70 Miles at 70 Years: Drew's Birthday Ride

4401 207th Street,Matteson IL 60443

06 November, 2022

Description

In the summer of 2015, Drew got the news that he had Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a cancer that attacks the blood and bone marrow. Though the initial chemotherapy appeared to have gotten rid of the cancerous blood cells after several hospitalizations, he had a relapse in less than two years. Further treatment with chemotherapy, hospitalizations, and a bone marrow transplant successfully eliminated the cancer. However, the battle left him weak with a compromised autoimmune system, and unable to fully engage in normal activities. At the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, his condition began to improve. In the spring of 2021 he started riding his bike for short distances. Since then his health has soared. So, to celebrate his 70th birthday, Drew will take on his greatest cycling challenge thus far: a 70-mile ride on his birthday, November 6. Instrumental in his miraculous recovery have been the community of cyclists he has found. These fellow cyclists have been good company and encouragement on the road back to good health. Come and join him for this victory lap of 70 miracle miles and consider making a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support research for finding a cure. Donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer. Compared to other blood cancer nonprofits, LLS is the largest funder of cutting-edge research to advance cures. We have invested nearly $1.3 billion in research. We are leaders in advancing breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine. This research saves lives. These revolutionary new treatments originally discovered through blood cancer research are now being tested in clinical trials for other cancers. Ride Details Date: Sunday, November 6, 2022 Arrival Time: 6:45 a.m. Bike Check Departure Time: 7:00 a.m. SHARP Start Location: Oakwood Park in Matteson, IL (4401 207th St.) Distance: 70 miles Rolling Speed: 12-14 mph Drop/No Drop: Drop -- There will be departure point midway through. Ride Leader: Drew Lyke 708-363-8610/[email protected] This will be a fun ride along the Old Plank Road Trail to Joliet to Thorn Creek Trail, to Tinley Creek Trail back to Oakwood Park. This ride will follow the guidelines of the Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago (MTC3) ** HELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL MAJOR TAYLOR CHICAGO RIDE ** http://majortaylorchicago.com/ride-rules/ WHAT TO BRING TO AN MTC3 RIDE: Part of being a good cyclist is having the tools and accessories necessary to be self-sufficient, safe, and ready to ride. Below is a general list of items to bring and a to-do list to be ready for an MTC3 ride. Gear Bag: buy a gear bag (saddle bag is recommended) and stock it with the basics – extra tube, tire tools, a small multi-tool, and either a mini-pump or a CO2 cartridge set.Hydration/Food: Remember to bring water/sports drink and maybe an energy snack (bar, gel, banana, etc.)Tire Pressure: pump your tires up before coming to the ride, or bring a floor pump that you can use in the parking lot before the ride. If you need help, MTC3 ride leaders will be there to help you learn.Your bike: Give it a quick inspection. Spin the wheels to make sure they aren’t rubbing. Do the gears shift accurately and easily? Does everything seem to be in order? This is called an ABC check. (Air, Brakes, and Chain)Optional items: The following will make your ride more enjoyable, but aren’t absolutely necessary. Cycling gloves, sunglasses, cycling shoes and clipless pedals, padded cycling shorts.Be on Time: MTC3 rides leave promptly at the advertised time. Get to the start of the ride with plenty of time to get yourself and your bike ready to roll with soul!