We have a lot more pictures to share this year!
Last time I couldn't keep the rain off the camera lens.
I had made a rain cover for the camera, but with the
rain and wind, it wasn't enough to keep it dry (last
year's pics here). Hopefully the pictures below will give you a glimpse of
the awesome experience we had again this year, riding
with Lance in the LIVESTRONG Challenge!
(For info on the camera setup we used
to take most of these pictures check our
Camera Equipment
page.) |
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getting excited before the ride |
in the staging area |
moving into position |
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lined up and ready to go |
looking at the start (under the bridge) |
Lance Armstrong addresses the riders |
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on the move! |
here we go across the starting line |
waving at friends Larry & Rosie |
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out on the street |
police along the route blocking traffic |
crossing Tualatin Valley Highway |
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looking over our shoulders |
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what a great ride |
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traffic jam at first rest stop |
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pretty ride |
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out on the country roads |
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gorgeous views! |
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second well equipped rest stop |
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having a fun day |
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greeting well-wishers in passing cars |
last stop |
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heading along West Union |
very few cars |
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Lance & co. flying by with police escort |
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nearing the Nike Campus |
end in sight |
entrance to the Campus |
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Yeah, we did it! |
special finish line for cancer survivors |
awarding roses to the survivors |
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Michelle with her yellow rose |
others finishing the ride |
visiting with other riders at the finish |
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awards and thanks |
Lance shares with riders & volunteers |
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A great experience again this year! The
weather was terrific! A bit warm, but after last
year's cold temperatures and rain and wind, the
heat felt good. We were reminded over and over
again to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Fortunately
we finished early enough after 40 miles to beat
the worst of the heat. The Post-Event Party was
held outside this year on the beautiful Nike
campus, and for most of the country the
temperatures probably felt like a normal summer
day. However, for the Pacific Northwest it was
pretty warm! Lance Armstrong suggested that next
year we try for a happy medium in the
temperature department.
Our unusual bicycle was once again a catalyst
for conversation. From the photographers to the
seriously interested to the just plain curious,
we garnered much attention. As we rode slowly up
and quickly down hills, many riders were
alternately amused and confounded by our choice
of ride. The common question, "Aren't those
things slow going up hills?" was soundly
answered when riders of upright bikes gained no
ground going up the longest hill. Even when
stronger riders passed us going up, we
frequently passed them back going down. What
fun!
With more than 3000 walkers, runners, and
cyclists the Portland LIVESTRONG Challenge
raised over $1 million dollars! Put that
together with over 650 volunteers and all those
who supported LIVESTRONG with financial
donations and you have a huge impact. We
continued to learn more about this awesome
organization through the staff and volunteers as
we talked to them during Saturday's registration
and Sunday's Post-Event Party. A theme this year
was "Pick a Fight" and we met people who were in
their own personal fight against cancer, as well
as those who were fighting for others. Everyone
was working together to promote an awareness of,
and to put an end to, this deadly disease. Lance Armstrong, in his speech
after the
race, said that he hopes to be able to retire
from this job some day because cancer has been
eliminated. He was very appreciative of
everyone's efforts to make this year's Challenge
a success.
There is such a joining of hearts and purpose in
the LIVESTRONG Challenge. It seems as if
everyone is working together with such purpose.
We all want to save lives, and for the nearly 12
million Americans living with cancer, to make
their lives better. LIVESTRONG stands for: Unity
is Strength, Knowledge is Power, and Attitude is
Everything. The Challenge helps pull it all
together.
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The cards below were pinned on our bike for the
ride. They identify Michelle as a cancer
survivor,
and honor the special people listed by
our financial supporters when they made their
gifts. |
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