Where to even start...
Wow, what a season it has been. Each and every season I say, "It can't get any better than this." Yet, each time, it does. This is so bittersweet. I am so happy and excited for you all to go to Tahoe and complete your mission, but I really am sad to see the season come to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every moment with you all this season.
I admire you all for your dedication to the LLS/TNT, and its Mission to cure blood cancers. It's been truly remarkable to see how relentless you all really are. You all came out each and every week to the group rides, no matter what the weather was, and rode with conviction.
I admire you all for continuing to fundraise for those who are fighting their battle currently, or for those who were less fortunate and lost theirs. You all just keep fighting for them without ever looking back. You fight for our friends, our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and even our pets. You just keep going and won't quit until we find a cure, this has become completely evident to me. And, it is truly remarkable.
Most of us have been touched by Cancer in one way or another, and I have seen how much coming out and riding with the group means to you. I have seen how much the fundraising means to you as well. It is the one thing you CAN DO to make a difference, and know that you are. We have all shared our stories during the season, and it has brought us closer together, united as one. United to go out there and KICK CANCER'S ASS!
I can't thank you all enough for all that you do for the LLS, and for all Cancer patients and their families. I am honored to be one of your coaches, one of your friends, your mentor, and also a member of The Herd family. Once a member of The Herd, always a member.
You are all going to kick ass out in Lake Tahoe. I wish you all a bright and sunny day to ride in, and know that I will be thinking of you that day for sure. Take lots of photos along the way and send them to me when you get back. I can't wait to hear all about it when you return!
Also, remember when things get tough out there to think of those we ride for, they will give you the strength when you need it most.
All the best,
Coach Mel
GO TEAM!
MOOOOOOOO!
Here's some photos from our last group ride:
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| The Herd gathers together for a photo in front of the Sag Wag. Bike4Life, that's what we do! |
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Catherine, Aaron, and Dick.
Rest Stop 1. |
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Mentor Jillian with Coach Laura.
Rest Stop 1. |
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| Teammates Judy and Sarah. Nothing but smiles from these beautiful women! |
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| Sarah at the top of a Cat 5 hill climb. I'm pretty sure she dropped the F-bomb 3 or 4 times! Makes her coach proud! |
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| Judy at the top of her third Cat 5 climb. |
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| Mentor Dave and Coach Len at the top of the Cat 5. |
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| Virginia at the top of the Cat 5. |
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| The Herd rolls out for some more riding. |
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| Donna smiling at the top of the Cat 5, even after she took a little detour which made her do a little extra climbing. |
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Donna and Len. The rode most of the day together, and enjoyed every minute.
(Minus the aching backs and burning feet, of course.) |
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| Saratoga Monument. Rest Stop 2. |
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Teammate Olya smiles at the top of an unplanned climb.
We're Upstate NY/VT, "We Spit On Hills!" |
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More of The Herd barreling up the unplanned hill
with nothing but determination and smiles on their faces. |
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Mentor Andrea gives the thumbs up...
What a wonderful day for a bike ride! |
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A little refueling at the monument.
Last rest stop of the day. 20 miles to go. |
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Danny showing us his dance moves.
Where does this guy find the energy. |
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Catherine relaxing after the ride.
Moby decides to mimic Catherine, he does a pretty good job too. |
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| Donna and Danny after the ride. |
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Virginia releasing some tension from the 80 mile ride she just completed.
I swear to you, she is breathing here... |
