There are lots of people to thank when doing this ride. I particularly would like to thank Alex, Clare, Ted and Nathan. Every year so far I have been very lucky to ride for Alex. I met them the first year I did this ride, and they continue to inspire me as people…I feel very lucky indeed to be able to share this journey with them. At moments like this it seems a shame this is at quite such a distance. When I am on these rides I always think of Alex and his family. I and others do this ride so that when he is old enough Alex, and other people with CF, will be able to do it too, it would be truly great to be able to do this ride with Alex and his family one day too.
When I think of the challenges people with CF face, it is also vital to look also to the examples where people have been lucky enough to be able pull through to achieve the things they want in life. We have already had one person do this ride who has CF. Chris, who rode in 2008…and who I’m thrilled has checked out this blog and commented on it…was amazing. He beat me and most of the others up mountains, it was a very humbling experience and I feel very fortunate to have been on that ride with Chris.
Another highlight for me, and indeed the most amazing part of this ride this year, was Margaret. Margaret describes herself as a CF survivor, having had a lung transplant. She and her husband Brian, rode a tandem bike that weighed more than a tank, from Vancouver to Maning Park. I rode behind them into Harrison on the first day (and struggled to keep pace) and then I was there to see them finish the gigantic climb into Maning Park. To see how much it meant to her and to Brian and to share their stories was just one of the best experiences yet. This was truly inspiring too and a privilege to be able to share. Way to go guys!!
So if you’re got this far in this post and you haven’t donated, then here is how you can help make a difference for people with CF (and you’ll get a tax receipt…and you won’t have to cross multiple mountain ranges on a bike): Go here and sponsor me!!
http://gearup4cf.org/index.php?/The-Riders/2009-Riders/James-Zlosnik.html
We’re all following you on the blog and have been thinking about you this weekend as we’ve been out and about and lazing in the garden in baking hot Britain. xxx