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!!!

Great 5s Alive!!!

Well, I just wanted to put a quick post in because I have a busy week but I really want to acknowledge some fantastic generosity. A big thanks to Sobeys in Grimsby. Another hot day but that didn't spoil the mood. I'd have to say the $5 bill were the vast majority of donations Saturday - wow. Everyone was really nice again. I got a few pats on the sweaty back too which is pretty amazing because I was really really wet!

Trish and Lawrence popped by for the last 1/2hr or so and it was nice to chat with them. I appreciated the support. Speaking of support, the patrons of Sobeys donated a total of $483.90 - my third highest total to date for a grocery store ride - sweet!!!

I also have to thank my good friend Iles.

Iles made contributed my largest single donation by an individual and donated a lot more than he promised!!! Iles' mom is battling cancer for a second time. I've told him I will be riding my final grocery store ride this Saturday in honour and support of his mom.

Thanks again to Iles and everyone who has help me give to a great cause!!! Your support means more than you can know.

I'm a lucky guy... :)

Back in gear...

Well, I took a mini-vacation but I'm back at it again. Rode this past Sunday with other Ride With Lance participants for a 66K+ group ride then BBQ. Chatted with a few and kept near the front. It was fun. I feel I'm ready physically for the day. Just a bit more financially to go. :)

Steven Cho (who I met on Sunday) is going to try riding like me in the front of a grocery store in Kitchener over the next few weeks. As for me, I'll be riding this Saturday in Grimsby at the Sobeys there! My friend Trish will pop by I'm sure - I'm looking forward to riding outta town...

A special thanks to Gerald F. who donated on-line after seeing my little ad on the Gravity Climbing Gym web site. That's pretty cool. I hope he and his daughter enjoy her birthday climb on Friday! Thanks Gerald!!!

Surprise On-line Donation Today!

First on-line donation in quite a loooooong time. I was pleasantly surprised to see the notification pop up in my email box. Thanks so much to Dan R. for making such a very generous donation. My goal amount is that much closer!!!

NOTE: If you the reader can think of anyone else you suspect might be willing to donate, please don't just sit there. Fire off an email and or better give that person a call... I bet if they do donate, you'll be glad you did! AND if you still haven't donated yourself, what are you waiting for THE RIDE IS A MONTH TODAY!!!!

Super Salon Nuvo Cut-for-a-cure Day!!!

Wow... The crew at Salon Nuvo were really really amazing! Beckie had organized a ton! The $20 haircuts & wash, raffle table, named bicycles in the window, M&M Meats BBQ and protein shakes by the neighbouring nutritional store!!!

People filtered in and out all day. I rode for the 4 hours and thanks to a breeze, it wasn't too bad. Scott B. was there for a few hours and a manager from Best Buy. I had $117.07 in donations which was pretty good considering all the other fundraising things going on.

Everyone was so nice. The team included Beckie, Lou & wife Chez, Amanda, Jessica and daughter Danya & Sherry. Oh and Scott and Stewart from M&Ms... There were other supporters - sorry if I missed someone.

3 local papers took photos and details for their stories. I hope Salon Nuvo gets a lot of promotion because from what I saw they give awesome haircuts - SERIOUSLY!!! :)

At the end of the day after the raffle draw they totalled the money raised. Get this, the salon raised almost $1750!!!!

I'm thrilled and I know they are too. I have $10K coming that's not in my official total so, my donations are over $19200 now...

$800 to go. WICKED!!!

Almost forget they made up special tees. As Scott from M&Ms said, unlike most of the tees he gets they "don't suck!" and he had cyclist wanted to buy them off him :)

Super Saturday for Jodie Schumacher!

What a day riding for Jodie Schumacher. Sarah made up some great sign pieces that were read by interested donors. Sarah also made it for the 4 hours with me - mind you the last hour was tough for yours truely. Thanks so much Sarah!!! Jared was kind enough to drive in from Toronto and hang for 3 of the hours and took the video and some photos I look forward to putting in next year's RWL book.

We were joined by a vivacious Katie then Jen & Wade (Thanks for the awesome donation you two!) who stayed for over an hour and half... easy. I got my first applause ever when I finished. I really appreciated it because I was hurting at the end.

People were generous throughout the day and despite starting in the shade, the majority of time was spent in the sun. Needless to say it was another hot and sweaty one.

It was nice having company. Jodie's mom joined us for a bit which was great! Sarah's parents also popped by and gave an exceeding generous donation!

All in all it was so nice to ride for Jodie. Sarah shared lots of great stories about her.

I think Jodie had a hand in keeping the rain away that started coming down hard just as we were packing up. Thanks Jodie!!! :)

Check out the video and see a glimpse of the day.

Sobey it..catching up.

I wanted to get the pics of the hour rides I did honour of donations. I'm going to try and get back one more time to Sobeys because they were so great!

First hour rode in memory of Dr. Geoffrey Evans for Mandy who made a generous donation on-line. A heart surgeon who knew Dr. Evans was a donour and we chatted a bit. The second hour was for Clifford Hinton. I worked with his daughter Libby. The last hour was in honour of John Spoltore. Scott B. donated very generously on his behalf. Thanks so much everyone!!

This ride took place on July 11th.

Was hot and muggy BUT I was in the shade. :)

By George he's coming!

Received notice today that George Hincapie (Lance's teammate for all 7 tours & current American Champion) will be attending the ride as well. This was apparently at Lance's request because he thinks the event is pretty cool. Nice...

I would imagine he'll make me feel short LOL...

Ride With Lance video...

First video explaining the ride and one of the high profile participants.

See it here.

Lance's worst day is my best... Wonder what it means?

Just a quick post.

Lance crashed 3 times at the Tour de France / I rode for 3 hours. Looks like Lance's chances for winning the tour are slim / I rode and collected $653.00 in donations my chances for riding on the 28th, pretty much guaranteed. Weird.

Thanks to Sobeys Ancaster!!! I'll be posting video & pics from the day in the next day or so... Rode for 3 different people. I was in the shade but pedalled harder than ever... :)

So So So Sobeys!!!!

Two Sobeys were up for me riding at their stores. One here in Ancaster this Sunday the 11th from 10am-1pm and another in Grimsby on the 14th of August from 12:30-3:30pm. My weekends are getting pretty booked up now. I'll still do a few more Fortinos but that'll be all I'll be able to squeeze in - awesome.

These 3 hour ride will sure prepare me for the ride on August 28th!

You watching the Tour de France? I am and it's so cool to watch Lance and Levi AND listening to Phil knowing I'll be riding and hanging with them!!! (Lance above after stage 6). Cool Livestrong commercial - Nike

Cool day for donations on a really HOT day!!!

Rode @ Ancaster Fortinos from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Pretty pretty hot and got a bit burnt despite sunscreen. Sweat a ton. Patrons were amazing and I guess felt for me. Had biggest day yet and raised $470.37! I was done at the 3 hour mark - one lady bought me a flavoured water near the end which I really really appreciated (so kind) ... :)

Rode for Bill Bailey all day and will post image or video later.

Did I mention it was hot!!! Thanks Ancaster!!!

Pretty busy week outside of HammerCancer but...

In case you haven't heard. I'll be riding on July 17th at the Fortinos on New St. in Burlington. Sarah and Jared will be there with new banners as we remember Jodie Schumacher who died of cancer on March 26th. Sarah & Jodie were great pals.

Jodie's dad Jim is pleased and thinks some patrons will know Jodie as she and Sarah grew up in the neighbourhood! I'll be dedicating all 4 hours - yes FOUR for this special occasion to Jodie as June 30th would have been 29th birthday !!! Please if you're in the neighbourhood drop by - we'd love to see you and would appreciate the support. Thanks to Store owner Charlie Alfano who didn't hesitate to let's us appear!!!

I also expect a sustantial donation this week for some coding work I've done over the last few weeks. I'm pretty happy to exchange web work for donations these days. :)

Haven't had any on-line donations in some time. If you've been on the fence, now's the time to show you support.

Have a great week everyone!!!

A bit of video and news...

Hey everyone! I was able to paste together some quick video from last weekend - despite being father's day et al!!! Video aspect ratio off a bit but should give you an idea of the two days and how much I'm sweating at these rides... :)

In hammercancer.com news: I've created the splash page for Barkwear. Check it out at the new site. More to come including photos of the some of the gear and lots more. I understand there is a Barkwear baseball team - that's incredible & cool!