Getting Acquainted with my bike:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwrP0jvakmQ

So it's been a few weeks since my last post, but from the video you can see that I've actually physically received my new bike! If you haven't watched it yet, check it out--I'm not very bike savvy, but it'll do :).

Since then, I've been riding about 30-40 miles per week, definitely starting off slower but I'm sure it will pick up faster soon. The weather in Austin has been great, and I've been loving going out on afternoon rides with some of the team... getting some exercise in... and getting mentally and physically prepped for what's ahead.

This past week, Dr. Matt Harding, a oncological surgeon from MD Anderson and T4k board member, visited UT and shared some common and not so common facts about cancer. DID YOU KNOW that the current rate for malignant melanoma (one of the worst forms of skin cancer) is 1 in every 68 people? STILL MORE SHOCKING is that using tanning beds increases this risk 9-fold to 1 of every 7-8. We will definitely be applying generous amounts of suncreen this summer... and suddenly having a nice tan doesn't seem like such a priority.

In other news, out team is going on our first training camp this coming weekend to Fayetteville, Texas where we will be trained in the art of safe cycling. I'm excited and definitely a little nervous about our 40 mile rides this coming Saturday and Sunday. Nevertheless, I'm excited to meet our trainers, both of whom have been directly affected by cancer. I still don't think the magnitude and a full understanding of what our team is embarking on has hit me yet. I don't know when it will, or if it ever will. In the meantime, I have to keep reminding myself truly why I'm riding this summer... it's easy to get caught up on training and program planning and lose sight of the core meaning of it all. I thank God I have a team and leaders to constantly remind each other why we ride and serve.

Tonight I ride for one of my friend's mom who recently passed of pancreatic cancer. Mrs. Peggy Liaw, mother of Gene, Faye, Matthew, and Sharon Liaw, passed on February 1, 2009. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. (http://prayingformom.blogspot.com/)

Keep living strong folks. Life is fleeting and unpredictable; I encourage you all to make the most of it and spend your time well. Til next time.

-Eric