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Our Ride to Conquer Cancer Journey

Wow.  What a weekend.  So many stories to tell about the Ride to Conquer Cancer. 

First, I am immensely proud of Rachel.  She rode over 100 miles on her bike, including the journey from Louisville to Lexington, all in one day.  Yall know Rache…When she sets her mind to something she accomplishes it.  .  She left the starting gate with sincere tears & her huge heart.  Right away, she relied on her God given determination, perseverance, and inspiration from cancer survivors.  In fact there was no coincidence on the very day we rode, her childhood friend and family dog, Harley (who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer & had failing health) was put down.  She reached Lexington and crossed the line with her teammates together.  Yall know how fiercely loyal my Rache is, she would never want to let them down either.  After a night’s rest @ sister-in-law Ang’s, she started again the next morning, & rode 13 miles.  Then, I pulled her off the course – she didn’t want to leave…I was concerned for her cheerleading knees and the hills ahead – so what – call me protective.  She has much to celebrate & fond memories created for a grand success!

As for me, I had an unfortunate spill.  My first ever…Picked a great day to do it, huh?  About 35 miles into the challenge, I hit a hole & spilled off my road bike.  The medical assistance was awesome – I scrapped some knuckles, scratched my helmet, & bruised my shoulder some…I decided that was enough, & went back home to Mom & Dad’s for some rest.  Thank God in heaven for protection & a helmet.  Please, please, please…Always wear a helmet – as dorkie as it looks, it will save your life.  I’m still a little shaken, but am very proud of our team & thankful to have been a part of the entire venture.  Besides, with your great help, we raised lots of money for cancer fighting & we supported the many cancer survivors who rode along beside us.

Lastly, this was an amazing challenge.  Each participant raised $2500 and set a goal to ride 150 miles.  I can tell you, those who signed up and participated are my heroes.  As I rode out this morning to pick up Rache, I was amazed by the number of folks still flattening hills & determined to make the entire journey.  A big shout out to Team Shelby riders – Dan Mutterer, David Pilkinton, Megan Sturgeon, Doug Bower, Amy Nation, Tom Waggoner, The Burnettes, Austin Willard, The Gaithers (gave their money to help us reach our final goal) & John and Anne Marie Megibben……these folks, the others that grinded the pedals, those who volunteered, those who cheered, those who organized the event, and those who will never give up against this wretched disease, are the heart and soul of why America is so great.  Godspeed.

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.     ~Phil. 4:13

Wow.  What a weekend.  So many stories to tell about the Ride to Conquer Cancer. 

First, I am immensely proud of Rachel.  She rode over 100 miles on her bike, including the journey from Louisville to Lexington, all in one day.  Yall know Rache…When she sets her mind to something she accomplishes it.  .  She left the starting gate with sincere tears & her huge heart.  Right away, she relied on her God given determination, perseverance, and inspiration from cancer survivors.  In fact there was no coincidence on the very day we rode, her childhood friend and family dog, Harley (who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer & had failing health) was put down.  She reached Lexington and crossed the line with her teammates together.  Yall know how fiercely loyal my Rache is, she would never want to let them down either.  After a night’s rest @ sister-in-law Ang’s, she started again the next morning, & rode 13 miles.  Then, I pulled her off the course – she didn’t want to leave…I was concerned for her cheerleading knees and the hills ahead – so what – call me protective.  She has much to celebrate & fond memories created for a grand success!

As for me, I had an unfortunate spill.  My first ever…Picked a great day to do it, huh?  About 35 miles into the challenge, I hit a hole & spilled off my road bike.  The medical assistance was awesome – I scrapped some knuckles, scratched my helmet, & bruised my shoulder some…I decided that was enough, & went back home to Mom & Dad’s for some rest.  Thank God in heaven for protection & a helmet.  Please, please, please…Always wear a helmet – as dorkie as it looks, it will save your life.  I’m still a little shaken, but am very proud of our team & thankful to have been a part of the entire venture.  Besides, with your great help, we raised lots of money for cancer fighting & we supported the many cancer survivors who rode along beside us.

Lastly, this was an amazing challenge.  Each participant raised $2500 and set a goal to ride 150 miles.  I can tell you, those who signed up and participated are my heroes.  As I rode out this morning to pick up Rache, I was amazed by the number of folks still flattening hills & determined to make the entire journey.  A big shout out to Team Shelby riders – Dan Mutterer, David Pilkinton, Megan Sturgeon, Doug Bower, Amy Nation, Tom Waggoner, The Burnettes, Austin Willard, The Gaithers (gave their money to help us reach our final goal) & John and Anne Marie Megibben……these folks, the others that grinded the pedals, those who volunteered, those who cheered, those who organized the event, and those who will never give up against this wretched disease, are the heart and soul of why America is so great.  Godspeed.

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.     ~Phil. 4:13

Saving Lives & Amazing Stories

Me & Rache went to the local pregnancy resource center's banquet tonight - Heard some awesome stories about how Jan Antos & her staff is ministering to many folks in our community & saving lives.  Did you know that over 3,700 abortions are performed everyday in the US?  What a horrible travesty. 

The main speaker was Patrick Henry Hughes - seen here with us.  You might remember his story from Extreme Make Over Home Edition.  Perhaps, you could take a minute to watch this video by ESPN if you haven't. Amazing stuff. 

Now the Ride!

Thanks so much to those who helped support us financially in our ride to conquer cancer this weekend.  Over $5000 raised!  See here & here.  We have been blown away by your willingness to put your money on us, but thank God this is not an official cycling race...It's more like a journey. 

This challenge has been huge for us, but the biggest part is still ahead.  The actual ride.  Although we have been training off & on the last few months, we don't know how far we can go - I guess we won't until we jump on & head out.  The full ride is 150 miles in two days.  Wheewww.

We're just glad to be a part of the event & ask for your continued prayers for safety & perseverance.  Most of all, that a cure to this dreadful disease can be found quickly.  I hope we can make a difference & as Jim Valvano said, "Don't give up, Never give up."

Shelbyville Horse Show 09

This week marks the 20th anniversary for the Shelbyville Horse Show.  The largest gathering in our community every year to celebrate the Saddlebred Industry.  Beautifully trained horses that step with splendor across the sawdust to capture the audience. Always good to see old & new friends.  Click here for some pics.