it is about anything else that you go through. Susan has shown me this day in and day out. I have no doubts that this is the reason that she will keep fighting and be there for Trey as he grows up.

I attached a photo, it was the first I could find on my computer, but like all of the pictures I keep with them together, they are smiling and everything is fine.  The date stamp is off but that photo is from Disney in June 2008. I will post a few more in the coming time.

Livestrong!

As others have said, I look forward to sharing this time in my life with you, we all have the same goals in mind, just to help in any way we can.  Remember….we could learn a lot from crayons…some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull, “some have weird names,” and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.  So as we (The Palmetto Peloton Project) are on this journey, let’s make this box a blast and kick some cancer butt!!

Godspeed,

Renee’ KILLIAN-Zeiger

It brought me to tears when his teacher told me this.  I have been so focused on the logistics, the details, the data entry that I had lost sight of the real reason we began our journey.  We have lost many family members and friends to cancer.  However, when we lost my father-in-law our world changed.  My husband had lost his parent, his colleague, his best friend.  I had lost a man that truly took me in as his own daughter and our children had lost their grandfather.  Ron is a wonderful, doting father because of the father he had.    Mike Jerina is a proud and doting father beyond cancer.  I feel it, see it and hear it through my husband and children.  He is with us in spirit and guiding our way.  That is the silver lining that has come out of our dark cloud of cancer.

I am so proud of Ron for dedicating his time and his passion to this ride.  I am proud to be a part of this journey/adventure we are about to participate in.  I am so grateful to have met all the riders and volunteers that jumped at the chance to join this fight.  As our First Grader said, “…the doctors will have to know what to do to help him.”  A six year old makes it sound simple and it can be.  With fundraising dollars for research, I’m confident they will figure out how to help.   That’s why we all are doing what we do.

(P.S.  The response from the school was overwhelming.  I was at school that day in a sea of YELLOW shirts.  Most all of the kids who didn’t have on wristbands first thing in the morning had them by noon.  I found out that Ridge’s Kindergarten Aide is a 10 year breast cancer survivor and our efforts brought her to tears.  Needless to say, I am very proud of what we are doing in our community)

Pictured here: Ron’s Mom, Dee, with our boys: RJ, Reed and Ridge.  God bless her, she is flying out with all three boys to join us in Austin on Thursday.

While in Austin we met several people who rode their bicycles from Calgary to Austin to raise money for a local cancer research hospital in Calgary.  After speaking to them I thought it would be something we could do from Greenville.  I ran it by Kevin and he said run with it so I did.  Here we are 5 days away from riding to Austin the money has been raised and the training is done.  There have been times I have lost focus to why I am doing this ride but then I hear a song or hear of another person who is suffering from cancer and it reminds me why I am doing this.  The reason is, I do not want to add anymore names to my already long list of people I know who have suffered because of cancer.

My first participation in the Palmetto Peloton Project was in 2006.  I had just started riding a road bike and the only reason I signed up was so I could complete my first organized metric century.  Sure, I was aware the money was going to a worthy cause, but it didn’t carry a lot of personal meaning to me.

Soon afterwards my friend, Mike McCaskill, learned he had a cancerous brain tumor.  His battle had begun and I watched the toll it took on him and his family.  I knew at that time the next Palmetto Peloton Project would have new meaning.

My goal was to raise as much money for the fight as possible and then at the conclusion of the ride, present a special jersey I had created for the event to Mike.  I did not have that opportunity.  The $3000 dollars I raised and the ride I rode was in his memory — not for his encouragement.

I determined at that time that I would participate in a ride each year in memory of my friend.  Of course, when I learned of this ride, it was obvious that it was what I needed to do for the 2008 version of my Ride For Mike.  www.rideformike.com

“Bald to Buff” – is now my life motto after having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 and subsequently undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy.  After the experience of being too weak to walk to the bathroom or too tired to even think during treatment, I wanted to move as far to the other end of the physical and mental spectrum as possible.  So endurance sports seemed the answer, even though I didn’t run, didn’t own a bike and couldn’t swim the length of the pool.  Since completing treatment I have participated in many 5k races, half-marathons, a marathon, dozens of triathlons and two Half-Ironman triathlons.  My goal is to complete an Ironman triathlon for my ten-year survival anniversary.  I am also completing a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine to help other survivors heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.  The Ride to Austin is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of cancer survivors and funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Cancer Association of Anderson.  And no matter how hard the ride might be, it is still easier and better than chemo!

2002- I was acting supervisor on duty at EMS headquarters when I suffered a grand mal seizure when I was dispatched to ironically-a seizure call. I was unable to seek medical treatment until shift’s end and no one gave me an CT scan. After losing my job, I began working for another agency, where my second grand mal seizure occurred. Due to their loss the previous year of a medic to a brain tumor, I was given an CT scan and told that I had six months to live. After my first surgery, my wife knew where to take me for treatment. I went to Duke and met with Dr. Henry Friedman who had spoken about a clinical trial that had increased survival-the monoclonal antibodies regimen. I have a port into my left lobe where my treatment was given. This trial is now the GLASS-ART trial and being offered in other clinical trial sites.

I am six years cancer and necrosis free! I believe in God, I believe in life, and I LIVESTRONG!

I ride to remember the friends, family members and colleagues I have lost to cancer. I lost my grandmother to cancer and my mother is a breast cancer survivor.

I am doing this years ride in memory of a special friend that I grew up with. Her name is Lisa McAlister Smith. She was taken earlier this year and entirely too soon. She left behind a husband and two daughters, on daughter in high school and one in college. I am raising money and doing this ride so that those who are surviving cancer can live longer.

Dennis’ bike is fixed, Kristen had her wrist checked out and it is swollen and sore but not broken, John is inspecting his new Rock Racing outfit again to make sure he didn’t put any holes in it and I now know what 2 + 2 equals and am hobbling around with a swollen knee but doing good.  Planning to ride in the AM and see how the body does.

These little bumps in the road are what makes the journey we are on so memorable.  Thank God we are all OK and are able to continue.  It is great getting to know all involved and I look forward to making a difference in this battle against cancer with you.

LiveSTRONG!

Blessings,

Jeni

It started from the parking lot at Donaldson again tonight, everyone…(all 5 of the brave souls….bless their little hearts) were ready to ride!!! Soooooooo, with everyone doning rain gear, even though it had stopped, we took off. Riders included Kristen, Rene, Dennis, John, and Ron J. They looked so sharp. Should have seen John Harris in his ROCK RACING gear. Now……has John been to the doping tent yet to be chequed!? You know, those Rock Racing guys have a rep to maintain. Sorry, sidetracked. So….off they ride, into the wet rainy night. Approximately four miles into the ride there was a detour, (for real), and riders turned right and shortly came to the railroad tracks…Yeah, can’t you just see this one coming. Rene Mc. did a Lance Armstrong and took the lead over the tracks and fishtailed…….what came next……oh boy!!! The following four went down like dominos, on top of each other. I slammed on the brakes, jumped out and ran over to four bodies lying on the wet slick tracks and rail ties. UGH! John, Dennis and Ron just laid there and Kristen was about 5 feet away on her knees, clutching here wrist (of the arm that was just broken) saying I think I broke it. Well, she didn’t. It took a few minutes for everyone to self evaluate. All have bumps and bruises, all will be sore tomorrow, and the next comment that was made once everyone rose from the road was………..(Ron J’s) well, I think I’ve had enough for tonight, let’s go get pizza and beer. Everyone agreed and so after evaluating bikes, correcting dropped chains….Dennis’s bike did not fare so well and has to go to the bike emergency room tomorrow morning, everyone remounted (Dennis in the SUV) and started off for the parking lot. We get part of the way back and I get motioned to turn around because Kristen has dropped her battery for her light. Sooooooooooo, here we go, back to the tracks, in the dark, to attempt to find her black battery pack in the dark. We searched with bikes lights and my headlights, stopping traffice in both directions! WE ROCK!! We all looked for about 10 minutes and decided to call it a night, only to get back to the parking lot, making plans for where to eat and Kristen sez…….HERE’S MY BATTERY PACK! It was hanging off her top tube back by her seat post! What a dork!!!

The pizza was good, conversation funny, and what started out and ended was not so bad. For those of you who HAVE NOT joined at night or have not ridden in the rain, no fear. I learned early on in cycling that there are “Them that have fallen, and them that haven’t”. If you have been riding long enough, you will hit the deck. It is just part of the sport. So have any of you done the bike scooting boogy and received the asphalt rash!

Ride on you “Night Riders”!

Renee’ K-Z

On our night ride I pondered over something in a conversation, that has really made me rethink the way I approach things.  As an athlete, I challenge myself and put a lot of pressure on being the best I can be at all times.  A lot of that comes from playing on the US Polo Team.  Intense, Pressure, Politics and never say I CANT, not Today.  That was actually written in first 3 years of my contracts I signed. 

 I put a lot on my “plate” I think to help deal with the uncertainties that comes with the word Cancer. For me, I have never done Chemo or Radiation. But always in the back of my head, Cancer ticks away like a timer on a bomb.  Never really knowing when it will go off.  How will my family cope if it the skin cancer is worse this time? What will this one be like?  Each biopsy is a surgery.  I keep hoping that they will find one in an area that can be sucked out rather then cut out. (little humor there!!) 

Serious note…. I think that I personally have been dealing with this by maybe hiding behind what I put on my plate.  My plate is always full.  I never ever remember going back for seconds. My plate just fills up on its own.  I like to stay busy, I can’t say No Not Today.  I enjoy the challenge of trying to see how many things I can do at one time and still maintain being a Christian, a Wife and Mommy, and holding a full time job.  Looking back this week and breathing a little bit from training I finally admitted to my husband and myself that I do have these fears.  That it hurts to talk about it all.  And yes, I do believe I hide myself with the challenges I put before me. 

Last week I totalled: 27 miles in running…..300 miles in riding ( my first 100 miler ever with Rob on Sunday!!!)…. 3 miles of swimming…. 2 hours of core training…5 hours of car pool…. 4 hours cooking dinners…. 3 hours cleaning…. 3 hours in prayer….. 2 TV dates with my husband… 5 snuggle time nights with my kids… and I put in 48 hours at work and spent 3 hours with Dr.’s.  That is one heck of plate.

So this week I promised myself to really look at what I do and what I really need to do.  And I agree with my original thought. I challenge myself way to much.  I don’t know if I can change at my age. I have at least acknowledge my fears.  That is the first step.  The tears came when I talked to my husband.. and the Nots is what I am going to have to try to incorporate into my vocabulary.

Kevin made a comment with me one day, that he hopes that people who are volunteering understand the real reason why they are being asked to join this team, This Family, This Ride.  It is a state of mind, that someday, in someway you, your loved one, your best friend might have cancer….and how would you want to help that person.  I know what I would say……….  I have a better feeling about myself knowing what I have discovered and I know what I might warn them against……. I know the first thing that would come out of my mouth…… I even know the first card I would write….I know that I would cry with them, laugh with them and even dance with them to make them laugh….  Most importantly I would tell them I am trying my hardest to help make a difference with their treatment. 

Everyone handles Cancer in a different way.  There is no right or wrong way there is only YOUR way.  Livestrong really takes a meaning when you take all this into consideration doesn’t it.  Each person has their story. 

So, that is my blog for tonight.  Last week was a hard week but a week that I will cheerish. It had my very first night ride, and my very first 100 miler (99.6) and an opportunity for me this week to slow down and reflect on the person that I have challenge myself to be.  Without this opportunity I would never had gone through this process.

The Palmetto Peloton Project Challenge to Conquer Cancer (P3C3) relay team
welcomes you to join us for the

2008 Jazz Jam to Conquer Cancer & Silent Auction

Where: Brown Street Jazz Club
When: Tuesday, September 23rd from 6pm-Midnight
With a Silent Auction closing at 9pm

Admission $15
* includes a commemorative Digital CD featuring select tracks from our special guests!

Special Guests:
Russ Corvey
Whitney Walters
Loretta Holloway
Shannon Hoover
Charles Hedgepath
And more!

All Donations, Pledges, and Purchases are welcome!

Contact Rene McCurdy at rene@mc2construction.com for event information.
Brown Street Jazz Club – 864-250-9193 – 115 Brown Street, Greenville, SC

From me, Renee K-Z, I have to say that after SAGGING a number of times with you folks, I feel so honoured that I get to be a part of this event, (jealous that I am not riding), however, I will be rubbing you all so that you will feel better for your next leg. I know for some of you that may sound a bit…..strange, so if you do not know by now, I am your massage therapist for the trip.  SPORTS MASSAGE anyone? Each time I have sagged, I from time to time get a little weapy watching you all ride.  As cyclists, you all know what an absolutely BEAUTIFUL site it is to watch a group cycle.  Last night was NO exception.  Watching the group ride along in the dark was so humbling knowing the reasons behind it was AWESOME!!!  Each of you riding, especially Kevin and Joey S., could have been home with family or doing something else.  Instead, you were out “Working” for the cause. I personally watched as my father pasted away 14 years ago.  He was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer and a mere short 6 1/2 weeks later, he died.  That’s right, 6 1/2 weeks from his diagnosis at a mere 61 years of age.  SO, that being said, I have a vested interested in this.  Dennis and I signed on in April, when Kevin Dunn (brother-in-law of Dave Pate, Sally’s brother, Furman grad and track member with Dennis) told us about this event.  We did not even hesitate to say yes.  So here we are and what a great group we are coming to know.  Soooooooooooooo…..God allows you to be present for specific situations and if you are willing, you get to just jump in with both feet and hang on!!!  Whewwwwwwwww!  What a ride this is going to be!  Thanks for allowing me to be your MT (massage therapist) and your SAG.  I am most happy to SAG at any time.

God bless you all!!

R K-Z

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

Our children go to school together, and there are four families at the school involved with the P3C3.  With approval from the principal, we are hosting a LiveStrong Day at the school.  In the weeks before the day, we are selling yellow wristbands and taking donations.  On the day itself, Sept. 26, we will have everyone wear their bands and wear as much yellow as they can.  We will have drawings at lunch for giveaways such as P3 water bottles, LAF stickers, etc.  We are also collecting names of those affected by cancer within our school community (family and friends) and will make a “Chain of Awareness” with names on yellow links, which we will display at the school’s FAll Festival in early October.  Also at the fall festival we will sell yellow bands and P3C3 car magnets.

We are also planning on talking with the children about the LAF, P3C3, and cancer awareness through the guidance or PE classes.

Everyone at the school can participate and support “their” riders and volunteers.

Hope this gets some fundraising ideas flowing.  If you would like a copy of the letter we are sending home, email me and I can send it to you.  You would only need to change the name of the school and the people participating.

Thanks!

Susannah Hogan (Team 5 — the Peloton of Pulchritude — which means “beauty”!  Ha!)

Lots of Dr. visits.  Challenging to say the least.  Stress test ( could have done that At work -seriously), Blood Test, Urine test, GP visit, Dermatologist, Skin Cancer Specialist, Oncologist.  And yes ladies and gents I was even told to take a pregnancy test.  That should have been part of the stress test….. UGH!  what a week.  I managed to build up enough stress after the stress test to push out a 6 mile run on Sat. and 70 miles to Clinton and back.  Sunday I road with another group 30 miles.  Not to bad. I must say I am really not sore at all.  Tired… very tired.  But a good tired.  My Biopsies are sore, but they will be fine.  Healing is always the hardest part for me because, well I can’t slow down.  I can for a day or 2 but that is it. 

I am pleased to see you all have been kickin some tail with these rides.  Hope your tails aren’t too sore.  because OUR tails need to get the money in!!!!  gosh it is so close …. right around the corner. I just spoke with Kevin and he has enough to worry about then us comin in short. So here is your antioxidant chick kickin your rears in gear!  Get movin on the money!  Kevin also said we need 3 drivers.  Keep putting out feelers for these.  Ok. My Rah Rah is over.  Hope to see you all soon.  Trying to work out sitter for this weekend. Would love to ride with you all, but will have to see what the Dr. Says. 

Send Sally some prayers.  Out. for now. Jeni

Toby, Jeff & Dennis (Left) Ray (Right)

Look how great everyone looks in their new jerseys!

Hard workin folks in the consession stands.

Bob & Jen, (left) Cystal & Jeff

Sunday August 17^th
Ron will be leading the group. We are leaving from the parking lot next to the PAC center at Furman University. We will leave at 12:00 sharp. The plan is to ride as far as we can towards Saluda before we have to turn around to get back for our MANDATORY meeting at 4:00. I will have the location for the meeting tomorrow. If you do not want to ride up the little hill towards Saluda, you can just ride around Furman and Green Valley. Please let Ron know if you plan on riding or sag on Sunday. rjerina@charter.net

August 17 – Mandatory meeting for all participants (riders and volunteers) at 4:00. Location to be determined.

I always remind myself on long rides that I am doing this because I am physically able, because it is still easier than taking chemo and because so many people have had their future altered by a cancer diagnosis that they are unable to ride.

PS:  I didn’t meet Lance personally, but I did meet his mom Linda and he husband Ed Kelly.  I spent a long time talking to her and telling her about our team and she looks forward to seeing us in Austin!  She did the 10 mile Ride for Roses course last year.

“This weekend we are excited to bring 1,000 current and potential leaders to the LIVESTRONG Summit at the Ohio State University. These leaders have been selected from across the country because they care about cancer issues and are willing to champion the cause in their communities. They will be inspired and empowered by renowned keynote speakers and hands-on training sessions, so they can return to their communities with the necessary tools to support the Foundation’s efforts to make cancer a national priority.”

Hopefully, I can stir up some PR for our group and ride!  See you next ride!

(The 6:00am crew…seconds before I fell!)

Then around mile 55, I came to an intersection and was not quite sure what direction to go. I slowed down and was riding in circles while I waited on the group behind me. I’m not sure what my excuse was…but I fell- hard. (again on my right side) I don’t have any scrapes or bruises, I guess I’m a graceful faller and/or I have a little too much “natural” padding. Oh well- ya learn from your mistakes… right?

I also wanted to thank the Sag Support. Toby was great with our group and he was already hard at work putting Amber’s chain back on her rental bike less than 2 miles into the ride. I have a feeling he was thinking this might be a long ride! haha He also distracted puppies and dogs for us, gave us a friendly honk as cars passed, offered us lots of food and water, and even offered to go get me some french fries! (I sometimes struggle on the hills.) He was great, and we even forgave him for singing Madonna songs at the top of his lungs! Amber had a great time with the group and thought the ride was beautiful. It was great having her visit this weekend, and she wanted to thank everyone for making her feel so welcome. (Quick hint….I’m the one with the Clemson Jersey on in the picture!) Feeling a little ambitious at the Citgo stop, Kerrie, Amber and I decided to do an “out and back” toward Greer to add on about 10 miles. I was very proud of our group, and we keep getting stronger every week. Thanks to Ron and everyone else that helps to coordinate the weekly rides. As a new cyclist, this is exactly what I need to gain confidence to ride to Austin.

Crystal

Can you guess who is who?

If anyone else is planning a ride, let the others know because they may be interested in doing it also.

My goal is to post everything on the blog so there won’t be so many emails. Please contact Mike McCurdy to get your login info for the blog. mike@mc2construction.com

Something we are going to start doing is taking a collection before each ride for gas money for the sag vehicles.  Please bring a few dollars to throw in the hat.

 Bring plenty of fluids and fuel for the ride.  Sag support, please bring a cooler with ice to keep our goods cool.

 Also, don’t be alarmed if you see Crystal in 2 places at the same time tomorrow.  Her identical, and I mean identical, twin will be joining us tomorrow.

 See you guys tomorrow.

Jennifer and Joey

Rene McCurdy with her artwork

Download the C3 Jersey Design (pdf)