Guestbook
Your comments are very much appreciated, especially by Jeff and those who are riding with him. Each day of the ride poses new challenges. But every day requires each rider to reach deep down for hidden strength needed to climb to the next summit. Words of encouragement can be an oasis when riding the Lonliest Road in America.
June 21st, 2009 at 4:40 pm
As Mike didn’t want to say, I am an IDIOT> I wanted to let all of you know that you were in my prayers, but I didn’t see the guest book or how to send a message. Now that it is too late, thanks to all of you. I was so proud of all the riders as I was at The Huntsman Center to see you all ride in. I was especially proud of Mike, Taylor and Jordon. You all are amazing and the power of your spirits at the Huntsman Center was a testimony in and of itself. Thank you for caring so much about others and I was so pleased to meet a few of you at Kathy’s. As I told Mike, “You are Heros.” I mean that sincerely, you are indeed Heros. Thanks.
June 21st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Hi Jeff,
I happened to be in Twin Falls Idaho the week when Mom recieved your letter concerning the cancer ride. Each of us will return a donation and we ask that you ride carrying Dad’s name in memoriam. Dad passed away on Janurary 19th after the pancreatic cancer that he had battled for 7 years spread to his lungs. We were able to celebrate Dad’s 80th birthday on November 22nd. We had about 60 people here and he was smiling and vibrant that day. But on December 23rd Dad took a turn for the worse, fell that night and from that point forward the cancer took him quickly at 6:30 on Jan. 19th.
We are both including our contributing and mailing it back to you.
June 20th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
After Cami and Aubri came home and reported… I am in for next year. I also want to challenge Travis and Cory to join me.
June 20th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Hi Papa! I know that at times it is hard but you can always get through them. I am so proud of you ( I’m sure everyone is)! You are amazing. I know how hard you work to help others. I feel so lucky to have you in my life.
I love you soo much!
Love Your Grandaughter Hailey
June 20th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Great website and great job on the ride from Reno. I will be there to escort you guys in tommorrow.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Good luck on the last leg of your trip. I truly wish I could be there at the Huntsman. You will be in my thoughts for sure. May you all be blessed.
Love,
Jen
June 19th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
To Mike and Taylor – This is truely a wonderful thing you are doing. It takes a certain kind of person to sacrifice in someone else’s behalf. God bless you.
June 19th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Hi Jeff,
You know, someone once told me “Jeff Warren is an amazing person”. I thought yeah.. He’s a good guy… NO..now I get it you are amazing! I am really touched by your strength and passion and I am so glad that you kicked cancers butt and that you are carrying this torch to make a difference. You have inspired me more than you realize! WOW!!!
June 19th, 2009 at 9:13 am
Well, today should be pretty nice. From where I sit in the office today, it’s a beautiful day. Hopefully the weather tomorrow will be equally as nice. You guys have really withstood a lot of difficult conditions on your ride. It’s inspiring to read your thoughts each day, on how the pain of the ride pales in comparison to what those dealing with cancer are going through.
Thanks for your inspiration. Keep up the fight.
June 19th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Mike and Taylor,
Once again our family has followed you all week. We feel that others from the other side are watching you as well. My thoughts have turned to those who have gone on before us. I believe that they are there with you, guardian angels, supporting your noble cause. A gentle push or soft words of encouragement that come into your minds. Thanks for your example and taking the time to post your thoughts so that we can live through you. Enjoy the rest today. Thanks for your example.
Hemming Family
June 18th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
Hey there. After all that I’ve read I am not sure what to say — its already been said. I think of you daily, but I was especially thinking of you today after we had a downpour and I saw a couple of cyclists riding. It didn’t look fun. I CANNOT comprehend it.
Tay, I so impressed with you. I am so glad that you can be there with your dad and what a great example you are to our family. Keep up the good work.
Mike, you are great and I love you. To the others — way to go and thanks for your sacrifice and perseverance. Best wishes.
Love, Jen
June 18th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Mike, Taylor and gang… The Wills family is so very proud to call you friends and family. Special people are put on this earth to sacrifice for others and you all fall into that category. You will never know how much the phone calls, name on the jersey, thoughts, prayers and all that you have done means to our family. Good people like you make this struggle barable. Thank you for all you do. Lots of love and luck!
June 18th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
ALOHA~
WOW I can’t believe its been almost 9 years since you were diagnosed. It seems like yesterday when Meg told me. I’m just so glad you are cancer free. It really is a miracle, and such a huge blessing that you’re here, and “Kicking cancers butt.” You truly are a great inspiration to so many of us. I love you very much, and be safe! xoxoxox
June 18th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hey Papa! I know the ride hasn’t been easy and the weather hasn’t been cooperating but keep it up! We all love you and will be waiting for you up at Hutsman. Pug said ” Bark bark bark…SNORT…ruff ruff!” That means “I love you Papa!” in Pug language. We are all supporting you! Love, William and your Grand Dog, Pug.
June 18th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
After reading your last post I am in tears. You said everything that I am feeling on a daily basis. How this life is so hard but when we keep climbing there is an out on the other side. I want so much for that out to come my way. I would do anything to be with you on your ride. The sense of accomplishment you will have at the end outways all the pain. It goes to show how this life is all about the ups and downs. There are times in life when we want everything to end. We are sick of the trials that we have everyday. I can’t wait to be able to look back at my life and know that I did my best. You are the best example to me!! Thanks for being an awesome dad!! I am working on a speaking engagement and I am going to use some of this in there. I love you so much Dad. Stay strong and remember that you can do anything and everything. We will meet you at Huntsman on Saturday. PLEASE let us know what time!
Love Erin
June 18th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Jeff –
Wow! Another amazing year! I must admit, I can’t wait for the day to come when this ride isn’t necessary anymore – whatever will you do??? Thanks for your perseverance and your commitment, and especially for the awareness this brings to the great team at Huntsman. I’m working on meeting up with y’all on Saturday. You’re dreaming if you think a PB Blizzard can make it all the way to Huntsman with my hubby in the car.
Good luck and we’re thinking of you!
Ray, Cristi, Rachael & Elle
June 18th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I feel so proud to be an onlooker to the great success of the “kick cancer’s butt” riders. Mike and Taylor, you give me strenghth in your example to keep going when the going gets tough. I congratulate you both in your desire to accomplish what I only hope I could do – for the benefit of those who suffer with cancer. The courage, perserverance, strength, and determination are indeed in direct correlation to the suffering of our family members and others we associate with that wake up to huge “mountains” to climb, with unknowns like you each are enduring, everyday. God be with you as you complete your trek, and I pray for Aubri and Brad and Sundee’s young boy in their battles, as well as a safe and rewarding finish. I love you Mike and Taylor, and truly admire your loving dedication to the cure. Love Kris
June 17th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Hey all you amazing riders. I am enjoying watching your reviews of the day. I admire your stamina and determination to ride each day. You are an inspiration to us. I have been thinking as I read your entries each night, that there were times toward the end of my husband’s battle with cancer when I told my mother that I didn’t know how I was going to keep going. Mark’s was a 4 and 1/2 year battle and the ups and downs of the elevation climbs are so indicative of a day in the life of a cancer “victim”. You don’t have control over the future and so there is no other choice but to forge on. One minute you are doing fine, and the next minute you feel like you are at the weakest point of your coping potential. I am amazed at your drive to finish each day victoriously. And I want to say for all those who fight this overwhelming cancer battle and ultimately succumb to the disease, like my husband, that there is an example of heroism indelibly impressed on the lives of those who fought the battle alongside them, and we are never the same after having known and loved someone who fought valiently to the end. I am a better person for having known this difficult chapter of living in this mortal sphere. Thanks for your example of perseverence. I feel a kinship and appreciation for your sacrifice in such a noble and important cause. God bless you tomorrow and we will look forward to seeing you on Saturday at our home. Ride strong!
June 17th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Mike, Thanks for the phone call. I was so emotional I couldn’t even talk to you. Thanks so much, you are an inspiration to us all. Hope the weather will cooporate! Hang tough. We love you.
The Unsickers
June 17th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Dear Jeff and Team, Just want you to know we are thinking about you and will be keeping track of you out on the road. Hope everything is going smooothly and safely. Hope you have the wind at your back for the rest of the ride.
Love, Madeline
June 17th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Dad,
Wow! Another year, another ride! What an amazing athlete and inspiration you are to everyone who knows you. I will never forget when my idol, hero, and dad was diagnosed with the terrible disease cancer. It was the hardest thing in the world for a son to hear. What a great thing you are doing raising money for cancer research so that another son doesn’t have to hear his dad say, I have cancer. I remember going up to the hospital and seeing you with tubes and wires everywhere, what a terrible thing for a hospital to do to my dad. I know how hard this ride is for you. Just remember like you always say: your body will suffer on your terms. Keep pushing, I know you can do it. We all love you and can’t wait to see you pull up the hill to HCI on Saturday.
Love Always,
Seth
June 17th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Hi Mike and Taylor and everyone else…you are all in our prayers, and i think about you all day long, and then some. You are all an inspiration about change and help to those in need. We love you and are wishing you all strong legs and strong lungs.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
this ride is a very good bike ride for us. love Braxton
June 17th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
hi great job
June 17th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Hey guys! We just want you all to know that we have been thinking about you especially the last few days. As we read your daily progress–it is quite inspiring. We pray that the rest of your journey will go well. Way to go Taylor! You are a great example not only to people your age, but to everyone. We are proud of you and your dad, as well as the rest of the “cancer butt-kickers”!
June 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Dad,
I recall the words that you spoke to our family December 26th, 2000. “I was diagnosed with stage IV head and neck cancer.” The devastation that each of us felt was excruciating. The first thought that crossed all our minds was, is our dad going to survive? As the treatment started we watched you suffer through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, burns on your face, the feeding tube, pic line, and many other things caused by cancer. During all of this, you still had a positive attitude and lived by your signature motto, “It’s a great day to be alive!” What an example you are for fighting this ruthless battle with such an amazing attitude and never losing hope! You have touched the lives of many people that are fighting, or who have experienced cancer, as well as it’s brutal treatments. Dad, you’re a ROCK STAR! The speaking engagements you have done all over the country for nurses and doctors, to help them understand this “Damned Disease” from a patient’s stand point, left your audiences emotionally moved. The Glenn Beck show was awesome as were the commercials you’ve have done for HCI. Dad, you have done this 667 mile ride for HCI for 8 years and out of those 8 years you rode 3 of them solo!! Thank heaven Uncle Coleman finally joined you. I had the experience to drive support on one of your rides. The mountain passes you crossed, and watching how strong you are, was AWESOME!! I want to thank you for a couple of things. First, being a great example to SO many people! Second, for carrying the names of people who have fought or who are fighting cancer. I love you so much!! Be safe! We are cheering for you and can’t wait to see you on Saturday!!!
June 17th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Can someone give me the final days route? I have it from the website to SR73 (in Lehi area). From there what route will be taken to get to HCI?
June 17th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Hi Dad,
I miss you so much!! I love reading your journal and everything you are facing and glad that it’s something you can control. There are always things in life we can’t control. I wish I could be there with you. There are so many things I remember from when you had cancer. The one I remember the most, was when I was able to read to you and sit by your bed. I thought how brave a Dad I have. Then, when I was in the hosptial before Kendra and Maliyah were born. You helped me so much and I was beyond scared.. Thanks so much for always being there for me. Ride hard!! We will keep praying that you all make it home safe on Saturday and we will see you at Huntsman. Love you..
Erin
June 16th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Dad,
It was such a moving experience yesterday morning seeing you and the crew take off from the Reno arch. I can’t believe it’s been almost 9 years since you were diagnosed with cancer. I can’t even talk about when you had cancer without getting choked up. Seeing my once strong and exuberant dad stricken with a horrible disease was heart wrenching. I remember going to the hospital to visit you during your treatment. Even though you were extremely sick, your spirits remained high. I remember someone you befriended, who was going through treatment with you, Dewey. When I was visiting, you were joking around with him and others who happened to be suffering through the same thing you were. You’re always able to turn what could be the worst experience into something positive, and that’s exactly what you have done year after year by continuing to endure this ride. This selfless act has touched the lives of many people including me. You’re my hero Dad!! William and Hailey would like you to add their bus driver, Karen to the list of names you carry with you in your seat-pack. You share a special bond with every person on that list; you’ve fought a valiant fight against cancer and so have each one of them. I love you, and be careful on the road.
June 16th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
grandpa i love you love braxton
June 16th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
grandpa hi i just wanted to say i love love braxton.
June 16th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Jeff,
Call me – Stop what you’re doing and call me. I need to know your execution strategy around the reintroduction of NASCAR checks into your client. Nothing is more important.
xoxoxoxo
Chad
June 16th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
Nice to see some pics posted here. The weather here in SLC has been much better this week, but who knows what it’s doing in the Nevada desert. Hopefully cooperating. Don, thanks for wearing a different jersey than the rest, it makes you easier to spot. That bald head doesn’t help much when the helmet is on. It’s fun to follow your progress, and it’s refreshing to hear your optimism during something that is a lot of hard work. You’re doing it for a good cause, and we’re proud of you.
June 15th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Another miraculous year. Another year of biking through unpredictable weather, aches and pains, and flat tires! Thanks for ensuring that my husband came home in one piece and heart still pumping. What an amazing group of people dedicated to riding and sacrificing for others. Rock on!
June 15th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
It’s raining here and as we, Linda,Kris & I, sat down to dinner in our nice warm and protected home we commented on how all of you are doing after the first days ride. Not too many aches and pains we hope! Hope Taylor did well and this will be a positive experience for him. We send our love and appreciation for what all of you are willing to do for cancer research. It has touched all of our families either directly or indirectly. Thanks and may the wind blow from the rear tomorrow. Eldon Nelson
June 15th, 2009 at 8:08 am
I wanted to get on first thing this morning to cheer on my big brother and the four other troopers and backup crew who will make this trek across Nevada. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and many thanks for your efforts to waken out minds to this terrible sickness and the efforts of HCI in fighting it. God bless you all.
June 15th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Today starts it. Good luck. Hope the weather holds. Make sure you got some padded shorts, cause that’s a lot of miles in the saddle.
June 9th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
ITS BACK. YEEEEEEEEHAW!!!!!!!!!
June 16th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
We feel bad that we didn’t get onto the website to follow the trek until after it was over. Huge thanks to all of you for this amazing “Labor of Love”. Looking at the elevation charts reminds us of Gayleen’s battle with cancer (lots of uphill with not as much down as you would like!) It’s nice to know that progress is being made to rid the world of the awful “C” monster. Keep up the great work!
June 16th, 2008 at 9:22 am
What a gift you provide to us and to cancer patients and their families year after year– HOPE and ACTION. I wish I could bottle your kindness and will to do good. Your group coming in to the HCI circle brought tears to my eyes. Love and hugs to you and the family,
Lori
June 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
WHAT A RIDE! Who knew riders and support could have so much fun in the desolate territory of Utah and NV! The final day, yesterday, brought tears to my eyes as the storm trooper team, (aka Bountiful Mazda) parted their lead. The 20+ riders directed the original four riders, Joe, Coleman, Mike, and Chris, to lead the entire procession into Huntsman.
Amazing what the human body can do for us when needed. Hopefully, your efforts will do something for cancer sufferers everywhere. ROCK ON, RIDERS!
June 14th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hey Hombres! Awesome, you made it. It was fabulous to watch you ride so hard and perservere. Sounds like you have a fabulous support crew. Next year I’m bringing my pom poms. Missed you guys when we got home and Taylor, you’re the best.
Yo
June 14th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Hi guys, I’m thinking of the many cancer patients for whom you are riding. I hope some of them have been aware of this Web site and have found courage in your actions. This morning, I came across a poem originally published by Ralph L. Woods in “A Treasury of Inspiration”. In one way, it echoes each new day of the ride, and each new day of life as a beginning, an “Opportunity”:
They do me wrong who say I come no more
When once I knock and fail to find you in,
For every day I stand outside your door
And bid you wake, and rise to fight and win.
Wail not for precious chances passed away,
Weep not for golden ages on the wane!
Each night I burn the records of the day;
At sunrise every soul is born again.
Laugh like a boy at splendors that have sped,
To vanished joys be blind and deaf and dumb;
My judgments seal the dead past with its dead,
But never bind a moment yet to come.
Though deep in mire, wring not your hands and weep;
I lend my arm to all who say “I can!”
No shamefaced outcast ever sank so deep
But yet might rise and be again a man.
Dost thou behold thy lost youth all aghast?
Dost reel from righteous retribution’s blow?
Then turn from blotted archives of the past
And find the future’s pages white as snow.
Art thou a mourner? Rouse thee from thy spell;
Art thou a sinner? Sins may be forgiven;
Each morning gives thee wings to flee from hell,
Each night a star to guide thy feet to Heaven.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Hello. I have been following your trip all week and I am glad that the weather has been a little better this year. Mike, way to go I am amazed! I am glad that Tay is with you — he looks great and so do you. I am inspired by all of you. Jeff, I am so sorry about Josh and hope that things are going well. You are a remarkable person. I will forever remember walking into the Huntsman Center and witnessing you reading the Book of Mormon to Mark McGregor in the middle of the night. Best wishes to all of you. Mike and Taylor we love you.
June 13th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Mike,
I’ve been following you all week. Good luck on these last two days. You continue to amaze. I’ll think of you today again as I make the trip to Reno and back in a couple of hours. To do it on your bike is truly a testament to you and the rest of the riders and your commitment to this excellent cause. Jeff, even though I don’t know you, I know how much you are dedicated to this ride. Thanks. Even more so, thanks for showing us where our priorities need to be in life. May your family’s health continue to be blessed.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Dear Jeff and Janet,
I want you to know how sorry I am to hear about Josh.I hope he will continue to improve daily. Please do not hesitate to call me if there is anything at all that I can do to help. If you need a place to shower or rest, and don’t want to go all the way to Centerville, you know where my house is. You have my cell phone. You know where the house is!
You are right where you need to be.
Love,
Madeline
June 12th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
You are all awesome! My middle schoolers and I are following your progress with enthusiasm!
Jeff, Josh and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Dear Jeff & Janet,
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Jeff we are so glad you made it home to be with Josh. Get well soon Josh!
Love,
Michelle Brcko & Family
June 12th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Hey guys, sounds like you are having fun and living the american dream–working your butts off with little chance of reward!! So just out of curiosity, who’s verbally abusing you, and brow beating you into success now that Jeff is gone!? Somehow I get the impression that Mike may have easily slipped into that position!! Well, good luck and God speed to you all. I’ll see you Friday, as I am going home via 50 to drop off Jeffs bike so he can ride with you on Saturday. PS Where’s Joe’s nightly blog, his fans are wondering?
June 10th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
My heartfelt prayers go out to Jeff and his son Josh. I ask for God’s choicest blessings to cradle Josh in his tender mercies and help him in this difficult time. The rest of you guys have some riding to do. Do it for Josh! Do it for Jeff! Do it for all of us! You guys are awesome.
June 10th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Hey Jeff, always great to hear from you and that you are still kicking cancer’s butt! My dad is doing fairly well, but has been back on chemo treatment for the pancreatic cancer the he beat almost 6 years ago. It has spead to his lungs. He is doing well, enjoying the summer months without having to take chemo. We will find out more in about 5 wks where we go from here.
Thanks for doing this…!!!
I retired from Wells Fargo in December so if you are ever back in “America’s Finest City” (San Diego) do let me know. I have lots of time for lunch!!!!
Nick Hubsmith
June 10th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
This site was forwarded to me last year and I followed your ride to the last day. I am going to forward it to everyone in my email list so they can have the same opportunity that I did. You are all awesome…keep up the great work that you are doing! Thanks for the inspiration and dedication!
June 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am
You guys rock! Yesterday was a thrill and privilege to watch your manly muscles peddle you to your destination.
You are truly an inspiration to us!
June 9th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
GO LARRY GO !!!!!!!!
June 9th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Hi there,
We just want to wish you all well and encourage you! We saw Chris Spillers Sunday while caddying for his brother Jeff and are very excited for you all. What a great endeavor.
Finish strong!
Ginny
May 28th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Hey Jeff- Just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your dedication and support to the important work of cancer research. Please let me know when the “How to Contribute” page in complete so I can support your ride. You are in our thoughts and prayers. By the way Rhonda is in Chicago with Katie. Katie had her re-construction surgery yesterday. May 27th) This cancer thing seems to hit everyone.
Ray Olson