Together we can make a difference

ridestrong · Newbie

Together we can make a difference

LoneWolf · Veteran Member

I agree. Hope it's all good with you still. I'm finding many challenges that I did not anticipate. Even though there are many others riding, without a team it seems like I face the challenges alone. I dont' want to join a team but contact with others helps.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Cycling, like archery, is a very individual oriented sport. Sure, there are teams (hey, look at the Tour de France...teams everywhere) but for a ride like this, they are not the same as you'd find in a race. There aren't strategic race needs here to satisfy...

I spotted an article in Bicycling magazine this month (browsing at the news stand) that said the 1st Ride to Conquer Cancer in Toronto raised $14 million. That is serious money to make a difference...and it wasn't done by one person, but rather it was an effort by a lot of individuals.

Ridestrong, I agree 100%...sharing helps motivate each other and helps us get past the "hard" bits.

LoneWolf · Veteran Member

Alone on my bike I feel the heat, the wind, the cold, the challenges. Alone on my bike I see others on their's and sense a kindred spirit. That's cool. Alone on my bike in my heart I remember why I took on this challenge and my heart aches and sometimes my tears fall and alone I push on. I know it doesn't have to be this way but sometimes death of so many loved ones can make a person feel safer being a Lone Wolf. I know alone I can only do so much but together we will converge and form a force - yes like the Jedi force - it's a good thing.

Psycho Mike · Guru

Apt way of putting it, Lone Wolf. Just don't forget that there are other Jedi out there to help you in battling your own personal Sith. ;)

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Hey Lone Wolf,

We all have felt that pain in some form, that's why we are riding. I too ride alone & the tears fall, but then I hear the voices of those I have lost encouraging and cheering me on and the miles & hurts are a little easier to bear. Don't forget that even when you choose to be alone, you never will be as long as you hold the memory of those loved & lost in your heart & mind.

Psycho Mike · Guru

ABS, I'll make the same offer to you....I've got a few transfers for putting images on things...if you do Day 0 online and have your jersey in advance, I'd be willing to help you get an image on your jersey...I'll be doing mine with the image on my participant page:

http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/Psycho_Mike

Cheers, not tears...

Mike

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Tuesday 19th of May 2009 04:32:14 AM

LoneWolf · Veteran Member

Thanks abrokenshire.
Some bad news - it just doesn't stop. My Sister has Lung Cancer. More driven now. Ouch.

Psycho Mike · Guru

My prayers are with both you and her.

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Thanks for the offer Mike, but I would need a rather large jersey (7 in all). I'm not prepared to get into clothing that large ever again, but I will be carrying their images in my heart as I ride. They are the ones giving me the strength and determination to carry on an beat the beast in any way I can.

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Oh Lone Wolf, I feel your pain. It didn't stop for me either. The beast took 7 beloved ones from me, so I know how you feel. It doesn't make it hurt less, but know I think of you and we will try to drive back the beast together in June. I look forward to meeting you.

LoneWolf · Veteran Member

Sure Abrokenshire - I'll be the one with the callused heart. Not giving up though.

Psycho Mike · Guru

LW, I get the impression that your heart won't take a callous easily. :) Hang in there. (That goes for you too, ABS)

ABS, I do have an older version of Photoshop...I can always make a little "group" picture for a sleeve so that you don't need a XXXXXL jersey ;)

I consider myself lucky....as I reflect on the number of folks I've known who have faced the "Beast" my list of those who it's actually taken is mercifully short. I'm glad to have known the ones who have lost the battle, prayerful for those who are fighting and thankful for those who have been ferocious enough to get it to back down. This will not be an easy ride, but I think that we all have the support of those around us...even here on the boards...to help us keep going. Our sweat and tears to hopefully slay the beast.

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Wednesday 20th of May 2009 09:39:20 PM

abrokenshire · Senior Member

A callused heart can beat with as much compassion, it has just experienced more pain. Keep your chin up and the wind at your back dear heart.

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Thanks for the offer Mike, I may just take you up on that. I vowed when I got rid of my XXXL wardrobe never to return. A group pic might be the ticket to ease the heart.

Psycho Mike · Guru

ABS, if you're interested, you should send me the pics sooner than later....I'll need time to put them all together. I'm no graphic artist, but I should be able to make something reasonable for you :)

abrokenshire · Senior Member

Thanks Mike, but I still haven't received my ride shirt. I am working on something else with my teammates. Can't believe the ride is only a week away. Whew!!

Psycho Mike · Guru

Fair enough...I haven't received mine yet either. Oh well.... with moving, I don't know where my stuff is right now either. :)

-- Edited by Psycho Mike on Thursday 18th of June 2009 04:15:34 PM