“Biking for Breast Cancer Research 2008” was another great success. Our group raised over $11,500.00 for breast cancer research at RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago making our seven year total over $85,000.00.
The cyclists were challenged not only by the distance of the ride, 362 miles in five days, but by the powerful north winds that we headed into everyday. If the hills in Wisconsin weren’t tough enough just add 15 – 20 mph winds in your face as you’re pedaling with everything you have to get up them. I purchased a new bicycle for the ride. I was going to ride like a “Rock Star” so I thought, that north wind does humble you just a little. I’m glad I had my training in early in the season and the new light weight bike, it made a world of difference.
I’ve asked the cyclists involved and the support vehicle drivers to write about their experiences as everyone has a different story of their trip. We have such a great group of people involved in this ride, it is incredible, they’re AWESOME !!! There is such passion and determination among this group. We’ve laughed, cried, cursed the wind and hills, shared stories and got to know each other a little more personally throughout the many hours out there on our bikes.
Oneida, my friend and day one rider writes:
What does breast cancer research mean to me? One word comes to mind—hope! Hope that someday, there will be a cure. I don’t personally know anyone who has breast cancer, but as a woman, I felt that I needed to do something to help. This was the year that I grew an interest in riding and I thought what better way to contribute to such a great cause and at the same time do something that I enjoy! I only rode one day, but it felt like a great accomplishment. It gave me a feeling of selflessness, where I knew that after the fatigue, aches and sores, it would all be worth it! As much as I thought I wouldn’t make it, I kept telling myself “what’s a few more miles compared to what some of these incredible women are fighting to get through”. I know it was because of this mentality that I didn’t allow myself to give up. This was the first year that I did the bike ride and I plan on doing so for many years to come because not only did I gain new friendships, but also hope that “maybe next year, I can do even more!”
Vicki, my sister and support vehicle driver writes:
Biking for Breast Cancer Research has been a wonderful part of my life. This event brings family, friends, and supporters together for a worth while cause. I am Vicki Russo, proud sister of Kim Cook, and a three-year breast cancer survivor. I know that this cause is very near and dear to all our hearts. Finding a cure for breast cancer is the ultimate goal. How we get there is a challenge to all. It is a great event whether you are one of the cyclists, a support crew member, or a supporter. We are all "Warriors in Pink". I am proud and thankful of each and every participant of this event, and for each and every day that God gives us. Thank you, Kim, for being a shining "pink" star to all.
Tom, my brother and one day rider writes:
I have made the trip a number of times in support of my sister Kim and her efforts to help cure breast cancer. It is a worthwhile event, since many people (men and women) suffer from the disease. Kim's effort to make the event happen is extraordinary. It's all Kim and her family that have made this ride a success all these years.
I truly enjoy the ride because I get to spend quality time with my brother-in-law Jeff. He is a laugh a minute. Note: I have not commented on his skin tight bike shorts.
MY favorite moment every year is getting to Kenosha and removing the bike seat from the crack of my rear end. Oh what a relief it is!
Ramblin Ray, US99 Morning Radio Personality, friend and 5-day rider writes:
I ride for the cure, to raise awareness, to raise spirits, but most of all to raise money for research. Research is where we will find the cure. I ride not only for the accomplishment of a hard ride but for the camaraderie that goes along with it. I ride for my buddie Kim who is an organizer at a grass root level, but has the spirit of a lion.
Most of all I ride for my Wife, my Mother, my Sisters and my Daughters. Some wonder how we can ride 100 miles against the wind and up the hills. It’s a minuscule feat when you see what a cancer patient and their family has to endure. If we can prevent just one from this disease it’s been worth the ride.
Thanks to my platform here at US99 and thanks to station management who allows me to have a voice in helping these various charity's. We will not go down with out a fight.
As long as I have the will, I will put on miles for mammorys, and the memories.
Alyssa, my daughter and support vehicle driver writes:
“Biking for Breast Cancer Research” has become an annual event that I participate in during my summer vacation. Although the ride occurs during my only break from work and school, this ride is worth every minute of my time. My mom, Kim Cook is an exceptional woman who puts everyone she knows in front of herself. This bike ride is something that she does to strengthen awareness and raise money to find a cure for this deadly disease. Not only does breast cancer affect my mom and her family, it affects millions of women across America and the rest of the world. In an effort to feel like a difference can be made she dedicates months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds to this ride. Bike riding is something that my mom loves to do. Not only is this ride a personal accomplishment for my mom, it carries with it many emotions. The thoughts of family, friends and strangers who have shared their stories are reflected upon throughout the journey. “Biking for Breast Cancer Research” is something that I am very proud to be a part of, but I am even more proud of my mom, Kim Cook for her never ending dedication and support for this cause.
Jeff, my husband and two day rider writes:
Being known for the exercise enthusiast that I am and being married to Kim, the die hard cyclist, this ride is quite the experience. Every year I promise to pedal my bike with her at least one day of her 5-day ride. As I take such good care of myself and train so hard (LOL), the ride seems to get more challenging every year, leaving me much room for improvement or maybe just a shorter ride.
I give this ride all I have. This is the only time all year that you will find me on my bike and in spandex bike shorts. I ride to proudly sponsor my wife and breast cancer research, the cause that she so strongly believes in.
Candice, my daughter and support vehicle driver writes:
I have been participating in the bike ride since it started seven years ago. I, however, participate in the support vehicle rather than on a bike. The bike ride means a lot to me due to the high risk of breast cancer in my family. Every year it becomes more of an obstacle for people actually doing the bike ride. I enjoy every second of the car ride with my sister, Alyssa. When the bike ride first started we were in the same car together, but as years went by more people participated and there needed to be more than one support car. We had to separate into separate cars but it was still fun driving on the back roads of Wisconsin and even making pit stops at shopping malls. My favorite part of the ride this year was driving next to my mom while she was riding her bike. I blasted country music because she was all alone and needed some entertainment. I do this bike ride every year because it gives hope to my family members and survivors that one day there will be a cure for this disease.
Siobhan, my friend and one day rider writes:
I have known the Cook family for many years and decided to join them in the Biking for Breast Cancer Research last year for the first time. Though I did not complete the ride last year, I still felt proud to be a little part of such a great cause and event. I put together a fundraiser, with the help of Kim, friends, and family, on June 7th and was able to raise over $1500. This year, I had the chance to share this experience with my closest friends. Victor, who only rode the first 15 miles, still supported all of us by taking over a recovery vehicle so Frank could finish the ride. Jerry and I finished all 60 miles. Reaching the final destination left us with a great sense of accomplishment. We are all looking forward to next year's adventure, minus the "fall" at the rest stop, and hope to recruit more people to join us in this event for a great cause.
AnnaMarie, my sister-in-law and support vehicle driver writes:
This year I had the pleasure to drive along in a support vehicle as our bikers peddled through the heat. I only went up to Kenosha this very first year for myself.
That single day, was an awakening of the dedication of those who peddle and drove along in support vehicles. The determination and endurance of each biker with every single push of their pedal taking them further along on their destination to Eagle River Wisconsin is incredible.
I was fortunate to sit in an air conditioned vehicle while our bikers had endured the traffic, heat, and I am sure some (saddle irritation) along the way, and they kept on pedaling all the time with a smile and laughs.
Just the one day watching friends and our own family on this quest to raise funds was awesome and I am very proud to have been a part of this event!
Wayne, my brother and five day rider writes:
Another ride down !! I’ve been a part of the “Biking For Breast Cancer Research” rides with my sister Kim since she started cycling for the cause in 2001. This was my second year doing the entire 360 mile trip to Eagle River, WI. This year’s ride was by far the toughest of the two rides. With a strong wind in our face all the way there, it was a very difficult ride and it added an extra hour on the bike everyday.
I was very happy this year to have my two sons, Bryan 19 and Kevin 16, participate in the ride. Bryan pedaled the first two days, 100 miles and Kevin pedaled the first day, 55 miles. They both helped out the rest of the ride in the support vehicles helping with coolers, food and luggage.
Cancer runs in our family. We will continue to help by cycling to help find a cure for this disease. I was diagnosed with a different type of cancer just before the bike ride. All is good now though you never stop worrying. This ride proved to me that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. With a strong mind I pedaled every mile up to Wisconsin and with a strong mind I will fight this cancer.
I’m looking forward to the ride next year, let’s hope the wind is out of the south instead of the north !!
Brian, my neighbor and friend and one day rider writes:
This is my second year participating in Kim’s ride for breast cancer research. I ride the first day to Kenosha. My reason for doing this ride is that my best friend’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and she is now a breast cancer survivor. I feel that by riding my bicycle I’m contributing to a very meaningful cause that will help many people in the future.
Mark Briggs, my friend and one day (day 5) rider writes:
I firmly believe there's a lot of good in all people. Your bicycle ride alone shows how that good can be expressed, enjoyed and shared. You and Jeff are both honest and forthright people. Once I heard your family's cancer story, it was an easy decision to ride, to help a great cause for Breast Cancer Research. I only rode the last day, 100 miles, but on that one day I gained new friends and experience.
I'll look forward to next year's ride, and have recruited some who would like to share the ride!
Ryan Fahy, family friend and five day rider writes:
I have always been an athletic person, so when Mrs. Cook asked if I would like to ride my bike to raise money for Breast Cancer research I thought, why not; it can’t be all that hard. I was wrong. Nothing about the ride is easy. Waking up early to ride 80 miles up and down hill after gigantic hill was definitely not what I had expected. And there were numerous times when I thought about giving up and riding in the car, but I couldn’t. I have never given up on anything and a few hills, hot weather and a sore butt weren’t going to be the first things to make me.
However thinking back on the ride and my mentality, I have come to realize that the only reasons I made it through were my determination and taking the ride one mile at a time. Knowing that each excruciating uphill battle inevitably comes to an end with a downhill reprieve, and each mile brings you closer to the finish are sometimes the only things keeping your legs moving.
I can only imagine how bleak and enormous a person’s battle with cancer can seem, but there’s always that knowledge that if one can just make it up the hill in front of them, then there’s surely a downhill coast. And sometimes hope and determination can be the only things left to cling to in times of adversity, but they are enough.
Bill Poull, my friend and five day rider writes:
I met Kim Cook around mid summer 2003. We both own property in the Three Lakes area. We were at a gathering place for the Lake Association when she approached me and asked if I was the guy that rides his bike up here from Milwaukee? I said yes and we started talking about possibly riding up to our cottages together. She asked about the route and I said my friends and I have ridden it a number of times and had the route down pretty good. She told me how she has been riding for 30 miles a day going to work and really enjoys bike riding. I told Kim riding from Milwaukee to Three Lakes was not to be taken lightly, it’s over 250 miles and depending on the weather it could take four days or longer. She said I know, that’s why I’m training because I have to do this before I’m 40 !!
After two years of conversations and phone calls and going over the route she was ready to go. And I do mean READY ! We were about to do a Crusade for Breast Cancer. Leading up to July of 2005 Kim had told me of the cancer in her family and how she wanted to make a difference and raise money for breast cancer awareness and donate it to RUSH University Medical Center. I sold breast cancer pins at a bar I own in Wauwautosa and the Hideaway bar in Three Lakes was doing the same. Kim sold pins and raised money while we were riding, telling people her family story.
That first year we were the only riders. She road the first two days alone to get to our house in Brookfield, WI. Alyssa and Candice her daughters, drove up and were to be our SAG vehicle on the trip. The plan was to stay in motels the first two nights after Brookfield and then a B&B the 3rd night.
I made sure everyone had a map of the route. It was important for the girls to know exactly where we were going, what roads we would be on and the lunch stops and final destination of the day. That’s when the girls dubbed me the “Map Boy”. Everything was in order and we started out that first day, I had warned Kim of the first day from our house. We would be going through the North Kettle Moraine, a very hilly area for miles. The first stop was about 20 miles, Kim was riding very well, I was impressed to say the least. Because we really didn’t know each other very well we had a lot to talk about. That’s when she told me how her mother and sisters both had breast cancer and that her one sister was being operated on while we were riding. That’s why I said earlier this was a crusade! Her cell was going off constantly, if not the girls wondering where we were, and then Jeff her husband needing some help running the business and the updates from the hospital.
With every crank up every hill for three days Kim rode with a vengeance. It was all about the cause. We shared laughs and tears. I feel so honored to have leaded her on this ride. Doing something like this ride helps a person to put things into better perspective. My hats off to Kim Cook, the world needs more like her. Still riding for a cure, Bill Poull
Dino Kellikidis, my friend and five day rider writes:
I am the owner of Main Pub and Grill. Friends of mine told me about the ride that they were planning on doing. A close friend of mine, Nancy McNuff, is a 5 year survivor of Breast Cancer and she means a lot to me. I wanted to do my part to help the cause. I wanted to do my part to show my appreciation to her for all the devotion she shows to me on a daily basis.
On day 1 of the ride, I didn't know what to expect but Kim told me of her sisters and it made me realize how important this was to a lot of people. Day 2 was the worst ( it was supposed to be the easiest) but Wayne held back with me for 10 miles and I got to know him for the great person that he is. His talk with me alone helped me continue and finish this ride. The rest of the days were a numb memory. I did the best I could to finish.
The best part of this experience was that I made great friends with the best families. I hope to keep a life-long friendship with them.
My hat goes off to such a wonderful group of people. Everyone in our group had a different story, different motivations and goals but we all came together as one team for Breast Cancer Research. There was such devotion by everyone it was overwhelming. We hope that in our efforts we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
My hat goes off to RUSH, Dr. Melody Cobleigh and her team of colleagues for the research they perform to help with the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and to the brave women and men fighting this disease.
We are planning two separate rides in 2009. Our ride from Chicago to Three Lakes will take place in June and we are riding 362 miles in four days instead of five days (another challenge!!!). We are also planning a weekend ride from Chicago to Kenosha in August, riding 55 miles on Friday to Kenosha, spending the weekend and riding back 55 miles to Chicago on Sunday. In July we will be having a benefit and fundraiser to benefit Breast Cancer Research for RUSH University Medical Center. If interested in either ride or attending or sponsoring the benefit you can contact me at CookElectric@aol.com or www.BikingForBreastCancerResearch.com. We will be updating the website with the event dates in 2009.
Thank you again for your generous support in the fight against breast cancer.
Sincerely,
Kim Cook |
