Common sense took a backseat to courage and calling today.

I pulled the trigger and registered to raise funds for cancer research and ride my bike 500 miles across the state of NY. 

Here’s my why:

I have a handful of people I love that recently started chemo. If they can do hard things, I can do hard things. I will ride in honor of them. 

I have a handful of friends that did not start chemo this week, they’ve been doing it a long, long time. Quietly. Privately.  They are warriors. I will ride in honor of them. 

I have a handful of friends on the other side.  They are now with the Divine Creator.  They unfortunately didn’t have the research, equipment or solution to keep them here with us.  I will ride in memory of them. I know, from experience doing hard things, that they will show up for me & be the wind at my back. 

I ride for the parents that lost a kid to cancer. The individuals that lost a sibling, a parent a partner or a best friend. You’ll be with me. If you have the courage to get out of bed every morning. I can have the courage to try something I’m not sure my body can do anymore.

For me, the purpose is so much bigger than the ride itself. That’s why I’m choosing to show up. There’s a chance this body won’t be able to finish the bike ride, I've made my peace with that because I’ll still be "winning" because I will have raised the funds for research. Maybe the research will save my own life one day & maybe it will save yours or the life of someone you love. If my effort and the research it is funding saves or extends one life, then it’s worth it.

I ride because cancer is still with me every day- hopefully not in my body- but it will always be in my mind and soul because in many ways it's changed me and the way I live.   I haven’t met a survivor that doesn’t carry it with them in some way.  The people that have lost loved ones... it’s still with them too. 

Cycling is a way for me to process things and work things out. It’s also often a source of joy & a time of connection with friends. The first time I got back on the bike after my 3 surgeries I wept.  Mostly tears of gratitude that I could still do it because so many others don’t get that same gift.  Tears because it’s so hard to begin again- most of what I had worked so hard for in my Ironman race in 2019 was gone. Tears because my family was pedaling along with me &  this is where I want to be, on earth with them. 

If you choose to contribute to this research/ride I ask you to let me know who I’m riding for-for you. Don't just give, please send me the name and maybe even a photo or a story about the person you love that I'm riding in memory, celebration or honor of.  Please honor or memorialize the name of the person you want me to think about or pray for when I pedal...

Pictured with me is my friend Delane Clark.  I am beyond lucky to count her as one of my friends.  I am THRILLED to have her as a training partner- we've had so many great 6am training rides together & a travel companion she's coming with me from NC to go on this epic adventure with me.  

Thanks friends. 

Onward.