It's hard to believe we are at the half way point of training for Tahoe. We rode 40 miles last Saturday and will eventually max out at 80 miles before we ship our bikes off. My teammates and I have been riding outside for the past 8 weeks battling the cold, snow, ice, and torrential rain. We have had only ONE day of dry weather for our team rides. Nonetheless, we push on with our training and our fundraising. Our team goal is to reach $215,000 to help support cancer patients and their families. We are reminded each week at our ride dedications to forget about the elements, the burning in your thighs when you just want the hill to end, and the mental fatigue. This discomfort is only temporary. Our honored teammates Gary & Cristina continue to inspire us as they battle their own cancer and show unbelievable strength and courage. GOOOOOOOOOO TEAM!!!

Today, we knocked out a 30 mile ride from Falls City out to the Red Barn and back on quiet, country roads. The weather was fine for the first half and then we got slammed with torrential rain. Water was sitting in my shoes and filling up my gloves. I had mud all over my face and clothes. I was totally drenched. Despite this miserable feeling, I was thankful to be healthy enough to ride with my teammates. Our honored teammate, Gary Strauss told us to celebrate our healthy bodies and push ourselves past our comfort zone. Today, we dedicated the ride to him. He is in the hospital and literally fighting for his life. Gary, Nadine, and Jan you are in our thoughts and prayers. GO TEAM!

February 19, 2011

Today we had our first real team practice at Marymoor Park and rode 24 miles around Lake Sammamish. It was a clear, crisp, COLD morning. We dedicated the ride to Michael Donnelly before we took off and I told my teammates about his struggle with Multiple Myeloma. It was quit emotional for me. Despite a crash with two of my teammates when we hit ice and a broken thumb, it was still a great day to be out with my teammates raising money for cancer research. GO TEAM!!!

My husband Paul & Darlene, LIVESTRONG June 2008

I'm thrilled to be back on my bike, riding with my teammates, and raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This will be my 7th & 8th Team in Training cycling event. This season I will be Co-Captain for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride and STP.

Team In Training, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s leading endurance sports charity training program, has reached a remarkable milestone of raising over $1 billon to support blood cancer research and patient services since its inception in 1988.

In order to prepare for this100 mile picturesque spin around Lake Tahoe in June and the 204 mile trek to Portland in July, I will start training 6 days a week in early February. The physical and mental challenge for me is NOTHING compared to the daily struggle that a cancer patient and their family endure.

I will ride again in memory of my father, Jack Davis, who lost his fight with this disease back in 2001. This incredible man's character & generosity I strive to mimic each day. I am dedicating this season to Michael Donnelly, who's currently battling multiple myeloma. His strength and courage motivates me to do more.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Founded in 1949, we are relentless in pursuit of our mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

All of us know someone who's life has been affected by cancer. Please support me by making a donation to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society to help us find a cure.

My goal is to raise $6,000 by May 1st.

Thank you for your support!

Darlene

"You haven't lived until you've done something for someone who can never repay you."