12 Days to Go Until We ROCK the RIDGE!

Last year, we ran this race in spite of Hurricane Irene. In spite of the promoter, aka Me, having just had major surgery. In spite of a last minute date change. And we pulled it off.

This year, we need to kick ass. We need major turnout. We need volunteers. We need you.

If you are in the Tri-State/New England area and want to come out for a day of fun in the sun at West Rock Ridge State Park, come out on Sunday, September 23 for a day of Mountain Bike Racing for a cause.

We'll have our Tribute Wall, where you can put up a bib in honor or in memory of someone that you know who fought cancer, we'll have prizes and other fun stuff. And, oh yes, the SERIES FINALE for the NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES of Cross-Country Mountain Biking!

For more details and to register, please go to: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/16328


Can't make it to the race but want to contribute? Please, make a donation here: http://laf.convio.net/goto/RicaRocksAustin2012

Choose Your Own Adventure

Not everyone can ride a bike like Lance Armstrong. Not everyone can run a marathon. But we can all do something to fight cancer on Sunday, April 29. For those that choose to run, walk or ride their bikes, gather at the Trinity Corners Shopping Center on Westchester Avenue in Pound Ridge, NY to participate in the 3rd Annual ROCK the RIDE & RUN.

"Although I prefer to ride my bike, I know so many people that want to do something to join the fight against cancer, so 3 years ago, the kids and I put this event together," Rica Mendes, LIVESTRONG Leader explains. "We wanted to make sure that everyone - regardless of their athletic ability - had the chance to participate and help us raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer."

This year is different for Mendes for a number of reasons. First, she has added a Virtual Participant category - this way, you register for $36, and you can choose to join the ROCK the RIDE & RUN anywhere - your home, your gym, the beach - anywhere in the world - and raise funds and awareness. Second, this is her first year participating as a cancer survivor.

Only 3 months after last year's ROCK the RIDE & RUN, Mendes got the word that she had breast cancer.

"I was floored. It came out of left field completely. Fortunately, I was already established within the LIVESTRONG network that it was much easier for me to build my support system. But it was still a struggle. I can only imagine how much more terrifying it is for people who don't already have that system in place.

"That's why this event, and support for the Lance Armstrong Foundation is even more important to me now. I don't ever want to hear about a cancer fighter feeling lost and like they have no place to go for any kind of resource - emotional, practical, physical, etc. LIVESTRONG does not discriminate - if you have cancer, you're automatically part of the family. It's just a matter of figuring out what we can do to help you and your family through your fight."

Registration is now open for the ROCK the RIDE & RUN. Go to http://www.active.com/5k-race/pound-ridge-ny/3rd-annual-rock-the-ride-and-run-benefiting-livestrong-2012 between now and April 28, 2012 at 11:59pm EST in order to register.


If you cannot attend, but you would like to contribute to Rica's fight against cancer, please feel free to make a donation at http://laf.convio.net/goto/RicaRocksAustin2012.