Not finished...

I've let my flip camera out at work. So, no video just yet - I have to still make arrangements for riding a couple of times. Busy catching up and at home but, I assure you - more to come!!!

I haven't ridden my bike since the ride. Everyone needs a break. :)

I will ride a few more times this fall... BECAUSE...

The proceeds I raise on my rides will go directly to Sara's Family. Sara?

Here's her story:

"On July 12th, 2010, 3-year old Sara Forwell had a lump surgically removed from her forearm. Three days later, her parents, Amy & Derrick received some devastating news that the lump removed was a cancerous tumor. 

Sara has been diagnosed with a rare kind of cancer, “Rhabdomysarcoma”. this type of cancer is in fact very rare and they only see about 4 cases in Ontario every year. It is agressive and therefore her treatments will be long and intense.

Sara underwent many different tests (CT scan, bone scan, bone marrow test and MRI) to determine if the cancer had spread.

Once all these tests were completed the Forwells were happy and relieved to learn the cancer had not spread. But Sara still needed to have a lymph node biopsy done (just to ensure nothing was found there) .


The intense plan for Sara includes 42 weeks of Chemotherapy, 4-6 weeks of Radiation, as well as another surgery on her arm to scrape the area where her original tumour was removed.


On August 18th, 2010 the Forwell family received the results from Sara's lymph node biopsy. They were very saddened to find out that there were a very small amount of cancer cells found in a couple of her nodes. Because of these findings Sara now requires radiation on her lymph nodes under the arm in addition to the area on her forearm where the tumour was removed. This will likely cause obvious problems with growth and development to her right arm but the Forwell family is hopeful that with this radiation the cancer will not reoccur, - as this is a big concern for her Drs right now.

Thus far Sara has done very well with her chemo treatments, she is very happy, active and energectic and hopefully this is an indication of what the months ahead will be like. She is a remarkable and resillient little girl.

The Forwell family is remaining unbelievably strong and trying to provide as normal and as a routine life possible for Sara and their one year old son, Zackery. Because they have no benefits through either employer Derrick and Amy are continuing to work ( Derrick in construction, Amy 911 operater) to support their family financially. Once the daily treatments start for Sara they will not be able to continue working as much as they are now. With the support of family friends, and a tight knit community the Forwell family will get through this.

Starting Monday September 6, 2010 The Forwells and Sara will be travelling back and forth daily to Sick Kids for the next 5 weeks for her chemo and/or radiation.

Please keep Sara and her family in your prayers."

So, there you have it. Please join me in making Sara & her family's fight a little less overwhelming! Email me and we figure out how to get your donation into their hands.

The seat stays with Lance...

Here is the pre-ride Flip video I captured. I'm figuring out Final Cut Pro and Flip software. The result is better video.

Lance auctioned off the bike he rode on the day. Only, he told us "everything but the seat". Find out why the seat stays with him. :)

RWL Pre-Ride... 1.

Woke up to a beautiful day. Showered & shaved. Grabbed a bit to eat.

Steve got up later because apparently he was up until 2am writing the script to the video I had finished (stressfully) at 4pm the day before. He rushed around & took off somewhere, asking I look after the dogs. Greg Fess arrived and we chatted for a bit until Steve was ready.

We headed to the start - I jumped in with Greg. We parked on the road outside the big home and were greeted by police officers in what appeared to be swat outfits - cool!

I walked in - checked in my spare tube with Ziggy's bike guys.

Met Joe Dutton the head RWL guy. The plan was Steve and I were going to go over the script/video with Phil before the ride in the house.

I walked around again, the trailers, pool and house to kill time. Ate. Steve Bauer was eating breakfast and reading the paper in the house and Zolton & Mark Higgins (Higs) were organizing Lance's stuff. He was upstairs - no sign of him ever though. My MacBook was in this big room that all the pictures and things requiring Lance's signature were to be stored. I photographed his bike without wheels. Met Liz the photographer!

Then George arrived on his bike and entered the front of the house. He walked by and man he has way more veins on his one leg than I do!!! He put his gear down and went upstairs.

Well, next I heard time was running out and Phil wouldn't be working with us until after the ride. Joe told me I better get my gear on which I did.

I started mingling and was happy to see Mike and Wendy arrived!! Next I saw Jamie who has been a big inspiration and who had drove in from Lyndsay. I introduced him to Carrie and they chatted. Got Greg to shoot a few group shots for me and then there was a big informal group shot (kinda like after the Stanley Cup).

10:00am approached and Phil announced over a mic that the riders should gather round!

(PS... my daughter has the memory card with my pictures on from pre-ride - will post when she returns it)

Will try to get a full report in very soon!

First off, THANK YOU!!! I had an awesome day that I'll never forget. It wouldn't have been possible though without the support (financially & emotionally) of you.

Friday night's Polka Dot dinner brought home what it was all about. Lance & Phil answered questions in a room that included POGO doctors and nurses. It was great.

I'm not sure on the numbers of dollars raised in all but I think it'll be pretty good from what I could tell.

The morning's ride started off in remarkable fashion. Lance flatted. The chain reaction in the peloton caused Carrie (the young lady I've been helping raise funds) to crash dramatically. She landed on her head and had to replace her jersey and helmet at the next stop but she didn't stop... well more about that and the day later.

I'm still absorbing the events of the day. Talk to you soon... :D

Quick Post - things are humming here at Hammer Cancer Central!.

On Saturday I rode for 3:10 minutes at Sobeys in Ancaster (10th one). Was a great day and will post more later. Lots happened!!! A lady and daughter recognized Peter G.'s name offered by Jason. I got a few pats on the sweaty back. Someone bought me water. Another lady brought me a Powerbar and orange juice, "From one cyclist to another". A lady removed her hat to donate and told me I was "riding for her" - she's in chemo right now. My family showed up for a bit... and more.

I'm kinda sad the fundraising is over. I'm was going to miss it. I really really really enjoyed it. Each one gave me a sense of accomplishment.

I say "was" because after speaking with Jan (her suggestion), I've decided I'm going to continue to do the odd ride now and again. Why not? I have the sign, the bike, the table and box but more importantly the ability to keep helping out!

I remain a lucky guy. :)

PS Because I've surpassed my goal, I took the $652.46 I raised on Saturday and donated it to Carrie Grinter. Carrie has been struggling to meet the $20K despite her best efforts. So, I've been trying to encourage her for the last week or so and helped her get over the $10K hurdle. She's working hard and I hope she makes it with her final push...

That's Jason smiling & rocking the mountains!!!

Wow... I've been pretty speechless today. Why?

Well, a good running buddy and friend went well beyond the call of duty and made a donation that really humbled me. Jason is an awesome guy and his generosity today was simply amazing. Of course being Jason, he just down played it... I don't know what to say other than THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Jason is a star and not because he wears on. He says he could use some good karma. I think he's earned it and I hope everyone reading this sends him good vibes as well. SERIOUSLY

You rock dude!!!

Jason asked that I ride for Peter Galligan. A sweet father of a friend who lost his battle with cancer.

So tomorrow I'll ride my last ride for Vera Guran and Peter Galligan. It will be a honour!!!