Epilogue

Twenty four hours ago Team South Jersey crossed the finish line of America's Most Beautiful Bicycle Ride, the Lake Tahoe Century we had trained so hard for. Sixteen weeks of pushing and challenging ourselves had paid off. Each of us rode proudly through the incredible finish gauntlet where we were greeted by hundreds of cheering supporters and participants.

To say this day is one of the most exciting days of my life could well be an understatement. It was a day when each curve in the road brought a new vista more breathtaking than the last. When each hill climbed led to another more challenging and where the camaraderie of eleven very special people was never more evident. It was a day we will all long remember and share with people who I am certain will be lifelong friends.

Lake Tahoe is quite possibly the most beautiful place on earth. Soaring mountains capped in snow surround an incredibly blue body of water. From hundreds of feet above one can look down from the cliffs and count the rocks on the lake bottom. Towering pines stand guard over sheer cliffs. Waterfalls carry the melting snow down from snow capped peaks.

Team South Jersey came prepared for the ride. Despite the thin air more than a mile above our usual habitat, we conquered our misgivings, expanded once again our physical abilities and met our challenge. This was the most difficult ride any of us had ever undertaken.

We rolled out of the start and cruised through the streets of South Lake Tahoe and turned our bicycles northward. Ahead lay our first ascent, the switchbacks leading to Emerald Bay. Through the pines we caught glimpses of the lake to our right as the road began to rise. The first stage of the climb was a long curve that left us wondering where the oxygen was. Passing the less prepared riders we entered the switchbacks, three hairpin turns connected by steeply pitched roadways. To one side a rock slide scarred cliff rose and on the other a sheer drop down to the road we had just covered. The turn arrows were "U" shaped with 5 mph speed warnings. We weren't going much faster! We reached the first summit, 850 feet higher than our start and were rewarded with the view of Emerald Bay glistening in the morning light. A fast descent and then another steep pitch and we were at 6950 elevation. Following a very fast descent we leveled out around 6200 feet. It did not seem like very long when we reached the Truckee River. We paralleled the river for nearly 14 miles, being once again treated to magnificent sights. After a stop for some snacks and then a photo op at the 1960 Winter Olympic site in Squaw Valley we headed back to the lake and several more 'easy' 200-300 foot hills. Time flew as the miles rolled away under our skinny tires. After a great lunch along the north shoreline we headed towards our final test.

Spooner Junction is the intersection of Nevada 28 and US 50, 7100 above the eastern shore. The road leading there starts in aptly named Incline Village and rises for nearly 1100 feet over nine miles. Not steep it remains a daunting ascent for even the most prepared riders. For an hour we turned our pedals nonstop, climbing steadily. Two small flats mislead you into thinking you have reached the top. Hop scotching other riders as we made our way to the summit we were thankfully distracted by magnificent views the length and breadth of that azure pond below us. Surprisingly our training had paid off. It was not easy by any means but when we reached the top we all expressed amazement that we had maintained a better speed than for most climbs. With a dozen miles to go Team South Jersey headed for home. The five mile descent was our reward for our hard work. We rode into a stiff headwind and still our cyclometers reached into the 30mph range. We sped through the Rock Cave Tunnel and though tired rode the last few hills back to South Lake Tahoe. The signs directing us to the finish appeared and with tear moistened eyes we passed under the FINISH banner. Hugs, high-fives and a bucket of ice water over Coach Frank’s head marked the end of our journey.

Thirty two hundred cyclists completed the 2009 AMBBR including more than 2000 members of Team In Training. The purple green and white team jerseys displayed the name of every state in the union and most Canadian provinces. These dedicated athletes raised nearly 7 million dollars to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Each cyclist benefits from knowing that not only have they participated one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime, but also by knowing that their efforts bring us one step closer to finding a cure for blood related cancers. Each and every one is a hero in the battle against these diseases.

It has been my honor to have ridden with each member of our team. It was an even greater honor to see my name on their shirts as their "Hero". I will forever treasure the honor these wonderful, incredible and dedicated people bestowed on me. They were and will remain my inspiration. Stacie, Anna, Suzanne, Chris, Justine, Jim, Dustin, Joe, Deidre and Laura. I cannot express how proud I am to call you team mates and friends. You have accomplished so much both for yourselves and for many, many people who have heard the words "You have a blood cancer". Thank you for allowing me to be part of your success.