Jul 10, 2010

Introducing HOPE (finally: the start of my comeback season)

Today has been a very special day for me, and I admit I got a bit teary-eyed along the way. This is why:

After a long hiatus from cycling (due to some injuries, including a spine injury, and some health problems), today marks the start of my "comeback season" that will hopefully result in me taking part in this year's Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge in October.

If it weren't for an amazing group of friends and complete strangers, who believed in random acts of kindness to help me out, I would be training on a city bike or in the gym. But because of this group of people, I get to ride on my beautiful bike HOPE :

Whenever times get tough or the road seems to be a bit too challenging, knowing I received this bike because of their tremendous generosity, keeps me motivated and inspired.

A very big thank you:
  • Scott Joy
  • Leslie Hughes
  • Brenda Sherer
  • John Conley
  • Dan Manco
  • Annemieke
  • last, but definitely not least: the awesome cancer crushers Jamie Lindsay and CARRIE Courtney (and whoever might have been involved behind the scenes ;-)

Today also showed me that whatever challenges I have to face, I'm not alone in this fight and there are numerous people who aren't as lucky as I am. So, I decided to dedicate my bike rides to people who are an inspiration to those involved in the GLOBAL fight against cancer and who might not be able to ride themselves. I'll start with my soul sister Kate's dad and grandma, as well as my friend Jenny, who's crushing brain cancer right about now!

































I'm riding for them, but as you can see, there's still plenty of room on my bike, so if you'd like me to include names of loved ones who you'd like to honor/support/remember, let me know and I'll add them. A donation to my LIVESTRONG fundraising page (http://austin2010.livestrong.org/henrike) would be very much appreciated.
For a $10 donation I'll send you a card with the bike decal from the Austin Challenge in October.

Thanks again for all your support and kind words these past couple of years. It's much appreciated!

4 comments:

chari olmedo said...

Go get them, Henrike xxx
PS: Good luck tonight, too

Annemieke said...

Dear Henrike, I'm sure you'll make it to the Austin Challenge because you are you: you never give up, no matter how bad things get!! So happy you get to ride "Hope" (great looking bike) and hope you enjoy every second of it. Like you I have experienced the kindness of people surrounding me, resulting in Blue Wonder2, a miracle like your Hope! Looking forward to seeing you in Austin. Ride safe, good luck, big hug. You know you rock, Annemieke

Jody said...

So, so glad to have you back. You ARE hope, sister.

Ride strong, live strong, and as Jamie says, BE EXCELLENT.

Love & hugs,
jody

Kate said...

I still can't thank you enough. And Jody said it perfectly: You ARE hope, Sister!

Love,
Hugs,
Kate