Before the rain
So yesterday I completed the 100 mile Livestrong Challenge in Philadelphia and I guess I should have brought a boat. It started raining about 10 miles into the ride and didn’t let up for most of the ride. The good news is I made the cut off of about 60 riders that were able to ride the 100 miles. The rest of the riders were diverted to the 70 mile ride because of the weather. This was the first time I have ridden for that long in the rain and do you know what. It wasn’t that bad, at least it was cool. The hardest part was once your feet got wet it felt like they were 20 lbs. heavier. That is probably why my average speed was a little lower than normal. But still not too bad. I had no idea Pennsylvania had so many hills that only went up and not down.
Crowd gathers for 7:30 start
Despite the rain, the event, the spirit and the people at the event were incredible. Nobody’s spirits were dampened. Lance was there for the ride, which is not something you see all the time Many time the celebrities are not able to make these events. He started off our group with a great pace. It’s hard the explain the feeling you get when you ride with a large group of people like this who are dedicated to a cause. Lance made a good point before the ride started. He said that we should look forward to a day where we can just ride for fun rather than having to ride for a cause. Meaning that there will be a day where we can all be free of cancer. That is a day that we can all look forward to.
I rode with different groups of people and asked them about why they ride and who they were riding for. It still amazes me how many people this disease touches. People from all over the country come in to this ride. I spent some time riding with someone from Washington DC. He came up to ride despite being unemployed. He was still able to raise money and fund his trip to the event. It’s just great to see people from all walks of life that have given up their own problems for one day. They choose to help someone else who may be suffering more than they are. I am truly amazed by the human spirit.
So I thought I was in pretty good shape for the ride and I guess I should have looked at the map before we started. I had no idea there were going to be so many hills. It seemed like every corner you turned there was another hill. The great part about climbing is once you hit the top you usually get to fly down the other side. Because of the rain however, the downhill which is usually fun, became a bit more challenging. You want to go fast but at the same time want to make sure the brakes work when you get to the bottom. I have to admit I had a couple of white knuckle moments where the back-end of the bike started to slide out. Every time managed to save it. I am happy to report I saw very few crashes on the road. This was very surprising given the conditions of the road.
Goal - finish before the thunderstorms.
I think the ride lived up to its name. The Livestrong Challenge was not only challenging physically but it also was able to highlight all of the people who are “Living Strong”. They are dedicated to something beyond the physical challenge. I know from personal experience the pain that cancer patients go through. A little pain while riding up the 1 mile climb is nothing. I think it helps make us all stronger Next year I hope I can get a few more people to take me up on the challenge.
This ride was dedicated to my 2nd mother who raised me since I was a teenager. She is currently recovering from kidney removal surgery. Another reason to continue to ride and “Livestrong”.
Summary of the Livestrong Challenge.
Route Map
Livestrong Challenge 2010 Philadelphia 100 Mile
Over 5,700 riders, runners and walkers, and 800 volunteers participated in the Challenge this weekend. Through the generosity of 36,000 donors they raised $3.1 million toward the fight against cancer.
