Sunday, June 29, 2008

BREAST CANCER RIDE JUNE 21 - 22, 2008

Team PearlJam

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To everyone who supported me in this ride, I could not have done it without you! Thank you so much.

I participated in Minnesota's inaugural two-day fundraising bike ride to nourish women and men living with breast cancer in our community; the first ever Breast Cancer Ride. Saturday, June 21 we started at the Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN with opening ceremonies and rode to Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Red Wing, MN.  Gordy (DaddyO) and I were among the first riders to hit the streets.  Kudos to Gretchen for mapping a fantastic route.  The sun was shinning and the weather was perfect for a bike ride.  I rolled into Treasure Island around 12 noon and DaddyO rolled in shortly afterwards.  I had Dave from Erik's bike shop take a look at my bike, I had a squeak for nearly the entire ride and it was driving me batty. Dave discovered my derailer was out of alignment and he made an adjustment and presto, no more squeak! I put my bike in the bike corral and headed off to lunch. Before eating lunch I was able to get a Thai massage that was out of this world.  After lunch I picked up my luggage and headed off to the hotel, I got checked in and took a quick shower then went for a walk and a visit to the marina.  Then back to the hotel for a little nap, I woke up shortly after 6 and headed off to dinner. After dinner I ran into an old friend of mine and we went out for a beer then off to the beach for a bonfire.

Sunday I met up with Amy from Specialized bikes and she hooked me up with a bike to test ride for the day.  I had never ridden a high end road bike before so let me tell you it was nice! Thank you Amy :) Sunday was full of hills and wind a stark contrast to Saturdays ride.  I learned that a headwind is better than a cross wind, but that little Specialized Ruby rode like a dream.  I think it will take a few days for me to get my riding legs back. We rolled into Normandale about 3 PM leaving me just enough time to return the Speacialized Ruby :( get my own bike and take advantage of a free chiropractic adjustment, that was nice :)  It was great to see everyone at the end of the ride, DaddyO and I attended closing ceremonies then headed on home.

I plan to do this ride again next year, it was one of the best, the crew was fantastic, the food was great (plenty of vegetarian choices) and I met a lot of people along the way.  

The money raised on this event will go to Open Arms of Minnesota. Open Arms is the only service provider in the Twin Cities that delivers nutritious meals to people living with chronic and progressive diseases.  Open Arms prepares it's own food, tailored to the nutrition needs of their clients. Best of all, there is no charge for any of Open Arms' services. Proceeds for the Breast Cancer Ride will not only support the current breast cancer program but will allow Open Arms to accept additional people dealing with breast cancer. If you would like more information about Open Arms please visit: www.openarmsmn.org or call 612 872 1152

Again thank you everyone for supporting me in this ride.

RiDE ON LiVE ON

karen 



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