Andrea Cass
"I joined the TNT family in 2009 when I did my first Century - America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe. The most I had ever ridden before joining TNT was 38 miles on relatively flat road and by June of that year I had done 100 miles. I’ve done several Century rides since then with TNT and I just can’t seem to get enough.
I joined TNT because I have had many relatives die of various forms of cancer over the years and I was tired of just watching people I loved die around me. Through TNT I felt like I was able to do something and make a difference. In 2008 my coworker’s husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma, then my uncle died of a stroke, then my husband’s grandfather died of a brain hemorrhage, then my aunt died. When I finally thought the year was over and no more bad could happen my friend Bethany was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She was the one that first introduced me to TNT.
I joined TNT because I wanted to become a better cyclist and help find a cure for Cancer. What I didn’t expect was to meet so many inspiring and courageous people. I’ve met some great people and made some life long friends. I hope you will have as wonderful of an experience as I’ve had."
I joined TNT because I have had many relatives die of various forms of cancer over the years and I was tired of just watching people I loved die around me. Through TNT I felt like I was able to do something and make a difference. In 2008 my coworker’s husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma, then my uncle died of a stroke, then my husband’s grandfather died of a brain hemorrhage, then my aunt died. When I finally thought the year was over and no more bad could happen my friend Bethany was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She was the one that first introduced me to TNT.
I joined TNT because I wanted to become a better cyclist and help find a cure for Cancer. What I didn’t expect was to meet so many inspiring and courageous people. I’ve met some great people and made some life long friends. I hope you will have as wonderful of an experience as I’ve had."
"I am Amy Koren-Roth and work for the NYS DOH, as a public health nutritionist. I have a daughter in college and a 16 year old son. My husband, Yossi, and I trained, raised funds and completed the Lake Tahoe Century Ride and the Lake George Peak Season Century Ride in 2010. We worried about raising $9,800, and we ended up raising $12,000 for the cause!
My experience with the TNT 2010 season was amazing. The Team is a great group and provides wonderful support to meet your personal goals. I hope to help you have a similar experience."
"I got involved with Team in Training in 2006, when I did the Lake Placid Half Marathon in honor of a friend who was battling Hodgkin Lymphoma, and in memory of my stepdad, who had recently passed away after surviving non-Hodgkin Lymphoma for 17 years after his initial diagnosis.
I thought I'd just do the one event, but I really loved the program, so my friend Jane, who did Placid with me, and I started talking about doing another event together. But Jane was diagnosed with another form of cancer the following Spring, which took her life in a stunningly short time. I ran the Adirondack Half Marathon in her memory in 2007. I continue to be inspired by her, as well by other friends and loved ones, and I've kept going with TNT ever since, completing a triathlon in 2009 and my first century ride, Lake Tahoe, in June 2010. I became a mentor in 2009, with five great ladies in the Freihofer's Run for Women, and now I'm a cycling mentor. We've got a great team, and I'm honored to be part of this group."
Dave Kramer
"When my son first suggested in the fall of 2008 that I ride 100 miles around Lake Tahoe for TNT I laughed. I was turning 60 and was a casual bike rider, not exactly in shape for that type of ride. But, the fact that my wife and I are both cancer survivors and the thought of having the chance to take on this challenge with both of my sons made me say yes. Then at Christmas, I found a new bike under the tree (actually a gift certificate), and I began to wonder how am I ever going to get back in shape for a 100 mile ride.
Well, shortly afterward the famous TNT training started (spin bikes followed by ride after longer ride on the road). And before I knew it, Mike, Derek, and I were finishing the ride around Lake Tahoe. But long before we were done with the ride I realized Mike was right, TNT was a great experience- one that included new adventures, new friends, and new opportunities to help in the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. Now, in 2011, I’m still riding- in part to continue that experience and also to share my time doing all the things I enjoy and that are important me. In addition to spending time as a cycling mentor, I enjoy time with our family and friends, traveling, and flying our hot air balloon.
When I started my ride around Lake Tahoe in June 2009, I rode in tribute to 6 family members and friends. Since that time, two have lost their battle and another continues the hard fight. It is my frequent reminder that we need to ride until we find a cure for cancer.
"When my son first suggested in the fall of 2008 that I ride 100 miles around Lake Tahoe for TNT I laughed. I was turning 60 and was a casual bike rider, not exactly in shape for that type of ride. But, the fact that my wife and I are both cancer survivors and the thought of having the chance to take on this challenge with both of my sons made me say yes. Then at Christmas, I found a new bike under the tree (actually a gift certificate), and I began to wonder how am I ever going to get back in shape for a 100 mile ride.
Well, shortly afterward the famous TNT training started (spin bikes followed by ride after longer ride on the road). And before I knew it, Mike, Derek, and I were finishing the ride around Lake Tahoe. But long before we were done with the ride I realized Mike was right, TNT was a great experience- one that included new adventures, new friends, and new opportunities to help in the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. Now, in 2011, I’m still riding- in part to continue that experience and also to share my time doing all the things I enjoy and that are important me. In addition to spending time as a cycling mentor, I enjoy time with our family and friends, traveling, and flying our hot air balloon.
When I started my ride around Lake Tahoe in June 2009, I rode in tribute to 6 family members and friends. Since that time, two have lost their battle and another continues the hard fight. It is my frequent reminder that we need to ride until we find a cure for cancer.
Aaron Cass - TNT Bike Mechanic
Hi, I'm Aaron Cass. I teach Computer Science at Union College and live in Schenectady with my wife Andrea. I've been riding for a while now, riding a road bike off and on (mostly off) for 10-12 years or so. I thought I was pretty serious about cycling until Andrea joined TNT in 2009. I rode with the TNT "herd" as Andrea trained for her first Tahoe century, and quickly found that we were riding a whole lot more than we ever rode before (probably rode more that year than all of the previous 10 years combined). It was such fun watching her ride around Lake Tahoe, that I had to get in on it.
Hi, I'm Aaron Cass. I teach Computer Science at Union College and live in Schenectady with my wife Andrea. I've been riding for a while now, riding a road bike off and on (mostly off) for 10-12 years or so. I thought I was pretty serious about cycling until Andrea joined TNT in 2009. I rode with the TNT "herd" as Andrea trained for her first Tahoe century, and quickly found that we were riding a whole lot more than we ever rode before (probably rode more that year than all of the previous 10 years combined). It was such fun watching her ride around Lake Tahoe, that I had to get in on it.
So, in 2010, we both signed up to ride it together and we've ridden 4 other centuries together now. The training is as much fun as the actual rides -- the TNT herd is such a fun, supportive group and the riding around here is pretty and fun (and challenging!). Not too far from our home are some great cycling hills in the Glenville and Rotterdam areas. If you come that way, you will probably see me out in the evenings when the days are long enough. And when the days are not long enough, I'll be slogging away on the trainer, or enjoying tinkering on our bikes.
Brian Ferdinand
(Triple Crown Recipient)
(Triple Crown Recipient)
"I did my first Team in Training event back in 1998 - the Mohawk-Hudson Marathon. Since then, I have gone on to do other marathons with Team in Training (TNT). I have made life-long friends while raising money for an incredible cause in memory of two amazing people.
In 2010, a TNT mentor and great friend of mine "suckered" me into signing up for a triathlon - the Mooseman 1/2 Ironman triathlon. So, I bought my first road bicycle since my huffy 10-speed from junior high school on New Years Eve 2010. It turns out this would be another life changing experience - a watershed moment if you will.
Since then, I have done several triathlons, including the Lake Placid Ironman, and some Century Rides just to keep me honest. I am what TNT calls a 'triple crown' athlete. This just means I've done at least one TNT event with the running team, the cycling team and the tri team. I finished my Triple Crown with America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe in 2011. There is a growing number of triple crowners, but we will have to work hard to catch someone like Laura DiRado (El Dirado), with TWO triple crown awards and working on her third!
I continue to train with all three teams as I get ready, in classic Ferdi fashion, for another Ironman.
Everyone participates in TNT for their own personal reasons. Everyone has a story to share. For those new to TNT, welcome! It is truly a life changing experience in so many ways. For the veterans, sign up again - we have a long way to go to win this fight, and others count on us.”
Hello, my name is Matt and I joined Team in Training (TNT) in late 2010 to do the Peak Season Century Ride with my former colleague Len Putnick. I have been running and coaching most of my adult life, and switched over to cycling within the past 10 years.
I joined TNT to make a difference in Blood Cancers. During a 24-month period, I had lost two close friends to Blood Cancers, and another family friend was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Cancer does not discriminate and my personal experience has moved me to do something about it, and to help make a difference.
Len had me join him for a few rides with TNT during the summer of 2010. I was hooked immediately. I had the chance to make a difference and take on a new challenge. The part that kept me up at night was the fundraising commitment. I am volunteering to be a mentor to help others who may feel the urge to participate, but are concerned about the fundraising and training commitment. We are all busy with the demands of life, but my experience with TNT has shown me it is possible to participate, be successful, and enjoy it. It is easily one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and others. The experience with TNT is incredible and I look forward to working together.
