One month to go

Here we are, in August. The bike has found the trail often and it has been fun. We now have 23 sponsors, with donations over $4400.

Although still early into the challenge, there are over 11k people in total joining this movement to ride. And again, still early with donations, we find my name 4th in the nation, 2nd in the state and 1st in the 66-75 age group. Thanks to you!

As you know, in the past few years, riding along with me were three longtime friends, all born in 1953 like me, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020, Tim C. in 2021, and then Tim G. in 2023. This year, I will share some background on Tim G.

Tim and I met in fourth grade when we moved to Mt. Prospect in 1963. Tim’s family lived 2 blocks away from us on the same street. Over those grade school years, we did so much together outside the classroom too - altar boys, Little League, park district football, swimming pools, all sports at our local park, and the list goes on with us being kids. Tim and I continued in organized summer baseball leagues through the end of high school. We also played golf throughout all those years. One of my other grade school classmates was Karen H. Tim and Karen got married in 1979, so we have been friends all this time.

Although we attended St. Viator High School together, our college choices took us to different locations. After that, we would have occasional connections but nothing on a regular basis.

In the early 1990s, Tim called me and asked about Cary, as they were thinking about buying a house in the village we lived in. Karen and Tim did move to Cary and lived in a house 2 blocks away from us – sound familiar. Over the years Tim lived in Cary, we returned to doing many of things we did as kids – playing on a softball team, golfing on Saturday mornings, going on golf trips, seeing each other at church, gathering to have meals together and more. So blessed that the stars aligned for this to happen.

Karen and Tim moved to North Carolina in 2000, with a relocation for his job. We stayed connected over the phone and in person for all these years.

During 2023, Tim had not been feeling well. After a short but brave battle with cancer, Tim passed away in August. I miss my friend Tim as many others do. I was blessed to have our paths cross.

Death and passing away? Yes, it is going to happen to all. Is it hard losing someone you love or care about? Sure, it is. We each process in our own way, the good times, and the rougher times. Understand what works for you. Onward!

Thanks for being on my team!

July and the heat are here .......

...... and I am back for my monthly update.

In the last month, 3 more sponsors joined our team. We now have 21 sponsors for a total of over $4300. Amazing! And the beat goes on……

Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) is a national leader dedicated to ending childhood cancer. Their main focus is to fuel transformational research to bring better treatments and cures to children with cancer.

I wanted to take some time here to give more background on how we got here.

Children’s Cancer Research Fund began with a single act of generosity. In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck (picture included) donated her bike savings to a small fund at the University of Minnesota before losing her life to leukemia. That gift launched what is now CCRF – a national leader that has invested more than $235 million in research, education, and quality-of-life programs for children with cancer.

Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike – so now, we ride for her. Through the Great Cycle Challenge, thousands of riders across all 50 states are pedaling toward Katie’s dream of a world without childhood cancer. Since 2015, our community has ridden nearly 37 million miles and raised more than $80 million to support research for better treatments and to carry Katie’s legacy forward.

Hello Summer!

As the temperatures start to rise, we are looking forward to a rise in our bikes finding the trails in June.

From beginning this year's challenge in early May, we are now showing 18 donors, with contributions approaching $3700. Thanks!

Want to help raise awareness, resources and prayers? Feel free to share our information with your family and friends, through talk, text, email, social media.

Get out and enjoy this time of the year.

“The most beautiful things in life are not just things. They are people and places, memories and pictures. They are feelings and moments and smiles and laughter.”

Hello May

As we go forward, I will send along updates at the beginning of each month until September. In September as rides transition from training into official, I will send weekly updates.

About the Challenge

The Great Cycle Challenge, benefiting Children's Cancer Research Fund, started in 2015, and after 11 years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in the United States.

People of all ages, abilities and from every state across the country set themselves a personal riding goal and challenge themselves to pedal to fight kids’ cancer. This year the challenge will again take place throughout the month of September.

In 11 years, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden over 37 million miles, and together we’ve raised over $80 million in support of research to develop better treatments and find a cure for childhood cancer.

Enjoy your spring! And keep moving.