Ride 4 Yellow, Part 2: Sarah's Story

This post is another "very special" edition not written by me, but rather by Sarah:


Josh asked me to be a guest 'blogger' since he and I had very different experiences at the Ride 4 Yellow Event in Steamboat Springs this past Sunday. I have pretty big shoes to fill considering Dave's blog on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society bike ride that was posted earlier this month! 

I woke up ~ 4:45 a.m. (which is early for a non-morning person, but even earlier when you have attended a 3 hr wine fest the night before). Josh and I were dressed and packed in about an hour. I even had a chance to down a Soy Joy bar and some water (not in the mood for the Red Bull pick-me-up I purchased the night before). 


We arrived at the Meadows parking lot a few minutes later. It was dark and brisk (maybe 50 degrees), but not cold. I think there were 4 buses waiting to take the bikers to the beginning of the ride when we arrived. Around 6:20 Josh hopped on the 3rd bus. Dave Nagel, who organized the event, picked me up ~ 6:30 along with his brother Steve (who drove in from Texas to do the ride). How was I able to ride with the organizer you might ask? I sent him an email a few weeks earlier telling him about Josh and how it would mean a lot to cheer him on at the beginning of the race. Dave replied 1 week later and said he would make special arrangements for this to occur. He also asked me if he could share Josh’s email. So I told Josh what I had done –thankfully he was not upset.  Little did I know this email would be printed on every map/program for the event and distributed to hundreds!!! 

We arrived at the ride’s start ~ 7. It was cloudy, misty and cold! Thank goodness there was coffee and music. While we waited for the ride to begin Dave introduced to me to lots of people. He definitely has connections. In fact, he told me how he and Linda (Armstrong) started planning this event at the end of the Tour de France back in 2009. 

The energy was palpable as riders began to arrive. I saw our friend Scott first. Then, I saw Josh and got very excited. To me this was more than a bike ride. It was about surviving cancer and having my husband/best friend back.

Riders began picking up their bikes and lining up. The ride was to begin ~ 8:15. Before the start of the ride several guest speakers offered words of encouragement, Dave Wiens, Lance Armstrong, and Governor Bill Ritter to name just a few. I had a prime spot to take pictures at the front of the line (much easier to get around w/o a bike). 

Unfortunately, I do not remember much of what was said. I know Governor Ritter was funny and Lance was inspirational. 

I was just so shaky and emotional because of how far Josh and I had gone to arrive at this very moment! As the speakers finished, I ran back to Josh and our friend Scott to take a few more pictures. They were the leaders in the third group which made it easier for me to shoot away! 

After the last wave of riders left I found Dave again (which was easy to do considering how quickly everything cleared out). Dave said he would to take me to the gondolas – this would be our transportation to the top of the mountain/end of the bike ride. However, we needed to make a detour first. 


We met up with Dave’s sister-in-law, Lee (a 5 year cancer survivor – her husband Steve, who I met earlier, was riding in her honor), Lance Armstrong’s mom, Linda, Linda’s husband, Ed Kelly, Lance’s girlfriend, Anna, and their little boy, Max (14 mo old). 

I have to say Max was just adorable in his little Mellow Johnny’s T-shirt - like father, like son! 

After a few more pictures we were off to the gondolas. Even though I’ve lived in CO x 6 years I’ve never been on a gondola. The gondola I rode in fit 6 people so I sat alongside Anna, Max, Linda, Ed and Jim McCreight, one of the event organizers. Majestic views certainly added to the surreal experience. 

As we hopped off the gondola (maybe it was about 10 a.m.) Lance was just finishing the ride (under 2 hr). I took pictures of him riding up the hill before he snuck behind a door. 

I think Lance was gone for maybe 30 minutes? I wasn’t really keeping track of time. I just pulled out his book, 'It’s not about the bike' in the hopes I would get him to sign it. I started reading this book when Josh was first diagnosed with cancer and then finished it the night before his last chemo treatment. I also kept my camera close by in order to get more pictures (Lance and his entourage move very quickly so I needed to be ready which is not easy to do with a hangover, little sleep and an empty stomach)  At last, Lance came out. 

As you might imagine people swarmed him for autographs. I was one of them, I guess. I thanked Lance for signing my book and told him ‘good job.’ He said thank you. Looking back I’m not sure why I said good job, but it was all I could get out. I think I meant for everything: his foundation, serving as a symbol of so much hope and inspiration, etc.

As quickly as Lance signed my book he was back on his bike and making his way to the stage. Dave Wiens spoke first, he was followed by a brain cancer survivor (you’re considered a survivor the day you are diagnosed), and last but not least Lance Armstrong spoke again. 

This time I was able to hear and process more of what Lance said. He spoke about the ‘obligation of the cured’ (which Josh and I totally get now), having the choice to walk out of the hospital and not have anyone know what happened or having the chance to walk out of the hospital and let everyone know what happened. He obviously chose the latter. He was kind of emotional and said he wasn’t sure why. 


He was also pretty funny as he verbally acknowledged every time a rider crossed the finish line. I guess you had to be here for this so I’ll try to explain. Before Lance arrived on stage to address the crowd there was a line of people on either side of the finishing area to clap/cheer for the riders as they finished. However, when Lance started speaking the crowd moved and the riders silently approached the finish line. 


Lance realized this and therefore began acknowledging every rider as they crossed the line  – which took the finishers by surprise.  After a while, Lance was off again so I took a spot by the finish line to wait for Josh and cheer on the riders. Josh and his friend Scott finished ~ 12:45. So it only took them about 4 hours to complete this 26 mile mountain bike ride – not bad at all! After a few pictures we headed up for lunch. 

Lunch was a feast of healthy salads, noodle dishes, wraps, etc. We ate our lunches outside overlooking the beautiful scenery. After lunch we headed back in to hear from the top 10 fundraisers (one of which was there for his non-smoking brother who had recently been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer). 

After watching the new Livestrong manifesto, Lance’s mom spoke. She talked about Lance’s childhood, how his passion for biking developed, his stage IV cancer diagnosis at age 25, and his fight to get to where he is today. I read about all of this in Lance’s book, ‘It’s not about the bike,’ however, it was different hearing from his mom. Again, a bit emotional for Josh and I. For me it was Lance’s mom, as the caregiver, verbalizing so many of the things I felt/thought about during our recent journey.

The lunch ended with an auction. I told Josh he could bid on something, but he did not. There were lots of great items (a private ride with Dave Wiens, a Radioshack Madone bike built to the winner’s specifications, an autographed Lance Armstrong jersey – he wore this as he crossed the finish at the Tour de France marking his 7th straight victory, and a chance to ride with Lance and others during the Ride for the Roses weekend). 

At the end of the auction I of course had to take a few more pictures – a sign that showed Josh was one of the fundraisers who raised more than $1000 and Josh next to his ‘I am a survivor sign.’ 

We then thanked Dave Nagel for the most incredible day and then we were off. I thought we were all going to take the gondola down, but Scott and Josh wanted to bike down the mountain (guess you can never get in enough biking). 

While waiting at the base of the mountain for Josh, I saw Linda Armstrong, and the Nagels (David, Steve and Lee) one last time. Steve said he would like to get Josh’s email address because he would like to meet Josh at the Hotter than Hell 100 ride in August – which would be very cool because Steve and his wife, Lee, are close to Lance’s mom and do lots of fundraising in Texas. 


Josh and I eventually made our way back to the Meadows Parking lot where the day began 10 hours earlier. What a wonderfully, exciting, awesome surreal day. Definitely a day to remember. And no doubt that it met Josh’s criteria for ONE FUN THING!

Ride 4 Yellow, Part 1: Josh

As noted in a previous post, this past weekend I did the "Ride the Divide" course as part of the Ride 4 Yellow event in Steamboat Springs.  This was nothing short of an amazing event.  I was very excited to be a part of it from when a friend first told me about it. Certainly the fact that Lance Armstrong would be there is a draw, but so is any event associated with Livestrong, even if he doesn't come.

I linked to the course profile in a previous post.  "Ride the Divide" is 26 miles with a couple thousand feet of climbing.   On a road bike, that's an average after-work ride.  On a mountain bike, riding a technical trail, somewhere above 9,000 feet, that's not so easy anymore.  This ride had some of the most amazing views I've ever seen.

The event actually started August 7th with packet pick-up.   This ride had easily the best packet I've ever gotten.  The T-shirt is awesome (it is a "tech-t-shirt" with the ride logo).

While waiting in line, a volunteer came by with more goodies, the coolest of which were yellow hats from previous TdF's which Lance had won.  There were several types available, but I picked a 2003 US Postal team hat.

Also in the bag was a livestrong bracelet, an event sticker, postcards for future events and advertisements, a pair of yellow "Ride 4 Yellow" chums, a bag tag, some Honey Stinger gel and a bar, and a yellow "Ride 4 Yellow" toothbrush.  Now even my toothbrush fights cancer.  Also given away in the line were some yellow and black socks bearing the logo of the local cycling club.

The next morning started early, with us waking up before 5am.  Fuel consisted of Red Bull and Larabars.  I also had a Honey Stinger bar to support the local company right there in Steamboat.

All of the riders were shuttled to the top of the pass on big tour buses.

It was a long drive up, but once there, it was clear that this was where the event was starting.  People were everywhere and our bikes (dropped off the night before) were waiting for us.

Almost immediately I found Sarah and our friend Scott, from Milwaukee.

I was really excited that I was going to be able to ride with Scott.  I've ridden with him before, he is a great rider, and he and his wife have been a big source of support for Sarah and I.

Before the ride, a couple of fairly famous cyclists walked right past us and gave a small speech each.

Really, they walked right past us as in less than an arm's length.  Both times I was surprised despite expecting it. First, Dave Weins' bike is unmistakable, and I recognized that before I recognized him.  After that, it is hard to miss a Radioshack full kit walking right past you, moving with a purpose.

Also pictured (To Lance's right) is Governor Bill Ritter who also gave a humorous speech.  Obviously, Lance Armstrong and Dave Weins rode first.   After that, the riders went out in waves.

It was here at the very start where I got to meet event organizer Dave Nagel who treated Sarah like a VIP.  He is pictured to my far right, and below with Sarah.

I cannot say enough good things about the "Ride 4 Yellow" staff and organizers.  

The ride itself wasn't easy.  We started on a fast fire road.

It didn't take long to get into the singletrack, though.  Shortly after a few climbs, we had a few moments where we got to "cyclocross" it.

I wasn't alone.  Here's a picture of some better riders doing it much earlier than I at the exact same spot.  When I'd heard about that, I didn't feel so bad for not attempting to ride through that stuff.

The ride was very well supported with many volunteers along the way and a couple of aid stations.  There was even a helicopter keeping watch.

The views from the top were spectacular.

So we had to stop for a few pictures.

This is what speed looks like:

For those interested, Lance rode a hard tail, carbon fiber Trek (2011 GF collection?) 29er with Sram XX components.  Armstrong and Weins were finished in about 2 hours.  It took Scott and I just over 4 hours to finish.

The finish wasn't technically at the bottom but rather at the top of the Gondola.  This is where the party was.  Sarah was there to meet me at the finish as well as capture pictures of the last little drop into the party area.

Here, Scott and I crossed the finish line.

After this was lunch, which was terrific.  Dave Nagel, the event director highlighted the top 10 fundraisers, and a few shared their story, which is always special.

The keynote speaker was Lance Armstrong's mom, Linda Armstrong Kelly, introduced by Dave Weins, who also spoke again.  

She is an excellent public speaker.  I think she may have talked for 25 minutes.  She had a lot of great points, good stories, a few laughs, and there were a few moments where I felt like I was getting a little teared up.  It is weird, since everyone in the room knew her story and Lance's, but the way she tells it really hits anew, and probably more so if it is something you can directly identify with, which I'm sure virtually everyone can.  For me it was the chemo stories.  For Sarah, I suspect it was the role of the caregiver.

Obviously she got a standing ovation when she finished.  Her message was positive and uplifting and the audience responded.

The final event of the day was an auction which was hosted by Verne Lundquist, who makes his home in Steamboat Springs.

That was largely the end of the event, other than the well-wishes and goodbyes.  After that, Scott and I rode down the rest of the mountain to the base into Steamboat Springs.

The whole day was a great experience, and I cannot wait to go back again next year.

OFT: Steamboat Wine Fest

This past weekend, we escaped to Steamboat Springs for a weekend away with some friends.  The purpose of the trip was to hit the Steamboat Wine Festival, but also to get away and relax.


We had a terrific weekend.  Our friend Sheri rented a really nice condominium not far from the resort.  We got in late Friday night.  I was disappointed it was dark when we arrived, since I'd never been to Steamboat and wanted to see it.   The drive was beautiful, however, and we got to see much of that.


Saturday morning Sheri and Scott made breakfast and we ate.  Then the four of us went on a bike ride up the Spring Creek Trail.  Barely into the ride, the craziest thing happened:  This bee be-friended Sarah by flying down the back of her shirt, stinging her 3 times there, and getting her neck before she could finally ride away from him, after tossing her helmet and glasses!  She managed to smile anyway.

Sheri and Scott enjoyed themselves as well.

We did find one steep hill.

Only Scott rode up it.   I accidentally dropped my bike as we finished and had to quick scramble to find a bike shop for a part, but then we went back and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  Sheri prepared it, although she said that she'd be willing to try some Josh-recipes, which is a first.   Even the buffalo sauce-flavored tuna quesadillas.


Later that night we met up with some of Scott and Sheri's friends and hit the wine fest.  The wine was great, of course.  They had food there as well, including elk "brats," which were my favorite, although some alcoholic mini-cupcakes (flavored like cherry coke) were a close second.   The other "win" was that Stella Artois was there giving out full beers in fancy Stella glasses.   I don't like to mix, but it was hard to pass on.   What a relaxing day!

Guest blog: Dave writes of "Dave's Ride for Josh"

If this blog were an 80s TV sitcom, this would be "A very special episode of _____."  It is not an 80s show, but this is a very special blog post.  The background to it can be found here.


Last weekend was The Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour, or "Dave's Ride for Josh."   He texted me both days when he was done, and he made great time considering crowds and conditions, but more importantly, finished safely and strongly.


How did Dave's fundraising efforts go?

As you can see from his pledge page, it exceeded all goals and expectations!  This unbelievably awesome.   I asked Dave to write up a quick summary, and he has, which is here in red:

"On July 24th I participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Scenic Shore 150, or as I liked to call it "Dave's Ride for Josh".  Many of you Josh vs. Lymphoma readers donated money for my ride, and thanks to your generosity, I was able to raise $2010 (more than twice my original goal).  Since many of the donations came from readers of this blog, and people I don't even know, Josh was kind enough to let me post a blog entry about the ride. 

First of all a very huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated.  I was overwhelmed by the number of donations from people all over the country.  Since I wasn't able to ride with Josh, I took him (and the bratwurst from Miller Park) with me on my bike in spirit.

The first day started out cloudy and rainy and since Milwaukee was hit with some flooding the day before, it was a little concerning.  I wore the snorting bull jersey that Josh sent me for the first day's ride.  One Fun Thing indeed.  As the day went on the sun and humidity showed up making things a little more difficult.  There was plenty of "scenis shore" to see, along with some farm land.  We finished the first day a little under 5 hours averaging 15 miles an hour, not bad for my first distance ride.

Day two started out with tired legs and sore butts, but once we got going, I was surprised by how much energy I had.  That was until the hills came.  Day two had a lot more hills than the first day, so that slowed down our pace.  I rode in my Scenic Shore Sprinter jersey that I was awarded for raising over $1000.  After riding through some head winds and some hills we finished in about 5 and a half hours.  I took Josh (and the bratwurst) with me all the way to the finish line.  Hopefully next year, I can take the real Josh with me.

Thanks again to everyone who donated, and to everyone who encouraged me through my training and the ride itself.    -Dave"

The whole thing is so touching and impressive, I'm not even sure what to say.  Thank you (both to Dave and to everyone who donated) doesn't seem sufficient, but it is the best I can do.  I can also leave a few other pictures he sent Sarah and I, and say that Sarah is already making plans for us to hopefully join this event next year.

One Important / Interesting Thing

It has been almost 3 weeks since I was told my PET scan was clean, a "complete response," and that I am in remission.  Since that time I have been on a tear to do fun things.   


One of the thoughts that has commanded much of my attention is the idea that I have been given a tremendous gift.  This doesn't take much thought at all, but what does occupy time is trying to decide what to do with this gift.  I think I have alluded to this struggle a little bit before on this blog.  Do I live for fun?  Should I make many little changes or a big change in life?   Is this simply the end of a chemistry experiment gone initially bad, and then improved with chemotherapy?   


This weekend I was reminded that what I am wrestling with is commonly called, in cancer circles, the "Obligation of the Cured."   Cured is an interesting word.  It is not one that I can apply to myself just yet, or rather, not one that an oncologist would apply to me.  There are various milestones in time that must be achieved first.   Still, when I got this reminder, it very much hit home that this is exactly what I've been thinking about.   I don't think I'll ever be held accountable, and yet I cannot imagine ever explaining to anyone how or why I may have ignored this.   This is especially serious considering the support and advice I was given from a fellow survivor that I have blogged about previously.


What is the best way to "pay this forward?"   I certainly do not have an answer yet.  I definitely appreciate, as just mentioned, all the direct support I've been given, and not just by Hoss but by many others, many who haven't had cancer.  As a result, I've been on the lookout for ideas.


I've spent some time thinking about Imerman's Angels, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Livestrong.  I've mentioned the latter two as two particular organizations that have directly helped me.


This weekend Sarah and I attended a Livestrong University workshop.   I was hesitant to go, and I think Sarah even more so.  You can read what the plan for these are on that link, but I've copied it here:

LIVESTRONG Action Workshops will focus on providing the foundational skills needed for advocates to lead the fight against cancer in their communities. Advocates will learn how to meaningfully communicate with decision makers, gain the attention of the local media and utilize their stories to put a “human face” on the cancer crisis. Workshops are dynamic and interactive, giving advocates the opportunity to build new relationships and utilize their skills to immediately affect change at a local, state, national and global level.

I wasn't sure if this is what I wanted to do, but I wanted to explore the idea.  It seemed like a lucky coincidence that I found out about this workshop two days prior to it occurring.


The workshop was more powerful than I expected.  We worked on sharing our story.  Mine is well outlined and documented here on this blog, and yet it wasn't easy putting it into a 2-4 minute presentation with a goal of convincing someone to do something.  There were many stories, and all were great.  They highlighted a variety of backgrounds and experiences.  


One of the key things I realized about myself while sharing my story was how uninvolved I was prior to this.  I had thought about trying to help one of these organizations, but beyond financially, I never have.  I don't know why.  I guess I didn't know where, or how, or if I even should if I haven't been directly affected.  (I should have.)  Given the number of people I've known with cancer this seems odd, but I didn't have it myself.  Truthfully, it also partly seemed like an exclusive club you didn't want to be in.  Would I be suspect for trying to join without the "proper credentials?"   I can now assure each and every reader having since obtained the "proper credentials" - NO one will be suspect of motives.  


I called this "One Important / Interesting Thing."  It actually also qualifies as "One Fun Thing" as well, but it seems so much more important than a trip to the aquarium or monster truck show.


In short, we met some very great people, including our moderator from Livestrong in Austin.  We discovered there are many ways to get involved, and I really hope to do more as I can and as I become more connected.   So, look for more on that front over time.  In the meantime, if anyone is looking for a jumping off point to get involved themselves, I have some great links above......