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Putting Purpose to Your Cycling - The Untold Stories |
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Monday, 13 November 2006 |
The event is over and epic given the parting of the skies just in time for Saturday's ride. That evening as you enjoyed a Moab restaurant for dinner, we drove home to enjoy our first non-working dinner in months! Our good friends from Colorado who volunteer at the events came to our home to enjoy the only thing we had in our refrigerator: leftovers of Pasta Jay's manicotti. Luckily we also find and enjoy (a few) bottles of Cycles Gladiator Wine. Laughter and tears flowed as we sat around the fireplace and shared stories from behind the scenes - the untold stories of the weekend.
Like our long time supporter Robert from Durango who rode last year with a yellow IN HONOR tag on his back for his cousin who was battling cancer. This year, Robert introduced me to his cousin, jokingly saying "I told him to take his own SURVIVOR tag up the hill this year!" And he did. Or the Edwards, Colorado man with his admitted begging and bribery offer to get into the ride. He had planned on riding with his brother who since registering was diagnosed with cancer. They had to ride together, and we made sure they did. A couple of stories brought tears from everyone, like Scott who called a week before the event to cancel because his father Philip had just lost the fight. Scott's friends showed up though and labeled a yellow balloon in honor of Philip and released it Saturday morning. And then there is the story of the man who rode last year with his wife over the La Sal Loop but returned this year only with his son. Together they found an beautiful way to honor the passing of her life this past summer to the hands of this situation we call cancer.
But the stories aren't all tearjerkers. Our core team member Phyllis received a call Friday of the event with an "all clear" signal from her doctor. Hurray! Our friend and supporter Dee received test results that weekend stating excellent news about her situation. Hurray! And during LAF's Ride for the Roses Event the following week, Mark, Colette and Phyllis witnessed one of last year's Skinny Tire Festival Top Fundraisers, Jeff, a four year survivor of glioblastoma multiforme, ride with his daughter alongside LANCE! Jeff and his wife Martha had raised $11,000 at our event but went on to raise over $33,000 qualifying for this personal time with their hero. Way to Go! Our bicycle cleats are off to you, Jeff. LIVESTRONG my friend!
Beth Logan
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Skinny Tire Festival