Livestrong Review

		
Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG ride - 100 Mile ride against Cancer
I vowed to do this race when my Mom, Gail Buckles was diagnosed with breast cancer.  
She is a survivor.  There was nothing else I could do.  However, I promised myself / her 
I would do this.  Help with raising awareness.  I raised over $6,000 
and I did my part to help others. 
I Brad Buckles rode 103 miles.  I could not have done it alone.  
I rode with  the LCC, Lakemont Cycling Club.  A great group of men and women much faster than I.  
It was emotional from the start.  Anxiety built from the moment the national anthem played.
Adrenaline rushed my body as the horn blew.  And it was great fun along the way!  
I have never eaten so much food in my life.  
My computer calculated I used up 8300 calories in roughly 6 hours.
I ate GU, peanut butter sandwiches and more powerade than I can remember.
I finished later that day at a Mariners game with a hamburger a hot dog and another peanut butter sandwhich!   
"Great work Lakemont! 
I was thinking of you and the rest of the Lance Armstong riders this afternoon" 
The Mariners game after the ride was great, all the family together and all!
"Congratulation goes to all of you that participated in first Seattle LIVESTRONG 
Challenge by riding, fundraising and donating.  We had a total of 12 of us from the Lakemont team.
Also, with a big boost from Brad Buckles.(donations and powerful riding! :) way to go Brad! )  
Fantastic work everyone!"
 
"Finish was fantastic, somebody radioed my number to the staff at the finish line, 
they announced my name, fact that I did 100 miles, and how much I had raised (over $6k by now). 
Lots of people applauding"  
All in all this was easily the best organized ride I've ever done.
- Wonderful start, "Lakemont Club" leaving in a very big pack of 100 mile riders, 
riding through Seattle, all roads cleared for us, police escort - no cars anywhere.
- Then over the bus lanes to the express lanes to Mercer Island -  Round Mercer Island
- Then great course including plenty of hills, including Tiger and Montreux 
(what a hill that is . tougher than zoo hill)
- Great rest stops and plenty of them, lots of food, water, peanut butter Sandwiches and LOTS OF GU!
 
Weather couldn't have been better.  NO RAIN!!!!  
At the end I had done 103 miles and 6,400 feet straight up. 
 
I think we can be proud of the money raised (over $33k collectively so far).
Hope we can have more participants next year although 12 is not bad.
Brad Buckles - LIVESTRONG finisher :)