Update on Captain Dave

Many of you read my previous post about my team captain, Dave, who in October was diagnosed with Stage 3 oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. In that post, I told you about his history riding the Pan-Mass Challenge, his diagnosis, his robotic and manual surgeries, and his radiation treatments. I also told you how inspired I was when he joined the team on a 30-mile training ride back in April.

Earlier this month, Dave returned to Dana-Farber to undergo a scan to detect any remaining cancer cells in his body. The scan came back clean - no cancer! This isn't the end of the road for Dave - he will have to return to Dana-Farber for similar scans every six weeks for the foreseeable future to be confident that he has beat his cancer once and for all. But it was the news that he, and all of us who know him, were hoping for.

Despite the great news, Dave is still recovering from the intense radiation treatments. He has been on his bike, though, and has impressed me with his strength. There was never really a doubt in my mind that Dave would be joining us in six weeks (yes, only six weeks!) for the PMC, but now I am confident that our team captain will be leading us all the way to Provincetown!

I have never been as sure as I am today that the funds that we raise through the Pan-Mass Challenge are advancing the field of cancer research and are saving lives. Dave's experimental robotic surgery may not have occurred if Dana-Farber relied only on federal and foundation grants, which often come with strings attached. 10 years ago when I started riding the PMC, Dave's robotic surgery was not available. I can't help but think that the nearly $50,000 that you have helped me raise over that time has contributed to the advances we see today. 100% of your donation goes directly to Dana-Farber for them to spend where the need is greatest. Please make a generous donation to support my ride, in honor of Captain Dave. Thank you!

Training Update

It's early June - how did that happen?? I think I know why. I haven't stopped traveling! Since the advent of nice weather in Boston, I've been to Washington State, Kentucky, Iowa, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, and Texas. And next week I go to Montana (hello Yellowstone!). You may be asking, Jared, how are you fitting your Pan-Mass Challenge training into your busy schedule?

Poorly. Since early April, I've only gotten four real training rides in, totaling 118 miles. This is just not going to cut it! I do ride Hubway around a lot (including my 5 mile commute home today), but my time on a heavy, 3-speed bike does not replace saddle time on my road bike.

Which brings me to two weeks ago. I met several of my teammates in Falmouth for a 62-mile ride around the Upper Cape. It was a beautiful day for a great ride, but about 23 miles in, I felt some rubbing on my tire. My bike mechanic teammate diagnosed the problem: cracked frame. AKA, totaled.

You can see the damage in the photo to the left (white vertical line by the cassette). After a cab ride back to Falmouth, I brought my bike to the shop and they took my bike to have the frame replaced. Luckily, the manufacturer (Specialized) warranties its carbon frame for life, so I just have to pay for disassembly and reassembly. So about a week from now, I should get back what looks like a brand new bike (though it will still have my same components).

I do have a second bike that is suitable for training, so I used that two weekends ago on my team's annual South Shore Coastal Loop ride - 50 miles of beautiful scenery! I'll ride it again this weekend on a 62-mile loop on the North Shore. I should have my other bike back in time for my big cycling adventure in June - a one-day, 125-mile ride from Boston to Provincetown! I should get several rides in between now and then, so hopefully they get me up to speed (figuratively and literally).

Training is the easy part. I ride to raise money to end cancer. Join the fight by making a donation today. Thank you!