Tired muscles and high sprites set the tone for leaving King of Prussia, PA. The riders knew the day would start with two short climbs in Valley Forge National Park. The 85 miles yesterday had taken the power out of many legs and the cyclists knew that if they could make it up and down the first 40 miles of the day to the lunch stop it was mostly downhill and flat along the Delaware River into Trenton.
Dennis Simmons and Jill Frey are two of the talkers in the bunch and keep those around them motivated. For both this event is about the people they are with, not racing to the finish. It’s seeing and even feeling the countryside. Jill has a special hill climbing technique, a friendly push from a hand of one of the motorcycling marshals, Chris Shinners.
Dennis on t he hand does the pushing he tells me. His friend who convinced Leslie who asked him to train her for this ride in the spring needed his motivation again. She had bike troubles with her front Derailleur and was stuck in the big ring. The climbs early in the day became that much more of a challenge. She was thinking about getting off the bike and giving in. Dennis just kept reminding her of quote from Lance Armstrong on a poster he has. “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” She would dug deep and keeps going making it to the lunch stop and a waiting fix from the Giant mechanic Rich. I think I need to take his spinning class over the winter!
The group really enjoyed the mostly descending terrain to the Delaware River and the long 20 mile run South on historic and beautiful River Road through New Hope, Washington’s Crossing, and onto Trenton.
One comment from the cyclists about the event is how professionally run it is. The ride is organized by g4 who also puts on professional races. They bring that level of organization to the event with 7 SAG wagons including a doctor and chiropractor and six motorcycle marshals on the course.
Later that night at dinner hosted by Huntington, NY residents Karen Orczyk and Christine Benjamin we partied and celebrated. Awards were given out for such things as most money raised best hair, and cycling angle.
Jennifer is a survivor and has produced an amazing look at breast cancer through her photography. Her artistic images of fellow survivors sharing their scares for the world through her camera lens are powerful, moving, and a little uncomfortable for viewers. Her art helps leads to understanding the women in ways that words cannot, they are not clinical in nature but still documentary. This is why her work is so important and needs to be seen. Her images first strike you as beautiful nude portraiture. Then you note one model is hairless and scares from breast surgery in another interrupt the viewer. Jennifer’s sensitivity and talent pull you through the book discovering the beauty of these survivors. Her respect for the subjects and their willingness to expose their own scares are an important way to educate and motivate those around them to join their fight for life.
One more “easy” 47 miles to go from Trenton to Clinton, NJ.

Below is an update from Eileen Mannion who I passed on the Tappan Zee Bridge during the Ride for MS. She was riding with her 12-year-old son Micheal Collum. They set out to do the 20 mile loop but he was filling good annd they went for the whole 60 mile ride. Very impressive and great job!

Dear Randell, it was very nice to meet you on our venture together raising awareness for a very worthy cause. You had enquired how my twelve year old son and his mother landed themselves on bikes going over the tappanzee bridge. Well it all began when i was training for the New York City Triathlon that was in July 22. My son enjoyed doing some training with me and would not be happy until he got to do his own triathlon, so late september the youth Rye triathlon came about, micheal did it and loved it. Following that event he had been seeing me rise in the early mornings to go training for the MS. bike ride and begged me to do it. I considered the twenty miles for him, but on that beautiful morning when we were both full of adreninl we just wanted to keep going. The ride was challenging at times but with the atmosphere and encouragement from the marshells especially Bobbie Marcus He Was In Good Hands. I am originally from Ireland living in Yonkers with my husband Eugene and five chrildren. We own a country style diner/ restaurant called Eileen’s country kitchen on Mclean ave in yonkers. We cannot wait to do this exciting event next year for the national multiple scierosis society. Hope to see you again. Thanks, Eileen And Micheal Collum.

Thanks to all the riders who came for yesterday’s Rumble Strip Rally and Protest Ride along Route 100 in Yorktown. There were about 40 of us out there letting the state DOT know that it’s time for them to fix the serious safety problem the agency created by installing the rumble strips on a stretch of road that is arguably the best known four miles for cyclists in all of Westchester.
The rally generated a goodly amount of press coverage. Here’s The Journal News story
As I reviewed my file of documents gathered over the previous six months, I was impressed by how the state Department of Transportation has fought to keep this issue from the public eye. The state refused to disclose many documents when I first made a Freedom of Information request this spring. And even the emails from DOT regional engineer Michael J. McBride, which finally released under order by the DOT’s general counsel, were heavily redacted.
For example, in one McBride email, dated Oct. 1, McBride states that three DOT employees were injured, including himself. But for some reason, the state redacted who that email was sent to.
Another email sent on March 26, is apparently written by McBride. But both the sender and recipient’s name are blacked out, as are the subject of the email and discussion of issues involving the rumble strips. In this email, McBride states, “I predicted this type of complaint.” But the state doesn’t want us to know the nature of that complaint, which was most likely spelled out in the blacked out section on the same email.
Then there was the Jan. 12, 2007 email which appears to be written by McBride. The sender and recipient lines are blacked out as is the subject line. It leaves me wondering what the DOT is hiding.
Also, due to the weather Sunday morning, we had to cancel the six multi-level rides and pizza tailgater. My apologies to those who showed up looking for pizza. I had to make the call at 10.30 whether to move forward with the food. It was still raining. We were still going to have the rally but I had no idea how many would show up in the rain. I didn’t see all that much fun eating pizza in the rain. So I canceled the pizza order. At the rally, I suggested that we hold a protest ride each month until they pave in the rumble strips. I know riding in the late fall and winter isn’t at the top of everyone’s list. But I think it would be a good thing to keep the pressure on, in a low-key kind of way.

Photos by Kaven Full

Long tough day in the saddle rolling over the sharp hills of Lancaster County Pennsylvania. But along those twisty dog-legged roads are some beautiful scenery and a look at a way of life form year’s gone bye. While the Hershey’s Tour de Pink riders use the newest and lightest bikes made of aluminum and carbon fiber, the Amish still use horse and buggies and old steel scooters to travel the roads. Cloths dry from the stiff breeze on lines strung between homes and barns.
From Hershey to Valley Forge the riders travelled through seeing and feeling the history of our forefathers. This was a very difficult 85 miles, though not as hard as last year’s climb of Eagle Peak.
The excitement getting started at Chocolate World with Hershey’s $300,000 donation to Young Survival’s Coalition set the high spirited mood.
The highlight for me was meeting and watching people find strength from within after their leg muscles had told their minds to give up. The people riding in this event don’t give up, even if the finish the route in a SAG wagon. These riders have fought with cancer or helped friends and loved ones battle the disease. When they could ride themselves t hey cheered others one.
Many riders had new bikes and had only been training for a few months, but heard the calling of this event to make a statement to themselves and the world. Ann Marie Potter started riding in July, shortly after her last operation from the breast cancer diagnosed in December of 2005. Her younger sister, Noel Knecht, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 was riding her second Tour de Pink this year. Ann Marie told me what was missing with her treatment and something she hopes to help others deal with. After her mastectomy she was told she could not left anything. Not even her 9 month old son. How can a mother not lift her own child? She struggled with this alone because it was not talked about during her treatment and therapy. Something else she said in the van as we rode together over the last 20 miles of the course that cut into my memory. “I’m glad I don’t have daughters.” This came up as we talked about her sister who was still riding and always a little faster when they ran cross-country in high school. Because it can run in families, her grandmother died in her forties and they never knew why. The doctor’s still don’t know why breast cancer moves through families, but Ann Marie doesn’t need to worry about her three sons. ( See note below for clarification) Ann Marie felt at first she had given up but not riding to the hotel, but as the miles passed by and the hills we drove up told her she was not ready to ride them she knew she had done her best today and that’s what counts. She and her sister will be back next year and she will be stronger and ride the full ride.

You stated that “Ann Marie doesn’t need to worry about her three sons” – I wish this were so.
But men DO get breast cancer. And in families with a hereditary mutation men are much more likely to get breast cancer!!
Also – the majority of women with breast cancer, regardless of age, do NOT have any family history.
I just didn’t want those myths perpetuated.
Everyone is at risk – breast cancer knows now race, gender, or age barrier.
But once again – thank you so much for participating and helping out the YSC!!
Anna Cluxton, VP- YSC Board of Directors

Frankie Andreu again rode as a domistique in the service of the champions on this ride. He started in the middle of the group and coached, cheered, pushed, encouraged, and inspired the riders. It was clearly a special day for him. He and Mari Holden are here because they want to be part of this experience. They are not getting paid to ride these 220 miles like they have in their professional pasts. Frankie the word that came up most with my friends about you after the ride was “class”. You were surprised with a gift from the organization of a jersey signed by all 150 champions now on your team. I know you’ll wear it with pride.
Westchester residents Jill Frey and Dennis Simmons enjoyed their first day and often joked with each other at the rest stops. They are different people with different paths in life who are working hard for the same cause.
Onto Trenton from Valley Forge, like Washington’s troops we will cross the Delaware River and continue the fight. These are riders are on the front lines of the battle with breast cancer and ride like warriors. This ride is about living life and winning small battles each day.

Last night and this morning at breakfast the excitement of coming together for the fight against breast cancer is slowly being replaced with the daunting task of riding 220 miles in three days. Today will be the longest at 85 miles. Even former pro Frankie Andreu says he will need to pace himself. Later today, you’ll hear Andreu’s thoughts on lances return.  Many riders admitted they didn’t train as much as they wanted. New Rochelle’s Jill Frey is one of those who has only ridden a few times in the past month, but feels that her experience and passion for the ride will get her through.
Clearly Jill has the support of the group.
Stay tuned as the Hershey’s Tour de Pink heads to New York City.

Hershey’s Foods severed up dinner at Chocolate world  to celebrate the start of the their Tour de Pink. The 150 riders and volunteers enjoyed getting to know each other before the set off for their 220 mile ride to New York City.

Former pro rider Frankie Andreu who is riding the event for the first had this to say last night.

Day One! So far it’s been great. I’ve meet a lot of people. Everyone is super excited and I’m excited, I don’t get to do many of these and so far it’s been great.
You can’t fake your way through 80 miles. The riders need take your time on the hills and ride steady on the flats and pace yourself to the finish.   Even for me I have to pace myself, I don’t ride anything over two hours.

Also riding this event for the first time is D. Michael Wege, Hershey Foods, Vice President, US Chocolate. He welcomed the riders during dinner and later shared these comments on the event and his participation.

“Hershey Foods has a long tradition of community commitment and helping the people and places we work and do business.”
Working with the Young Survival Coalition and participating in this great bike ride is something that allows us to continue that tradition and to help out with breast cancer awareness throughout the month of October.

This is my first major ride, I’m a new rider and I’m very excited about the opportunity to participate and make it to New York.

Olympian Mari Holden lead the way for the 150 riders registering at Hershey Lodge today for tomorrows start of Hershey’s Tour de Pink, a 220 mile ride for the Young Survival Coalition charity ride to New York City.The energy of this group is amazing.

Tonight will be a kick off celebration at Chocolate World as the riders get meet friends from last year and new cyclists this year.

The rides will make their way from Hershey, Pa to King of Prussia, Pa on Friday. Their first day will be the hardest with a hilly 84 miles through beautiful Lancaster County.

Saturday on to Trenton, NJ after an 80 mile ride.

Then we’ll head to Clinton, NJ after 47 miles on Sunday. The riders will then be bused into New York City for the night and have one last ride to be on Fox & Friends Monday morning and a celebration later at Tavern on the Green.

Stacy A. Anderson
The Journal News

IRVINGTON – Village officials and residents will rally for a walk tonight night to support the daughter of Mayor Erin Malloy, who was seriously hurt after her bike collided with a car last week.

Mairin Din, a freshman at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, collided with the vehicle Sept. 24 while cycling near the campus. She suffered serious head injuries from the accident.

The community will join village and school officials for a “Walk for Mairin” at the Irvington High School track at 7:15 p.m.

“We want to give students and friends a chance to gather and reflect, think about the family and offer support,” Village Administrator Lawrence S. Schopfer said.

The walk will include a lap with lighted candles around the high school’s Peter K. Oley track.

Din, a 2008 graduate of the high school, ran for the Irvington cross country team.

Friends have created a fund at Sunnyside Federal Savings and Loan Association of Irvington to help defray medical costs and living expenses for the family staying near the hospital in Pennsylvania.

Weather looks sunny for Sunday’s multi-level ride and protest rally against the DOT rumble-strip installation. It starts and ends at the lot at the intersection of Routes 118 and 100 in Yorktown.
We’re meeting at 9 a.m. for the rides – there are six levels of rides planned, which will be back by 11.30. Ride leaders are James Rather (A), myself (BPlus), John Coppinger (B), Harvey Loeb (CPlus), Tom Viola© , Jeff Gitlin (D). Then we will head off at 11.45 for the 8-mile loop on Route 100. We’ll be back at the intersection for speeches and pizza. Bring your folding chairs and tell your friends.
We still need some help for the event. We need some folks there at 8.45 to help with parking, to make sure we keep the lot clear enough for the chairs and speeches, and that the cars parking along Route 100 are far enough toward the curb to keep space for the cyclists.
We could also use someone with skills with a video camera to film the event and help us put up a clip on YouTube.
Your presence at the rally will be very important. I talked to DOT official Mike Cotton yesterday, and he said they are still reviewing the issue. He said they have an “open mind” on whether they will repave the road. We need to show up in force to tell the DOT they made a very bad mistake on Route 100. The DOT needs to acknowledge that they made a mistake. It’s time to restore the road for safe cycling.
As Robert Olsson so aptly put on our limited edition protest Tshirts – “UN-RUMBLE ROUTE 100!”

The next big fund raising ride coming up is the 5th annual Familial Dysautonmia (FD) cycle Tour de Foliage on Sunday October, 12th. The ride will start and finish at Pace University in Pleasentville and is rain or shine.

They have two ride lengths, 25 and 50 miles. You must raise over $75 in sponsorship for the 25 mile ride and $100 for the $50 mile. Registration is $35. If you raise over $1,000 you will recieves a Tour de Foliage jersey.

Please click here to register, volunteer, or other information.