Thursday, 12/20/07 at 2:13 PM
by Sara Jarrell
by Sara Jarrell
Tour de Pink 2007
It has been about two months since I have returned from the 2007 Young Survival Coalition’s York Tour de Pink presented by Hershey’s. Before I embarked on this epic 200 mile ride, across some of the most beautiful Pennsylvania farm country, I knew the facts: this was a ride to benefit the YSC, it was about 200 miles in three days, there were going to be some hills, and about 100 riders were going to be participating. I trained for the ride and felt prepared. However there was an aspect of this ride that no amount of training could prepare me for; that is the profound impact that this ride was going to have on my life.
Every time I reflect on these days I spent riding with all these absolutely amazing individuals three words come to mind.
Strength: not just physical but the kind born of a fight for one’s life that grows from a place deep inside that is untouchable and infallible.
Dedication: the undying and persevering sort that is unfazed by the trials and tribulations that would stop many in their footsteps.
Spirit: motivated by the desire to live one’s life to the fullest each and everyday.
As the ride ensued I was able to mingle in different crowds of cyclists and strike up conversation. A consistent theme was present in every chat; everyone had a story, a connection to this cause – this fight. Some of the people on this unforgettable ride were survivors, Lisa Frank, co-director of the ride and co-founder of the YSC, is a two-time survivor and all time rider. Many other survivors joined her, including riders and volunteers, whose presence was an inspiration. From day one, a 70 plus mile day with a menacing climb (six percent average grade including a couple of fourteen plus percent grades), to a ceremonial ride around Times Square New York on the last day, all the riders, staff, and volunteers stayed the fight. The celebratory finish on October 1st at Fox and Friends was an exuberant kick off for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The ride as a whole represented to me something greater than pedaling a bike 200 miles; it was symbolic of the recognition of a cause and a struggle to getting through… and sometimes not getting through but to keeping the fight alive. Those four days made a mark on my heart as well as my mind where they have found a place to resonate and strengthen my role in this fight. I encourage everyone to join this cause or to find a cause that interests you and hopefully it will lead you down a two-wheeled path of adventure, discovery, and purpose.
Two wheels keep on turning,
Sara
Every time I reflect on these days I spent riding with all these absolutely amazing individuals three words come to mind.
Strength: not just physical but the kind born of a fight for one’s life that grows from a place deep inside that is untouchable and infallible.
Dedication: the undying and persevering sort that is unfazed by the trials and tribulations that would stop many in their footsteps.
Spirit: motivated by the desire to live one’s life to the fullest each and everyday.
As the ride ensued I was able to mingle in different crowds of cyclists and strike up conversation. A consistent theme was present in every chat; everyone had a story, a connection to this cause – this fight. Some of the people on this unforgettable ride were survivors, Lisa Frank, co-director of the ride and co-founder of the YSC, is a two-time survivor and all time rider. Many other survivors joined her, including riders and volunteers, whose presence was an inspiration. From day one, a 70 plus mile day with a menacing climb (six percent average grade including a couple of fourteen plus percent grades), to a ceremonial ride around Times Square New York on the last day, all the riders, staff, and volunteers stayed the fight. The celebratory finish on October 1st at Fox and Friends was an exuberant kick off for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The ride as a whole represented to me something greater than pedaling a bike 200 miles; it was symbolic of the recognition of a cause and a struggle to getting through… and sometimes not getting through but to keeping the fight alive. Those four days made a mark on my heart as well as my mind where they have found a place to resonate and strengthen my role in this fight. I encourage everyone to join this cause or to find a cause that interests you and hopefully it will lead you down a two-wheeled path of adventure, discovery, and purpose.
Two wheels keep on turning,
Sara
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