Riding for Amy

The first Sunday in June is approaching quickly.  Brilliant warm days, vacations not far away, schools out soon, and, dare I say it, it is time for The 5th Annual Bike Ride for Amy.   Now, I know what you are saying…. “Oh those wonderful people, raising money to provide free breast cancer screening, right in our community.”  “Aren’t they the ones who have paid for over 1000 local mammograms for women without health insurance?”  “I wonder how many lives the Amy Foundation saved this year?”  Ah, easy for you, all you need to do is donate.   But alas, they actually expect me to ride.

The dreaded phone call came from Arie Behar, who runs the Foundation in honor of his wonderful wife Amy, who died of breast cancer six years ago.  He wants to be certain I will be there again this year.  Despite my performance in the last four events not only does he want me to show up, he wants me to ride.  I can only figure he needs someone to bring up the rear and to set such a low standard that everyone else will be thrilled with their performance.

I tried my usual style of negotiation during Arie’s call.  Begging.  I would have used the old “I need root canal” excuse, but my dentist tells me that I have had so many voluntary get-out-of-obligations root canals, that one more and I may not be able to walk.  Desperation having fallen on deaf ears, I suggested there may be a financial level which if I passed, I could opt out of actually getting on the bike.  Arie said there was something inspiring about Amy’s doctor participating in the ride… I really fail to see what can be inspiring about a grown man crying while gliding down hill.

Last year was memorable.  First, my bicycle seemed to have been the source of some embarrassment.  OK, they did not make ultra light multi geared wind tunnel proven electric blue rocket machines in the 1930s.  There was a heated discussion about having me finish at an alternative location, to avoid the press.  Fortunately, I completed the ride at 10:15pm in the pitch dark, and so eluded embarrassment.  A valuable sports fact I learned that day is if you are going to be straddling a bike seat for 14 hours, do not wear a Speedo.

Therefore, I contacted Michelle in Arie’s office who often seems to have sympathy for my suffering.  I noted on the website that there were three bike routes from which to chose.  The 25-mile that is ”very flat, easy for all levels.”  It was on this route last year that a 5 year old with training wheels passed me … twice.  A 35-mile ride that is more challenging.  In addition, a 50-mile route rated as “very challenging” with 2,700 feet of climb. I have it on good authority that during that ride, they can actually see the aurora borealis.  Anyway, I asked Michelle if there was a roll-around-the parking-lot-downhill-and-finish-without-actually-pedaling route.  Let me just say that she was less than supportive, indicating that I would need to pick one of the three.  Tough crowd, no mercy there.

Thus, I found myself turning to the memory of Amy for advice.   I recalled that she had been one of the toughest cancer fighters I ever met.  This remarkable person took on the dread disease like a tiger.  At the same time, she gave support and love to her family and friends.  She was a powerful example to all that knew her of what a survivor, mother, wife, humanitarian and woman can be.  Amy truly loved life and it is her spirit that leads the fight forward.  She is why we ride.

Therefore, Sunday June 3, 2012 at 8:00am (7:00am check-in) at South Brunswick High School, I will get back on that bike.  I did have it upgraded – tires, chain, speedometer, derailleur, rat-traps, extra large water bottle, NOS booster, double indemnity life insurance policy and air bags.  Arie is shipping a special extra cool bicycler shirt, just for me.  I strongly suspect that the front of the shirt will say “DANGER, RUN FOR LIFE” and the back will urge the reader to “PLEASE PUSH.”

Riders really welcome.  It is an inspiring and special morning.  See you there.

jcs

 

10 Comments

  • Ray Nolan
    I read you blog about Amy's Ride with interest. Three years ago was asked to join in an the Coast the Coast MS bike ride. It comes in 4 sizes, 25 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles and 200. there are thousands of riders all looking like they belong there. This year will be my third MS ride, 50 miles along the NJ Shore, really quite a nice ride weather permitting. The ride is for MS research, and I ride with a team called Park Pedalers captained by Diane and Matt Feldman in Highland Park. Diane has been confined to a wheel chair for many years and is one of the most remarkable people i know, she is limited to neck motion only. She has actually done the 50 miles in a wheel chair fastened to her husbands handlebars. Lately she rides in the sag wagon and encourages the like of me. It's hard to complain with a leader like her. Your description of the bike reminds me of my case. I use a 'girl's' bike with fat tires. The best advise i received early on was to use a chamois instead of undershorts and shorts. (be sure to wash them asap after use) GOOD LUCK ON YOUR RIDE RAY
    • James Salwitz, MD
      A really inspiring story. Thanks for the advice and for making us aware of the MS Ride. jcs
  • Richard Salwitz
    We know you can do it. Go, Go, Go This must be a fund raiser. Are you collecting?
    • James Salwitz, MD
      Click on the link on the blog piece for "5th Annual Amy Ride" or on "Donate", to link to the Amy site to contribute. jcs
  • Lyn Hobart
    Go Dr Salwitz, I know you can do it!!!
    • James Salwitz, MD
      Ah, yea of too much faith. Thank you very much for the support. jcs
    • James Salwitz, MD
      Thank you very much. jcs
  • Cindy Cedrone
    Yesterday you told me I was doing wonderful and to keep up the good work.today I say to you that you are amazing not only to you treat those of us with cancer but you take time to participate in an event to honor all cancer fighters past and present.God Bless you on your journey. Cindy Cedrone
    • James Salwitz, MD
      It is a journey we all walk together...made easier for me because I have the honor to take care of some of the most wonderful people in the world. jcs

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