Another Great Reason To Ride…
This is the cover of the latest issue of Endurance Magazine. Endurance focuses on educating, inspiring, and motivating athletes of all levels and abilities in the Carolinas.
It’s the subject of my post: Another Great Reason To Ride…
I’m proud to call the cyclist on the cover, Brian Sain, my friend. It’ll be two years ago this August that I was riding the back roads of Chatham County, NC when I pedaled up on another cyclist. He was cruising along with a cue sheet in hand looking for his next turn or at least making sure he was on the right road. I asked him which route he was on and it happened to be what I was riding. I told him I knew it well and asked if he wanted some company. That simple meeting began a friendship that already means so much to me. By the end of the ride… Brian and I had already shared cycling stories, life stories and how cancer had effected our families.
Brian was an incoming freshman at NC State. We exchanged emails and we’ve been riding together ever since. But the best ride has been pedaling with Brian in memory of his brother, Aaron. On our first ride in August, he excitedly filled me in on the “24 Hours of Booty” and team “Do It For Aaron”. As you can see… it’s the cover story of this month’s Endurance Magazine… A Brother’s Devotion: 200 Miles In 24 Hours.
Brian lost his brother to brain cancer in 2004. He’s been pedaling ever since in Aaron’s memory and to raise money for the Brain Tumor Fund through the 24 Hours of Booty. The 2008 24 Hours of Booty was a chance for me to ride in honor of my parents as well. My mom and dad, as many of you know, were both diagnosed in 2007. That was just before I met Brian. I’m honored to be riding again in the 2009 24 Hours of Booty with Brian and all of the “Do It For Aaron” team members (which, of course, includes his awesome parents… Team Captain and mom Karen… and his dad, Gary).
We’ll be pedaling in memory of Aaron, in honor of my parents and for all those who have faced or will face the fight against cancer. I look forward to the great friendship, the fun and the mission of beating this disease.
Another Great Reason To Ride… you never know who you might meet. I believe my meeting with Brian was not by chance.
Please check out:
Brian’s 24 Hours of Booty page.
Donald’s 24 Hours of Booty page.
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Comments
Donald, this is a great post! It’s really amazing how many people have been impacted personally by cancer. Nice tribute to your fiend, too.
so enjoyed reading about Brian Sain and how your friendship began. I like the saying I read which stated, “Coincidences are only pre-arranged appointments made by God”. I’ve always remembered that and it seems to fit here. Continue on your successful path and thanks for sharing the ride.
CHRIS– Thanks buddy! I’lll pass it along to Brian. Hope all is going well with you.
DAVE– Thanks Dave. Yes… it’s an amazing number… but it’s that amazing number that can come together to help beat this disease! Brian’s a great kid!
BOBBIE & ED– Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I like the saying as well… it’s right on!
awesome post, hope it’s a great ride. i enjoyed last years post on this.
i am going to do a 12 hour bike race next year – i wish we had a 24 hours of booty here too.
Wow, I just picked up Endurance this afternoon. Kudos to Brian and the rest of your team on the 24 Hours of Booty event. Your efforts makes a difference not financially, but y’all also provide inspiration in the fight to end cancer. Good luck this year.
JUDI– Thanks! Yeah… I’m looking forward to it. Have fun with the 12! You know there’s another 24 Hours of Booty in Maryland. I know it’s still a pretty good drive for you. Best on the training for Ironman Louisville!
SPROCKETBOY– Isn’t it amazing… what a great thing!
IAN– Thanks buddy… it is the best place to meet the best people… let’s pedal soon.
ROB– Thank Rob… I’ll pass it along to Brian. Thanks so much. I’ll keep you posted. Hope your training and all else is well!
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Great cause. Good luck to both of you!