Okay I have dyslexic fingers and spelling is not the best. Just read the lines and not the words and it will all come to you if something is spelled wrong.

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”.

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

Our final leg before arriving in Austin adequately fulfilled the definition of “epic” – very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary.  Certainly any six hour ride that begins at midnight has the potential of such a description.  However, throw in a tropical storm and you’ve got reality!

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 am a different person today than I was a week ago, a better person.

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.

Some of you in SC have been waiting for me to post about the ride. So I’m a little slow and I could not remeber the web address for posting. Only this morning Denis told me the short cut. Also excuse the spelling as my fingers are dyslic. If you are reading the posts I will blog in the morning (sat) while everyone else is still asleep and the old body clock says it’s time to get up to deliver papers and there are distractions. So much to say, so little time, so many emotions.

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 into Austin late this morning. It’s funny how a just few minutes of a ride can take away all of the negatives of the earlier part of the day. We started in the parking lot of a gas station in the blowing cold rain. It was not fun. I think we all had it in our mind that we just wanted to get this ride over with and quickly.

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

Team Polka Dot rolled into Austin last night after rocking another century to pass the baton to Team Green. We got really lucky with the weather last night. As we neared the transition with Team Awesome, we ran into a torrent. The lucky part is it lasted less than 10 miles. Team Green was not as lucky as they ended up riding through some horrendous weather for nearly half of their shift. For them it was a serious challenge to ride in those conditions.

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

Lots of folks have asked me why I am doing this trip.  My answers have run the gambit from positive to negative from when I initially was asked to do support.  I was a reluctant participant.  I recall an early morning run with my running buddy, Julie, where I was completely convinced and concerned that there was no way we could raise $5000… let alone $7500.  So… why did I initially agree to do the ride?  In a word… Jim.  My wife was losing her father.  I was losing a father-in-law I really hadn’t had a chance to know or understand.  This ride was a chance to maybe make some sense of all of the non-sense.

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.

Everyone knows I love my birthday. Always have. When Chasse was trying to talk me into signing up as support for the Ride to Austin this year, I had all sorts of excuses as to why I couldn’t do it. One was that it was my birthday week and how could I give up all of those opportunities for celebration so that I could lose a lot of sleep, drive 1300 miles, and take care of some crazy cyclists that I never met? Well, something kept telling me that I needed to really consider this thing and whenever I hear that little voice that I always know is God talking to me, I try to listen.  Boy, am I glad I did.

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.

Lars, the Towel Boy here…logged on as Renee. This is my first chance to post ’cause it’s my first opportunity to gather my thoughts in front of a computer. Having been one of the riders last year, I knew what an awesome experience it was to spend so much time on one of those little bike seats with some amazing people. This year, I switched to the other side of the fence to participate as a support person, to help my wife Renee provide sports massage to the riders when they finished their legs of the journey. Well, let me be perfectly clear up front – I’ll take riding the bike any day! I have so much greater respect for the support staff for all the behind the scenes things they do to make this event so successful. From the van drivers and team “parents” (Sally, Dawn, Betsy, Loren, Jen, Anne, Jessica, Kim, Mike and Don) to the medics (Reuben and Keith), the mechanics (Arthur and Bob) and the massage therapist (yes, you dear), they work tirelessly to make sure the teams are where they need to be when they need to be there, line up places to stay, coordinate logistics with the other vehicles, find places to eat, etc., etc., etc. My heartfelt “THANKS” to all of you for all you do!! You’ve heard a lot from and about the riders themselves and I certainly don’t mean to slight what they endure – and the riding conditions this year were much more challenging than last year – but, guys, can I pleeeeze have a spot on one of the riding teams next year ’cause this support stuff is way too hard!!!

Dennis