The Ride Comes to a Close

So, for me as well as for some 420 other cyclists, the La Crosse Ride to Cure Diabetes has come to a close. It is quiet in the bike room. The hotels in this college town, once completely full, stand empty. They offer echoes now in exchange for the din of exuberant riders yesterday. The whole town seems a bit like me: resting and silent in the splendid memory of the exertion of the weekend.

I can still hear the cowbells clanging their anthem. My muscles still feel a bit fatigued. The cool Midwest weather is almost as perfect as yesterday's. The Ride is a happy and young memory this evening.

Just as I can recall sharp details of nearly every mile, so too can I remember the many words of encouragement a great number of you shared with me in the run-up to the Ride. I also remember each donation and the way my total grew to eventually surpass the goal, no matter the size of the contribution.

My brother and I cycled 97 miles in a shade over 6 hours yesterday. We cherished our task of completing the ride. But what I cherish more is the significant and gracious manner in which you influenced diabetes research and the possibility of a cure for Type 1. That is ever so much more meaningful than anything John or I could do on a road bike.

The Ride is over. But the task of eradicating T1D looms still before us. Braeden will wake up tomorrow with T1D. And for as many days as he does, I will continue to be grateful for the difference you are making and advocate for a cure.

I have my sights set on a ride or two next year, should they be needed. First is Lake Tahoe. Second, and most exciting, is Nashville. 2013 will see the inaugural ride in Nashville, a town almost in my back yard. It is my dream to enlist a cadre of cyclists to join me there, as I would appreciate their participation and the opportunity to share the experience with them very much. So, be in thought about whether you might find your own personal Ride to Cure experience meaningful and fun. (I promise it would be. And I'll put fundraising money on that!)

That's all from La Crosse. A ride report and images will be up soon. So long.

Cyclemeter Cycle (Road) Aug 18, 2012 6:59:40 AM

Some bad gps data!!

Finished Cycle: Aug 18, 2012 1:59:13 PM
Route: JDRF 2012 LSE
Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/3cf1/c267/4c0e/777b/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120818-0659.kml
Shortened Google Maps URL: http://j.mp/R8vXlW
Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/3cf1/c267/4c0e/777b/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120818-0659.kml
Ride Time: 6:03:19
Stopped Time: 56:06
Distance: 110.43 miles
Average: 18.24 mph
Fastest Speed: 48.95 mph
Ascent: 1091 feet
Calories: 5633

http://www.cyclemeter.com

Here we Go!!!

Wisconsin Specific Attire

Ham with cheese on right.

Let's Eat!

Lunchtime. Braeden is ordering a burger and fries at an Irish Pub. We had a great warmup ride this AM consisting of a ten mile jaunt that took us up to Granddad's bluff with a tremendous view of La Crosse and the river valley. The bikes are ready, and we are in great shape!

Look Who Joined Us In La Crosse!

Braeden and Jessica made a surprise trip to La Crosse, arriving late and really surprising Uncle John (pictured) and me!  We were overcome with joy that Braeden, our reason for being here, is going to have the chance to participate in the weekend's events!

We thought when we heard the knocking at the door that some of the revelers (this is a party town!) had wandered in off the streets and were making a ruckus in the hotel.  It was 12:30am, after all.  You can imagine our surprise then when we discovered it was our little man!!!

Packing the Bikes!

A and Braeden helped me pack up Uncle John's bike tonight.  You know it's getting close when the cycles go in the box!

I read that La Crosse riders have already raised nearly $800,000!  Thanks for your support.  Keep those donations coming in!