The ending.

A beautiful 80 degree fall, summery day. We rode from Ackley to Dorset and back. I had to split the ride since it quit tracking for some reason. So I got it done!

These kids deserve every mile and dollar I can give them. I’m sorry they can’t be out with me riding, but they are riding the road of courage and bravery to fight this disease. I honor them with every mile I ride.

Thank you for your support for these kiddos and for encouraging me with these donations. Without you, none of this would happen.

Thank you for being the joy!

Dove to Resort to White birch and home

What a beautiful day! It is summer and fall all wrapped up in one glorious day. After today's ride, I have 17 miles left to ride! I will have reached my goal of 200 miles!

My dream last year at this time was to ride up to Bemidji from here, and I also wanted to ride the trail up in Ely. Those things didn't pan out. I didn't know I would be directing a play at the same time. But I also know that the kids have dreams of their own as well, and it may be to ride a bike this summer, but this horrible disease took that dream away from them. Hopefully, they will be able to do that next summer.

Life throws us curves we don't expect, and we deal with them the best we can. I am lucky enough to say that the play has brought me joy, and the riding of the bike has enhanced that. Especially since I have raised money to fight kids' cancer. All thanks to you!

The day is beautiful. I hope you get out and enjoy it like I have.

Finally made it to La Porte MN

I have been trying to find time, given this weird summer and fall weather, to ride from Walker to La Porte and back—about 24 miles round trip. YAY! We did it. And every rough bump on the trail reminded me of these kids. They hit a lot of 'rough roads' on their journey of healing. And they can't turn around or change directions so easily. They hit each bump with courage and continue onward.

And after the rough ride, I noticed beauty along the way. The trees are turning their colors to gold, and the sumac is turning red.

I noticed new growth as well. A swamp flower that I had no idea existed until I looked it up. It is beautiful and proud of itself, pulling through the damp ground and bright blue in color. A Genitian.

May all your lives have a 'genitian' in your day.

Be well, be the joy, and hug someone today.

Kick-off Ride 2025!

Tough to get a group together on an actual Holiday! But three of us gathered and rode 20 miles together and in support of kids fighting cancer. We rocked it on this absolutely glorious day in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota. A great start to our month of riding. I know these kids are counting on us, and we will fight with them to raise awareness of kids' cancer.

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!