The Reason I am Doing It.

It was my brother's idea at first, he told me he had looked into doing a sponsored bike ride in England. The idea was to raise money for leukemia research because our mother had been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2005. Since I enjoy cycling, raising money for leukemia research while bike riding sounded perfect. An evening of "Googling" later, I had found Team In Training, a group that fund-raise with endurance sports for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I initially registered for the 2007 Lake Tahoe event, but had to drop out when it became aparent that Mum was losing her battle with leukemia. This year I am back and intent on raising $5000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event I am training for is a 100-mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe on June 1st 2008. Because of the altitude (6,225ft.) and the distance, training is important. So, every Saturday for 5 months I will be getting up at 6:00 a.m. to join my team for training rides. There will be a lot of hills to climb!


So when the training gets tough, I look down at the top tube of my bike where I carry 2 names that inspire me to push on. The names are, my Mum – Ruth Davies, and my Aunt Meg, both of whom lost their lives to blood diseases. My Mum, as many of you already know, passed away last year from Leukemia (AML). I thank God for the 14 months of remission she had and the last vacation we spent together in February 2006. At the end of 2006, the leukemia returned and this time there was no stopping it. After wasting away, my mother died in April of 2007. Similarly, my Aunt Meg passed away in February of 1993 after an 11-year battle against Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. What these two women endured is infinitely more than any discomfort I feel during my training.


To make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, go to: TNT Donate



Saturday, February 16, 2008

Week 2 - Feb 16, 2008 - Distance 23.75 miles

Back to the same Rosebowl location. This time with a diference, we are climbing hills. I get assigned to the fastest group of riders. "Oh crap!" I think to myself, "maybe I should have rode much slower last week."

I should have listened to myself, because as we waited at the bottom of the first hill for all the slower riders to start climbing the testosterone started to take over. Once we were told we could go I followed mentor Jose as we climbed the hill. Turns out Jose is known for his climbing ability, but I didn't know that yet! About halfway up the hill we start passing the slow group very quickly, but Jose is leaving me behind. Jose isn't the only thing that is climbing as I notice my heart rate heading skyward. It peaks out at 198, and Jose is gone. The top of the hill comes not a moment too soon as I am panting and easing the pace letting my heart rate fall. Note to self: let Jose go, there is no way you will ever catch him going uphill!

The rest of the ride, more climbing, is done at a more enjoyable pace. I am the fourth rider of our group of six to reach the turnaround point and start the descent. Next week, I promise myself, I will ride the whole way at a sensible pace!



What follows the ride is a tire (ok! tyre for those in the UK) changing clinic. I get to use my CO2 cartridge for the first time to re-inflate my front tire.

Many of the Team head over to coach Andy's house for a letter stuffing party and lunch, but I have to get the van home for Judy to use.

To make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or to learn more go to TNT Donate
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very impressive website, Brian. Sorry I won't be able to make your fundraising event out in Simi Valley. Very tough for me to get out there during the week, & unfortunately just got notice today.

Good luck with the event, and keep on pedaling. Seen great improvement in your cycling in the short time we've been riding together.

April 15, 2008 at 2:34 AM
Brian said...

Sorry to hear you can't make it. See you on Saturday.

April 15, 2008 at 8:17 AM

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