The 2008 Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG Challenge ride in Austin a huge success

Having recovered from the ankle injury I sustained this summer, I was able to ride in the 2008 Lance Armstrong LiveStrong Challenge ride recently here in Austin.  Over 4,000 riders assembled in near darkness at Dripping Springs High School, and set out amidst a festive array of supporters on rides up to 95 miles long.  I was blessed by having family members greet me later at the finish line, but not before enjoying some of the amazing countryside along the way.  Everywhere we went, people were cheering alongside the road, shaking cowbells in support of our efforts to raise money to fight cancer for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and we were even welcomed in several places en route by marching bands, Hill Country musicians, and even a few signs of “road kill” to make the ride all that more interesting!

All told, riders raised approximately $4 million for this single day of cycling, and Lance Armstrong not only welcomed us at the start, but rode the course and beat us all to the finish!

It was my first organized ride ever, and I was thankful to complete the course given the uncertainty of whether or not my ankle would prevail…but it did.  I especially want to thank Dr. Tim Gueramy and Dr. Tina Parker, my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist, respectively, for their excellent guidance and supervision while I got back in shape.  I owe them a HUGE dept of gratitude, along with the countless friends and supporters who helped me raise nearly $3500 to fight this deadly disease.

I look forward to riding in many more worthy rides like this, and to the 2009 LiveStrong Challenge!