From : Joe Foran; Greetings from Day 2

Okay, so let's get this out of the way.

Ouch.

I'm not a very good cyclist, but I'd like to think that I can hold my own.

Yikes; these past few days, covering 160 miles in two days, are the toughest two days of cycling I've ever done. I've done over 200 in two days, I've done 111 in one day, but I've NEVER done a ride like this! The hils we climbed yesterday are like nothing I've ever done.

We rode through some of the prettiest terrain in Pennsylvania, and some of the most historic. As we rode through PA on the way to Trenton, NJ, today, we rode past Washington's Crossing, the site where General George Washington led the soon to be disbanded pieces of his Army acroos the ice-strewn Delaware to attack the Hessian forces and turn the tide of the Revolution. I stood (or, rather, sat on my bike) in awe as I realized that I rode the ground where farmers, coopers and silversmiths boarded boats in driving show, many without shoes and proper clothing, to close with and engage the enemy in order to create the freedom that you and I enjoy the today.

Okay, back to the ride. Donna, the woman I am blessed enough to be married to, cautioned me to ride within my limits. She knows that I'm riding anemic this year, and that my fitness and recovery aren't what they should be. But the past two days infused me with adrenaline, and I did suprising well on the big climbs and to start today. However, the end of today was a suffer-fest, and I limped into the finish far below my expectations. Still, I need to count my blessings as I see ladies who have only recently regrown their hair from chemo. I am in awe as I look at thrivers who have beaten cancer, and I am honored by the support given to me by my best friend, Donna, the best kids I have ever met, Peter, Abbey and Matthew, and all those who have genorously donated on my behalf to the Young Survivors Coalition.

I just looked up, and a bride and groom strode through the lobby of the Trenton Marriot. Wouldn't it be great if these young folks could grow in a world without cancer? Two years ago, I listened as the president of the Dana Farber Cancer Insitute told an audience that cancer researchers, thanks to the Human Genome Project, can see the path forward to a cure, and they see a cure within 20 years. Today, we are all challenged to help researchers find a cure and to help those afflicted today to find the support and treatment they need. Our ride, and your contributions, make this happen. I am truly humbled to be a part of this effort, and to receive your support.

Joe Foran