Lance leads 3,500 cyclists in charity ride
Published: September 26, 2005
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong zipped through the Oregon countryside with five-time winner Eddie Merckx of Belgium at his side, followed by some 3,500 other cyclists stretched out for miles behind them.
But there were no yellow jerseys, trophies or prize money at stake on this ride. This army of cyclists showed up to catch a glimpse of cancer survivor Armstrong and support his new campaign to raise money to support cancer victims — the LiveStrong Ride.
Among the local cyclists was 51-year-old Kevin Adams, who raised $5,500 by sending out e-mails and letters. Attached to his handlebar was a list of about 60 names, his reasons for participating in the ride.
“These are cancer victims and survivors who are close to me,” Adams said. About a third of the people were deceased.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation hoped to raise $500,000 by soliciting donations from cyclists participating in the ride and from others raising money on their own.
Instead, the effort generated more than $1.3 million, foundation spokeswoman Jennifer Halpin said.
A total of 3,500 cyclists signed up for the ride, each paying a minimum $150. Dean Parsley, 70, was among them.
Parsley recently finished radiation therapy for prostate cancer, and is optimistic about the future. During radiation treatment, Parsley refused to allow it to keep him off his bicycle, even though he was feeling a loss of energy.
At Sunday’s LiveStrong Ride, Parsley put in 70 miles.
Parsley says admiration of Armstrong is helping get him through his own ordeal.
“On days when I wasn’t feeling very good, I thought, this is nothing compared to what he went through,” said Parsley, referring to Armstrong’s victorious battle with testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain.
The LiveStrong Rides are modeled after the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s Ride For The Roses, a fund-raiser held each year in Austin, Texas, Armstrong’s hometown.
Six LiveStrong Rides are planned in communities across the country next year, Halpin said. The sites have not yet been chosen.
Asked why the Portland area was selected for the inaugural Livestrong Ride, Armstrong cited Portland’s successful promotion of cycling.
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