First experience of over 32 miles.

Setting my sites on the beautiful forest between Hackensack MN and Walker i set off to ride from the downtown park of Hackensack on a beautiful sunny and cool day.

There were so many people out enjoying the day as well. Summertime in full swing in the lakes area. Everyone smiling and enjoying life.

Sometimes sadness creeps into my mind when I take time to realize just how lucky I am. And many others. And my mind turns to those less fortunate than me. The children fighting cancer. The ones that aren’t out there riding bikes or playing in the sunshine. Their lives are very different. They are stuck in a hospital recovering from stem cell transplants. Waiting for their next injection or feeling lousy after the last treatment. I am so sad when I think of this.

And this is why I am riding for my 9th year. I made my goal even bigger than the last 8. I want to raise $1500.

We need to help these kids get out and play. To enjoy life to the fullest. To become healthy and enjoy life.

They need to see the beauty in life as we do.

Help me kick cancer to the curb!