Thanks!

I got to thinking that before I embark on this adventure I ought to credit two men who have meant everything to helping me get to the point of being able to do this ride. The first is Michael Davis. I rode my bike with Michael for the first time in March of 2004 and it marked the beginning of me becoming a serious cyclist. Mike overhead me talking about the need to stay in shape after losing weight, and he suggested we go for a ride together. Mike was already an accomplished cyclist. On that first ride he didn't laugh at how I was dressed or the bike I was riding. He took it easy and allowed me to enjoy his company. Not long after that he invited me for another ride, during which he took me up Military Rd. for the first time. Later on, Mike told me this was how could he find out who would become a serious cyclist. Anyone who didn't make it up Military Rd. wouldn't ride with Michael again, and never got serious about cycling. Well, with Michael's help I made it up. For many months he pulled for me and encouraged me. Even when I fell off my bike and broke my arm while riding with clipless pedals for the first time, Mike didn't give up on me. He kept me riding, until in July of 2004 the two of us finished the Seattle to Portland ride of 206 miles together in one day. Thanks, Mike. Your coaching and encouragement got me started, and I will be forever grateful!

The other person I need to thank is John Shula. I first got to know John as a cancer patient when I visited him at University of Washington Medical Center during his second bone marrow transplant for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. On one visit I remember that John received some bad platelets and his heart raced to over 225 beats per minute. He credited his strong cyclist's heart with saving his life. Well, now I believe him. I trained with John as he prepared for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe in 2005. Then in 2007 John and I trained and rode together in the Honolulu Century ride for Team in Training. John has been a huge insiration for me and a tremendous source of encouragement, not only because of his cycling, but also because of his faith, and his perseverance in battling cancer. He's also an awesome and demanding spin class instructor who knows how to make you hurt on a stationary bike!

I will always thank God for both Michael and John. I would not be the cyclist I am today without both of them. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Thanks for sharpening me, men. God bless you both!