Ride of the Century

BACK STORY Aloha! Your assistance is requested. Imagine this - you survived throat cancer three times, lost the use of your dominant arm, lost your voice to a whisper, take nothing by mouth(not even water) for twelve years, and must be on oxygen 24/7. And now you decide to do a 100 mile bike ride for cancer survivors. That's what I'm in training for now.

THE INSPIRATION I am excited about doing the Honolulu Century Ride September 28th. I'm inspired to do the Century Ride in honor of all cancer survivors, especially Malani Boy, who finished third one year.  I am doing something I'd thought I'd never do again - ride a bike. There are many things I will never do again so I'm always looking for ways for things I can do that are fun and will inspire others. Many things are possible after cancer. It is said that the best way to inspire others is to demonstrate what's possible. There is a wonder filled life to be lived after cancer. I know because I'm living it!

THE RIGHT STUFF Because I have use of one arm I'm not able to safely ride a standard two wheel bike. And then I discovered recumbent trikes, three wheel bikes that allow you to sit and pedal.  I can safely pedal and steer with one arm without worrying about falling. I also need to drink water and take supplements while riding. Having been tubefed for the last twelve years I can't drink like most folks. Not to worry - I found an IV pole used for a wheel chair and had it attached to my trike. Now I ride with water & electrolytes in a 1000ml bag with the tube attached to me. Whatever gets it done right? I've had the left gear shift and the left brake handle moved to the right side. Now I can brake and shift everything from the right side. I  use oxygen 24/7 so I take a portable concentrator in a basket on the back that lasts four hours at 3 liters. Because it is pulse only I'm going to try switching to a portable tank that will be constant. Hopefully it'll help me get up those darn hills! Thank God my legs are strong!

THE STAFF My weight trainer, Andrea, has agreed to help me train and do the ride on race day. As you can imagine it takes time for a regular person to get in proper shape. There are challenges for me for sure. We've been doing 20-25 mile rides regularly. And once a week we do core and arm work in the gym. She can be a task master but it's all good. I feel my body getting stronger.  Jay At Eki Cyclery has been great at adapting the trike to my special needs. He was very generous in not charging me labor for the initial changes.

THE NUMBERS I have three months until the Century Ride. During this time I have expenses for training, nutrition supplies, and bike expenses that amounts to $5,250. If you are inspired to support me doing the Century Ride in honor of cancer survivors everywhere, please contribute any amount that works for you. 

GRATEFULNESS I have a lot to be thankful for. I've been able to live a relatively good quality of life for the past thirty years after cancer. True a lot has been taken away. Truer still I have received so much from so many who make a difference in my life. Thank you for the gift of you. I invite you to join me at the finish line if you live in Honolulu on September 28th. In the meantime I'm doing YouTube and Facebook video updates every two weeks. On 9/28 we'll do live updates so you can track my progress. Now if you'll excuse me I have some hills to climb!