I ride because I can... I am not doctor or a researcher or a nurse. They (and their patients) are fighting this fight every. I can't do what they do, but by getting on the bike, and raising money, I can help give them all the resources they need to win the battle against cancer. And I know this is a battle that can be won. Every generation will be known for something. I'd like to to be part of the generation (or generations) that can say they transformed cancer from a terrible scourge to a manageable illness -- or even better-- to a thing of the past.
It can be done, and it can be done by us.
I also ride for those close to me who have suffered from cancer. I want to show them that they are not alone and that we are all there for them. My parents, many uncles, aunts and in-laws, in addition to friends and co-workers, have had to battle cancer. Many survived. Some did not. So when I'm debating sleeping in a bit and skipping the 5:30AM ride, or when I'm looking at that next hill on a hot July day and thinking maybe turning around is not such a bad idea, I remind myself of the physical and mental pain they all suffered, and I realize I don't have it so bad.
Riding is what I can do, at least for now.
So that is why i ride.