I started cycling July 11th 2008.  I weighed 205 pounds (down from 216), had high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and plantar fasciitis from too much weight pressing down on my feet!  Thanks to a great group of friends and thousands of miles on the bike, I'm down to 160 pounds with normal cholesterol, no foot problems, and am getting the blood pressure under control.  I ride because I love it and it keeps me healthy.  I'm glad to help in the fight against cancer so that others can also make a return to health and enjoy life as much as I do.

My story I like to bike, I started about 11 years ago riding during lunch break on my lunch hour, on a mountain bike no doubt, now I ride a little more aggressive every chance I get.  I love this sport because it’s good for you and very low impact on the body.   I have accomplished LOTOJA 7 years straight going for #8 next year. Biking is enjoyable for all ages.  I have a friend that is a cancer survivor that went from learning to walk and still has limited feeling to being a great rider much better than I am.

I am excited to be doing this ride with some great friends and look forward to it.

Cancer Awareness……..
Ride on….

Father of the "A" in MADERIDE.

I am a two time cancer survivor.  Cycling is one of the things that brought me  back to life  after cancer and it has become a passion, a stress reliever, and a love of mine.  Cancer is not an easy thing to deal with but it is possible to push through, win the battle, and come out on the other side stronger.  I am  healthier and stronger now than I was before I had cancer.  
 
Cycling is what brought my muscles back to functioning enabling me to walk again.  I have completed LOTOJA 7 times and am going for 8 this year.  Cycling with friends and  family and bringing awareness to cancer and sharing the amazing stories of those  who have survived cancer and are currently thriving is something very close to  my heart.  LiveStrong and ride on!

I was  inspired to start cycling by my Dad who is a two time cancer survivor.  I  rode  my motorcycle to cheer for him on his first LOTOJA (206 miles) and decided I had  to do it with him the following year.  It turns out that in order to keep  up  with Dad on the bicycle I had to quit a 2-pack-a-day smoking habit.  I have finished LOTOJA 6 times and Im going for 7 this year.  I have been smoke free  going on 7 years and I am STILL working hard to try and keep up with my inspiring Dad!

The strength of the human spirit and the body’s ability  to heal itself with proper exercise, nutrition, and the right mindset amazes me.   Having completed a PhD in Holistic nutrition I KNOW that cancer is something we can overcome and I will do whatever I can to help others live a healthy life feeling good!  Joy is in the journey so ride strong and live your dreams!!

Gary Halversen
I'm a mountain biker. I'll climb anything for the rush of zipping down singletrack through the trees or redrock, wherever I can find it.  I just tolerate roadies for charity.  Actually, I have been riding since 1979 when my dad (now deceased from brain cancer) got me my first bike - a junior 10 speed Miyata - bright orange.  He tied a rope to my bike and towed me out to Antelope Island in a terrible headwind that first year.  He and I beat up the roads of Davis county for years after that.  I took up MTB in 1994 and bounce between that and road as my mood dictates.  I ride for my dad.  

I am the toddler cyclist on the crew.  I've been riding since last August, after not owning a bicycle for at least a decade before that.  It's been a steep but incredibly rewarding learning curve.  I'm excited to take part in this very challenging and very special ride.  Life is a gift - every single day of it.