Pelotonia 2010

My donation page

It truly was an amazing weekend.

Right now, I’m physically exhausted.  Those Hocking Hills are tough, and I thought they would never end on the way back to Columbus! But it was worth every pedal stroke, as was the over 5000 miles I have pedaled  this year getting ready for this event.  The suffering I experience pales in comparison  to suffering experienced by  cancer victims and  their families. And the signs posted along Sterner road served as a reminder as I battled that hill.

I’ve been riding over 20 year, recreationally and competitively, so it was easy to think about "my ride" and overlook the real purpose.  I was able to catch up with old friends. I  made many new friends. I enjoyed riding through the beautiful Hocking Hills (much easier to say that today, even though it still feels like my legs are somewhere on a road in Hocking County).  Good times!

But, we all had a story and a reason to be riding.  And we shared those reasons with each other.  Most were gut wrenching and I found myself teary eye on many occasions. I rode along side a lady from out of state who lost her mother at the James last year during the Pelotonia weekend. She came back to ride the 180 miles. One of many stories.

The crowds along the road served as a reminder of our mission.  The true reality and the reason hits hard when someone offers to shake your hand and say “Thank you for riding. I am a survivor” or Thank you for riding, I lost my mother to cancer”. 

Total rider count was 4047, and it is estimated that over $8 million will be raised. 

Unfortunately there was a tragic death on Saturday. Please keep the family  of Michelle Kazlausky in your thoughts and prayers.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/08/23/tributes-pour-in-for-caring-cyclist.html?sid=101

At the start. I’m in the bright pink jersey that cant be missed. Limited Brands..than you!  This was during the national anthem. See how many have their helmets off? Sorry, that’s disrespectful. There was actually a twit in front of me that was on his Iphone, and continued to yack during the rollout. GOTFP!!!!!!

I’ve lived in Ohio for 10 years and have been to the Hocking Hills only once. Beautiful country! Killer Hills!

Here is the link for the combined two day ride.

Day 1 profile:

 

When I got to Logan with about 30 miles to go, I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish. My left leg was cramping so bad. But I was determined to finish. I did not want let those who supported me down. I eased off, regained my legs, and was able to finish.

 

Athens finish:

 

 

Day 2 route profile:

 

Thought those hills would never end!

Training Year to Date

Sorry I had to pass the 5000 mile mark quietly.

This has been  one of my best training years in over 15 years. My work schedule has worked out perfect. (For now…it wont be so great in the winter). That being said, I think I really am in the best shape I’ve been in for as many years. The only difference, 15 years ago I weighed 150. I’m down 30 pounds of so from the beginning of the year, down to 160, give or take a pound or two.

Now I need to carry this motivation over into the offseason.

Countdown to Pelotonia

Less than two days away!

I’ve trained hard, I’m ready. The physical challenge will be rewarding, but the real reward will be riding for the cause. I’m not going into this ride to see how fast I can ride, but rather to savor the experience with the knowledge that I’m doing something worth while while doing something I enjoy

Pelotonia is a grassroots bike tour with one goal: to end cancer. It is a cycling experience that will take place August 20th-22nd. The ride will span two days and I will be riding 180 miles as a proud member of the Limited Brands Peloton.

The decision to participate in Pelotonia was easy. Cycling has always been a huge part of my life, and this will allow me to combine an activity that I love with a cause that is close to my heart .

This ride is my small effort to assist in the battle against cancer. I’m dedicating this effort to family, friends, children of friends, and colleagues who have faced the challenge or who are now facing the challenge that a cancer diagnosis brings. Their courage is my inspiration

We have all been touched by cancer. We have all lost family, friends, and colleagues. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. With your support, you will help improve lives through innovations in research with the ultimate goal of winning the war against cancer. I would love to have your support. This truly is a unique opportunity to be a part of something special.

Please help me in my fundraising goal. Every donation makes a difference. 100% of every donation will fund essential research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

As the Midwest’s first and Ohio’s only freestanding cancer hospital and research institute, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute is one of only 40 centers in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. The James is a national leader in creating and testing new therapies based on scientific research, many of which are offered nowhere else in the world.

Last year more than $4.5 million raised by the 2,265 cyclists who participated went directly to cancer research at the James. Think of this as a donation directly to The James. Please consider supporting my effort and this great cause. Currently 4,031 riders have registered!

Please consider donating to my ride.