Fear... It's a tough thing to overcome. Before this past fall, I hadn't been on a bike in over 10 years, probably. Going to Alaska this summer definitely seemed like it would be a challenge. At training camp, I got my feet wet. Got comfortable riding the bike a little, but I was definitely not secure or confident in any bicycling skills I may have. I was one of the last ones to get my bike this year, and I was definitely putting off riding it. I was always too busy or too tired or just not up to it. Yesterday, I realized these were all just excuses. I was actually scared to ride my bike! I was scared to clip in. I was scared of falling. I was scared of uneasy weather conditions. And, I was scared of getting hurt- scared of failing. Fortunately, my teammates were continuously talking about their rides and how amazing they felt after having ridden for a few hours. They kept pushing me to go with them and encouraging me. So, I finally decided to go out for a team ride (led by Arvin, who did a great job by the way). Well, it was definitely a ride! It started raining like crazy, I got stuck in the middle of a busy intersection, and I was really freaked out. But, I had my teammates with me, and through their example and encouragement I realized that I can bike, and I can overcome whatever feelings had been holding me back. Fear's a tough thing to overcome... I was afraid to ride a bike. I can only imagine how cancer patients must feel! So, once again I am reminded of why I must do this ride and why I must overcome my fears and push my boundaries. It is all in support for them, to let them know that we can do whatever we put our minds to, and that we do NOT have any limitations.

Although we did not have a ride dedication before that route, I would like to dedicate that ride- my most difficult and enduring so far- to my friend, Jonathan Luna. I have no doubt in my mind that he will overcome his battle with osteosarcoma, get up on his bike, and take on the world.