This September, I am doing my 5th year of the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!

At first I said I'd hit 1000mi this year. I really felt the timing was good for it but a few health concerns popped up that prevented me from doing any riding much more than my daily bike commute. So not 1000... but I'm at about 80-90% so I figured, let's still make this a true challenge and aim for my highest ever September tally at 847mi (1 mile more than my previous best) ...this IS the Great Cycle CHALLENGE after all!

This will be the first year to have my wife and daughter along with me for more than just a few miles. The bike trailer will be tough on the hills but the passenger will do wonders for a racing heart so I can only foresee a better fight when the legs get weary. My daughter's loved time spent in her bike trailer and has (as of today!) even said she wants a bike of her own. That will be another monumental year when the time comes but for now, it will of course be my wife pedaling along with me.

This will also be the year to especially remember a mentor, during pediatrics residency and beyond, a pediatric oncologist who lost her own battle with cancer earlier this year. Let every mile be a prayer for Doc Bea and all the patients she has cared for through the years. Salamat. Padayon.

What hasn't changes is my goal - to raise at least a dollar for every mile I ride. Every year, through the generosity of family and friends, and even the occasional anonymous donor, I've somehow been graced to always exceed this goal. I am confident we'll rise up to this challenge as well.

Your support will change lives. More (s)miles ahead!