I Kicked Cancer's Butt

As hard as it is to fathom, the 2012 Ride From Reno is over.  Done.  Complete.  Finished.  And I’m ready to do it all again.  Not only is the cause this ride supports one of the most meaningful that can be undertaken, but the people I rode with have become, if they weren’t already, lifelong friends.  In fact, I’d do anything for this amazing group of friends. 

When people learn I spend a week riding a bicycle 667-miles from Reno, Nevada, to the steps of Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City they’re generally a little suspicious of me.  After all, what whole and sane person would attempt such a ridiculous thing?  To make matters even more questionable, who in their right mind would do it 11 times.  To put it into context, factoring in drive time, driving distance, ride time, riding distance, prep time in Reno, etc., I’ve invested 88 vacation days, at least 14,000 miles on my cars, and 7,337 miles on my bike, just doing this ride over the years.  Total out-of-pocket expense over the past 11-years = >$50,000.  And I can’t wait to do it again in 2013. 

When we did that first Ride From Reno in 2002, it was me on the bike and Janet and Josh driving support.  We raised ~$7,000 in that first year.  To be crystal clear, it’s never been about the bike ride; it’s always been about the money!  How much could we raise for the mission of HCI to “understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care?” 

Since I first walked into HCI in January of 2001 I’ve been in awe of the place.  It is an island of hope and tranquillity in a world turned upside down for those enduring cancer.  When your doctor first uses those subdued tones to tell you, “I’m sorry to have to tell you, you have cancer,” you don’t know what to think.  Your mind goes into slow motion and you feel as though you’re in a dense fog.  Nothing seems real, yet you know you’re awake and not dreaming.  You instinctively think about all the people you’ve heard of who have died of cancer and wonder how long you have to live?  My diagnosis was for Stage IV squamous cell and I felt all the things I just described.  Yet, once I walked into Huntsman Cancer Institute and began treatment with Dr. Gordon Watson, I somehow knew there was hope and I was going to be OK.  In spite of the statistics which were, unbelievably, a 0 to 25% chance of surviving 5-years.  And that’s what HCI is all about . . . hope.  And why it’s so easy to become engaged in raising funds to help others who will go through what I went through.  And what others on this year’s ride are going through now. 

You see, some of those who rode from Reno this year are in the midst of battling cancer themselves.  I know it’s hard to believe but, some of those who were able to average 127-miles each day during this year’s Ride From Reno are going through their own internal battles with cancer.  And others who were with us have already beaten this damnable disease into submission.  I hope that knowledge gives you a little insight into the caliber of people I was blessed to spend the week with. 

The 2012 Ride From Reno was an experience I’ll never forget.  I rode with some of the finest people on earth.  I have been honored to ride from Reno this year with Jason Bleak, Ravell Call, Todd Handy, Steve Kelly, Larry Peterson, Joe Plater, Zo Roundy, Dan Sellers, Darcie Strong, and Scott Westfall, and to call each of them friends.  They are the kind of people for whom honor and integrity are a way of life.  Friends in every respect . . . . the kind of friendships that last forever.  Each of our riders had support drivers along the way:  my Dad; Holly Kelly; Denise Martinsen; Marian Sellers; Kelly Roundy (along with Alisa and Max); Chandler Bleak; Sarah Westfall; and, JoAnn Handy.  Those of us who rode from Reno couldn’t have done it without our wonderful support crews; they were our cheerleaders, our protectors, and our lifelines.  Also people of honor and integrity and people with whom I’ve forged lifelong friendships. 

On Saturday, June 16th, we were joined in Delta, Utah, by >100 additional riders and by the time we arrived at Huntsman Cancer Institute our numbers had swollen to ~275.  What started 11-years ago as this little Ride From Reno has, through the commitment and passion of many others,  grown into a major event raising money to battle this &%@#$^* disease and, once and for all, drive a stake through it’s dark, miserable, unfeeling heart. 

This year we raised >$140,000 for cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute . . . . a 167% increase over what we raised in 2011!  With the support of Miche Bag, Harland Clarke, Bountiful Mazda, D. Dahle Mazda, The New Car Dealers of Utah, Epic Brewing, KSL TV, Nate Wade Subaru, School of Rock, Smiles for Life, DNA Cycling, Johnny Kolache’s, Reason2Ride, Utah Pork Producers, Macy’s, Bountiful Bike, and many, many other wonderful supporters we’ve made a difference in the battle against cancer.  It is my hope and expectation the we will raise ~$300,000 in 2013 and have ~500 riders participate.  We’re doing our part in fighting cancer and, together, we do make a difference. 

Until 2013. 

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. 

With much love, 

Jeff, Janet, and Josh

Huntsman 140 – Saturday 16 June – was a great day!!!

I am having difficulty importing pictures – I am sure it is operator error – so you can see the pictures at skzimmer.blogspot.com. I don’t get a penny for you going there so don’t think I am redirecting you for money – if I could do that it would go to Huntsman anyway. I am redirecting so you can see the pictures if you want.

I told Jeff on Saturday how proud I am of him. He has shown that one man really can impact our society. His Ride to Reno eleven years ago has morphed to be truly remarkable on many levels; money raised, awareness gained, lives affected – truly remarkable. We are honored that he allows Holly and I to tag along on the Reno trips and the H140. Living in Utah we are displaced from our “real” families so the week we spend with our fellow riders and supporters is as close to spending time with family as we can experience. You all have welcomed us, protected us, shared with us and gifted to us an experience we treasure forever. Thank you Jeff, Janet and Josh for beginning a tradition that has grown to include so many of us – we are better for it.
Our best wishes,

Steve and Holly

Well, it’s time to post my last post on the Ride From Reno/Huntsman 140, and go back to real life- family (which I missed), work (which I didn’t miss, but which I love and need to get back to), and all the other things in my life that stood still and patiently awaited me to spend a week on my bike focusing on riding, cancer, renewing and building friendships, etc.

Let me start by saying- my family is the VERY best!  Not only did Lisa support me in doing this, she stayed home, took care of the house and the kids, and sent our oldest daughter off to Taiwan for a month, but she was there at the finish line waiting when we arrived.  Thanks Lisa- I love you more than I can say!

Thanks to Caitlin and Kira and Kodi- my three wonderful daughters, all of whom at one time or another during the week e-mailed, texted, or phoned with me.  I love you all, and am so glad to have you as my daughters and in my corner.

And, finally, thanks to my dear Mother.  She and I share a special bond given the unique nature of our family (single mother, only child)- and I was reminded this week why I love her so much.  She’s so caring, so giving, and so willing to help others.  As Denise said in one of her posts on Jeff Warrren’s Ride From Reno Blog- my Mom came for me, but ended up supporting, loving and caring for 11 riders.  She’s gone back home today, but I want to remind her how much fun I had, how great it was to have her there, and how I’ve probably not spent that much 1:1 time with her since before I graduated, served a mission and got married.  I love you Mom!

So, now to wrap this all up.

Friday- rest day.  NICE to relax.  Massage by Margaret- AWESOME!  Lunch at the diner- TASTY!  Dinner with friends- PRICELESS!  Oh, and the idea that I should run 6 miles to give my legs somewhat different of a workout, in the heat, with the wind, and uphill- bad idea!  So, I only did 3 miles- but that’s OK!

Saturday- this was the 5th time I’ve done what’s become the “Huntsman 140″. Maybe 6th.  My first 2 (or 3) were just as part of the Bountiful Mazda Club.  The last three have been as part of the Huntsman 140, and the last two years I’ve been blessed to be part of the planning committee.  A perfect time for me to say that Lori Kun, Jen Murano and Brooke Hathaway of Huntsman Cancer Foundation are each three WONDERFUL ladies- but three friends whom I cherish.  Not only do they care about ALL cancer patients, and survivors, but they’ve shown me how much they care about this cancer patient and survivor.  THANKS LADIES!

My thanks also to my friends from the Bountiful Mazda Cycling club.  It was so good to see so many there, and to ride with you all.  I’m grateful to have all of you as friends, and to have ridden so many miles with you over the years.

The day was good, we got to lunch (mile 101) with a 19.8 MPH average speed, which is way good normally, but on top of four prior hard days of riding, downright awesome!

Support along the way was well needed- and very appreciated.

Finally, as we approached Huntsman, with Echo along with her new bike, as always my emotions took over.  But, for the last three years, it’s been more personal.  It’s not just been “I’m here supporting my club and my friend(s)”, it’s become “I love the facility, the staff, and everyone associated with Huntsman, as they’ve most likely saved my life, and are probably extending it!”  Cancer sucks, no doubt about it.  But, these folks are there for us- and they’re the best in the world.  I’m proud to say that they care for me, and I’m open enough to say I rely on and trust them immensely.  To Dr. Martha Glenn, who cares for me every 6 months- THANKS!  Lisa and I hang on your every word, and trust you implicitly.  To Dr. Million, who oversaw my radiation, and then went on to another facility- THANK YOU, and good luck!

So, as I close the book on this year’s Ride From Reno, and Huntsman 140, know that I now begin my fundraising in earnest (tied to my LOTOJA race in September), and that right now my plan is to do the ENTIRE RFR next year, as well.

Todd

There are times when you wish time would stand still (like the moment BEFORE you heard the words “sorry, you have _____ cancer”) or when you are at the finish line at the Huntsman Cancer Institute after 140 miles on the bike and surrounded buy friends and family. The top of Sacramento pass is an emotional time shared only with riders and support crew, but at the Huntsman the emotion is shared with the world. This ride has brought many great memories and new friendships made and old ones further solidified. (You have to do the ride to truly know the full impact of those last two sentences.) It was a good day on the bike made even better by all those who joined in either in a support/planning role or to put foot to peddle on the road. Surpassing our goals in terms of both the number of riders and the donations to cancer research means this event is changing lives! It is wonderful when one can look back and say “I was part of that.” I even got a little full of myself when people kept coming up to me to get a photo, that is until I realized it really wasn’t me but “Toad” the Huntsman bear that was mounted on my helmet and road there the last three days they wanted to photograph.

Thanks to Jeff and his vision, to those who peddle all the miles, to all our support people both on the road and at home, to the Huntsman and their staff and all those who have helped see the vision start to take place because I believe this is just the start. This will become a premier cycling event in Utah – watch us grow sounds like a good motto. Or maybe it should be what I found in the fortune cookie I had save to open Saturday morning, “There is no distance too far.”

Anyway the reality of what people with cancer face came crashing down on me Friday when I got a call from a Dr. at the Huntsman wanting to know when he could schedule my surgery. Next year I will be wearing a Survivors shirt and back here on my bike helping to carry out Jeff’s vision. Plan now to be there with me.

Yesterday we all enjoyed a very much needed and relaxing rest day in Delta.  We cleaned our bikes, hung out at the pool and  in general had a great day.  Early in the day I saw Jeff and his family chatting outside one of the rooms, leaning against some brick pillars at the hotel.  I asked Jeff what he was going to do that day, and he said “I’m already doing it.”  A good friend and fellow Bountiful Mazda team member, Margaret Douglass, is also a massage therapist.  She traveled to Delta on Friday to do massages for some of us and everyone emerged from their massage with a slightly glazed over look.  VERY relaxing and helpful on sore muscles.  A HUGE thank you to the owner of the Dessert First bakery, who made cupcakes specially for us!!  If you ever in Delta and want an amazing cupcake, go there.  Right on main street a few blocks east of the car dealership.  We gathered in the courtyard at the hotel and chatted, as more of our friends  showed up in preparation for the final day of the ride.  As I started my evening ritual of preparing for the ride the day ahead, I had mixed emotions.  While I was excited to see the friends who were joining us, I knew that the dynamic of our ride would be very different.  I have been living with the 10 other riders and their families along for support for the last week, and in a very short amount of time we all became very close.  Lots of miles on the road and in the car lent themselves to long conversations and we were all so invested in each other’s success that very shortly into the ride, all the support drivers were assisting all the riders – and on the road all the riders were looking out for each other all the time.

After a minor issue involving a HUGE spider in my hotel room this morning, I was on my way to the car dealership for the ride start – half looking very much forward to rolling up to the doors of Huntsman and half not wanting the journey to end.  Most of our support drivers went ahead today, because the ride was fully supported.  I definitely missed having them with us on the road today – although the Hunstman 140 crew took great care of us.

The big group got split up on the hills coming into Eureka, and I spent a lot of time alone (thank you for the motor pace, Holly!) – probably the most amount of time I had spent alone on the road all week.  This was a really tough part of the ride for me – it was windy and hot it seemed like I was never going to get to Eureka.  Finally the road curved to the right and I knew Eureka was just around the corner.  I will let you all in on a little secret!  If you are wearing sunglasses, no one can tell if you are crying!  Nor why you are crying  So many emotions of the morning combined with feeling beat up by the wind got the best of me.  Fortunately, I had my trusty sunglasses!  haha.  I headed down the hill solo and waited for the group at the bottom of the hill.  A few minutes later they came down the hill and I met up once again with lots of the Reno riders and a few familiar faces from the Bountiful Mazda club as well.  We made our way up the west side of the lake and into Saratoga for lunch, where we were greeted by lots of the other H140 riders who had started at Hunstman.  The pains of the day seemed to fade as I heard so many people cheering and encouraging us!

Just like last year, the UT Pork Producers provided an excellent lunch for us and we were shortly back on the road.  By the time we came over the top of the Camp Williams hill, I could SEE the finish line.  As we made our way closer and closer to Huntsman, people kept saying things like, “20 miles left” and “12 miles left” and numbers that small seemed surreal.   People in cars kept rolling their windows down at stoplights and asking us what we were riding for.   The energy seemed to build, the closer we got.  We got to the U – and then we got to the start line of the Echo’s Mile ride.  The beginning of the very last mile of this life changing journey.

The majority of the riders today had gathered there, and were waiting for us when we arrived. We watched Echo climb on her bike and ride!!  Echo is a young girl who has lost part of one of her legs to cancer.  She was READY to ride when we got there!!  With a huge smile on her face – seeing her excitement at just getting on her bike and pedaling reminded me that the one other thing that united all the riders today, besides a commitment to helping fund cancer research, is that we all think riding a bike is fun.   When we got in the parking lot, Echo got on her bike and we all followed her, into the cheering crowd filled with family, friends, and loved ones.  Once again I was very glad for the sunglasses!

There were lots of hugs and pictures and then headed upstairs to a fabulous party. I can’t quite remember the name of the lady who was speaking, but she said in a few sentences what the essence of the Ride from Reno is.  In effect, she said that research represents hope, to cancer victims, and this ride raises funds for that research, so in effect, every one there today had contributed something that would provide hope to someone.  We are already making plans for next year’s Ride from Reno.  If this is the mechanism that I can use to give someone else hope when they need it – then this is what I will do!

Back at home I was greeted by family and pets and then went to get some take-out for dinner.  I had to actually remember that in a car when you want to signal a change in position on the road, you use a blinker…you don’t point to a spot on the road!  As this part of the journey comes to a close, I am once again SO grateful for the new found friendships I made on the trip.  Thank you so much to the 10 men I rode with.  Each of you has made a lasting impact on me.  The journey for me is definitely not over….stay tuned for next year!

What a super day to relax after four solid days of riding. Enjoyed sitting around the lobby for breakfast with the group, chillin’ in the pool on a hot day with my wife and kids! Ravell put on a clinic for bike maintenance and cleaning, then he and Larry pulled me out of a mechanical jam with my bike (thanks fellas). Ate some of Delta’s finest cuisine….probably more than I should have!

I mentioned to a few people today that this week kind of feels like Summer Camp……a little anxiety before it begins, but by the end – you DON’T want it to end!! Today offered some reflection on the past five days, looking through some pictures that have been taken by several of the support crew. So many things to share, but my favorite for sure was stopping at the top of Sacramento Pass to remember those close to us, who have been affected by cancer. The story behind how this tradition began is so sincere and sweet….and to carry on this tradition each year thereafter in the manner that Jeff has done – has brought a special meaning to me for this week.

Thank you Denise and Darcy for the cupcakes tonight! Oh so flippin’ good!!

Seeing the many riders arrive this evening into Delta built my excitement and anticipation for tomorrow morning!! Looking forward to the roll out from Delta with the additional riders!!

This morning was interesting. First of all I slept in until 7:30 am, a rarity even for me at home on a regular weekend. After eating breakfast with my wife Sarah, who has been supporting all week, I came back for a massage. Oh what a treat this was. I wish I would have signed up for 2 hours of Margaret and those magical hands.

Unlike last year I did get in a “recovery” ride, a nice 12 mile ride with a 16 mph average. As luck would have it, Jeff, Ravell, Larry and I all went to enjoy some tasty shakes next door at the Delta Freeze (a few hours later I went back and had another)

Today I’ve been reflecting a lot on this past week. After tomorrow’s H-140 I’ll be heading home to Washington and I’ll miss the camaraderie that we have within this group and within the supporters as well. I know it’s already been said but I felt much safer this year on the highway with the way the support group coordinated within themselves.

To be a part of Jeff’s life as well as Joe, Jason, Larry, Ravell, Steve, Zo, Todd, Darci and Dan was such a life changing event for me. Thanks to all of you and I can’t wait until next year.  By the way, Jason if I was someone that cried now would be that time.

Scott

Jason and Larry asked me to write a little bit about the view of this ride from the support perspective. By way of introduction, I’m Denise, the support for what I thought was going to be TEAM DARCIE, but quickly turned into TEAM RIDE FROM RENO! Less than an hour into the ride it became apparent that there was no one there for themselves…..not the riders and definitely not the support team.

I thought going into this that it would be the most boring thing in the world to drive across Nevada at 20 mph….but I have to say I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to become a part of. Jeff had told me that is would be hours of boredom and moments of terror….and he was right. Watching a few cars get a little to close to our team…..or someone not getting around them as fast as I thought they should was the moments of terror. But what Jeff didn’t tell me was what an amazing opportunity it would be to see amazing men and women display amazing acts of kindness, bravery, selflessness, compassion, courage…and the list could go on….

The support team was made up of mothers, fathers, daughters, wives, partners, friends…..all there because someone we love had chosen to put themselves to the test of riding from Reno all for the benefit of cancer research. Each day we were there to drive behind the pack to make sure that cars going 80+ mph knew to slow down…..we jumped in between the riders going up mountain passes again to make sure they knew our team was there. It didn’t matter who we were following, each of those riders turned into our brother, our father, our son, our daughter….and I would dare say we protected them as our own. We took turns driving behind, or going ahead a few miles, and waiting for them to pass, and then passing them again, and waiting. I can tell you that I drove across the state of Nevada, but honestly, I can’t tell you much about the scenery…..mostly you were watching for them….the bright colored jerseys on bikes, rounding a bend, coming over hill, pressing forward.

On Wednesday on the last mountain climb of the day (there were 5 that day), I was following Darcie, Sarah was at the side of the road taking pictures, and when Darcie approached – Sarah cheered her on and gave her the encouragement to get around the next corner and to the top. I in turn hope that I cheered for everyone else just as much!

I don’t know that I have the ability to describe to you what these amazing riders have been through this week…..there are no words to describe the looks on their faces as they are climbing a very tough spot on the hill, or to describe the amazing contortions that Ravell can do on a bike to stretch out his back, and yet keep going full stride, and stay in a straight line. What I can tell you is that there is nothing in my previous experience that could have made the impact that this has.

So why do these people do this? What makes them completely nutty in the head to ride a bicycle from Reno to Salt Lake? I found the answer to that on Thursday….Tribute day on Sacramento Pass…Others have told you that it was emotional, which it was. That is was touching, which it was. For me, it was the realization of why I was there, not only to support Darcie, but as I looked at her list of names, folded to fit into her back pocket, and carried every mile she pedaled….almost half are members of my family. My aunts, my uncles, my friend’s parents, someone who was loved by someone I love…..I can’t ride a bike 667 miles, heck, I can’t even ride one 10 miles…..but I can support those that can!

To my new brothers and sisters who have shared this experience, thank you for letting me be a part of this. Thank you for the hours and hours of time you have spent on your bikes preparing for this challenge, and thank you to your families – because we all know that this does not happen over night. There is no rider who can do this without months of preparation, hours away from their families several times a week. They’ve told you why they ride in prior posts. Why do I support them? Because I know at the end of the day Darcie can get off her bike and come home…many of those on our list are gone….while their memory lives on….our goal is to not keep adding to that list, that will take research to make better drugs, better treatments, more cures…..and that takes money.

If you are reading this blog, and you haven’t donated, forgo the Diet Coke, pass up the Mountain Dew, and donate the $1, none us know who’s next to receive the awful news that you or someone you love has cancer.