6 years cancer free, please donate $6 to the Lance Armstrong Foundation!

Happy to get an endoscopy done.

2007-09-24T18:05:00.001-07:00

Life can be full of surprises like the day when your surgeon tells you he agrees you should have an endoscopy and you see this as good news! Especially because you almost hope they will actually find something wrong that the doctor fix while he’s in there looking around, or give you some medication or a diet plan to make things better.

The reason for this is of course that the other option is that the cyst on your gall-bladder duct is indeed causing your pain and you’ll have to under go major surgery or just learn to live with the attacks that can come every week or every other 8 months. Choices, choices will it ever just get easy and clear cut?

Because I’ll be busy working, today was day eight in a row, to get this coming Friday and next Monday off, so I can go to Portland to ride the Livestrong Challenge.
Then the next weekend is the BCAA, Living With Breast Cancer conference. Where I’ll be participating in the Sense of Style fashion show. I picked out my outfit last Saturday, very funky!
The next week it’s time for my annual visit to the women-MD, always fun.
To be followed by a wedding from a good friend of mine on October 20th.
Then it’s time for me to attempt once again to get just a little smarter by doing a continuing education course, to become a certified CI (clinical instructor) for the PT-students that come to the hospital with great hopes to learn something from us experienced PT’s. There is always hope!

So November 1st I finally will have the time to have the endoscopy. That leaves me plenty of time to get ready.

Ride for the Roses in the Netherlands

2007-09-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ride for the Roses in Groningen, the Netherlands August 18th 2007

A report by Eva (13 y.o.) and Else (11 y.o.), my 2 nieces who rode 50 km on their one-speed bikes.

First we had to get up (way to) early.
Luckily we had a non-nausea-causing car so we were able to have food. (explanation: My brother doesn’t own a car and rents one when needed, my nieces easily get carsick because they’re not used to cars)
After we arrived we had to wait very long until daddy was able to start.
But it was very impressive to see the long ribbon of cyclists passing through for 30 minutes.
After daddy finally left we had to wait even longer before we finally got going after first standing in this bikers traffic-jam. We made it to the first check point (they had to get a stamp at each checkpoint) where it was again very busy (not to crazy if you have the checkpoints for the 25 and 50 km at the same spot!).
But we were eventually able to ride at a nice speed, about 20 km/h. It was funny that during the ride you see all these guys in their professional outfits on their expensive bikes and we are passing them without any problems!
We did see daddy again when the 100 km group crossed our route, we had to wait 30 minutes again to let them pass!
But we made it and did so in a good time!
It was a lot of fun and we want to ride again next year! I didn’t like that we missed the tomato and rose, because daddy didn’t want to stand in line and we had to go home right away.

We participated in the Ride because we want to support those who have cancer and for people that lost a friend or family member to cancer. And of course for you!
Me (Eva) also rode for Anita, the mother of my friend Renske, who also had cancer.
We were lucky they told us it was OK for us (Eva and Else) to ride because we didn’t register officially. (Grandpa called the organizers and got permission for the girls to ride)

Ride for the Roses in the Netherlands

2007-09-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

On August 18th my parents, brother and my 2 oldest nieces participated in the Ride for the Roses in the Netherlands. 777,000 Euro was raised for the National Dutch Cancer Society. More than 9500 rides participated in the 25,50 or 100 km rides. My nieces wrote a great report from the day but I haven't had the time to translate it yet.
Here are some pictures of my family.
Sis

Marathon of Hope 10 km run

2007-09-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

This morning started early for a Saturday. I had to get up to meet Jasey and Jamie at Lake Calhoen for the Marathon of Hope run. The weather couldn't be more perfect, sunny but still cool with just a little breeze.
Getting there we figured out that the race didn't start at 8am but 8.45am so we had plenty of time to get our picture taken and get our race-stuff.
Then it was time to get going, there goes the buzzer, and off we go! We started out the 3 of us for the first round around the lake and had a good pace going. Short sleeves was the way to go because we warmed up within the first kilometer.
Jamie was done after 1 lap (5km) so it was just Jasey and I for the second one. We were both getting hungery but the tought of the double chocolat muffin we put in the trunk of the car kept us going strong. Only 200 meters to go we realized that my goals of finishing within the hour was still possible! A little sprint and done! In 59 minutes and 40 seconds, Nice!
The best part was that next to the muffins they had ice-cream! It's great to excercise so you can eat.
After the run we had to wait a while for the raffle prizes, Jamie won a sonic-care toothbrush. While Jasey got a back massage and I eat yet another ice-cream! Then the pictures were ready and we got our copies and called it a day.
Thanks Ladies for running with me, it was fun!
The fundraiser total was over $19,000 for the Park Nicollet Cancer Center Foundation.
Sis

Time to fundraise!

2007-09-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

This is the letter I recently send to all my American friends to ask for support for my Livestrong Challenge

Hi Everybody,

I’m writing you with a new request to sponsor me during my 100 miles LIVESTRONG Challenge in Portland OR on September 29th 2007.

This year I am celebrating 6 years cancer free by asking you to donate 6 dollars (or more of course) to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

One of the many highlights of my ride last year was the 100 miles LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin. It was amazing how many people were out there on their bikes riding for all different reasons. Survivors, family members, care givers or people just inspired by Lance to go out and do something to join the fight against cancer!
It was great to talk to different riders and be supported to ride my best ever time for 100 miles by strangers who volunteered to pull me forward in a nice pace line. A feeling I can compare to my days when I was fighting my cancer and friends and family were there to support me.

This year is not without hurdles for me, which is one of the reasons that my fundraising is off to a late start.
I’ve been having some problems with attacks similar to the ones that were the reason to take my gallbladder out in April 2003. Last April I had 3 attacks in 1 week and decided to have it checked out. They found a cyst on the gallbladder duct, which might be causing all this. One option is to have surgery to take is out which means 5 days in the hospital and 4-6 weeks home from work.
My intuition is telling me not to go with the surgery and I have learned about 6 years ago to listen to this little voice inside. So I’ve set up another visit with the surgeon to discuss other options, maybe an endoscopy to look at things from the insight.

Stay informed on my BLOG; http://sisfiets.blogspot.com , I promise to update my BLOG when I have more news.

On the brighter side of life, my last cancer check-ups are all nice and clear. The last MRI and mammogram and visit with Dr Redding where good. I celebrated 6 years cancer free on June 14th in the Netherlands with my family. The official reason for this trip was to celebrate my dad’s 70th birthday, which we did by playing tourist in Amsterdam with the whole family. It was great!

I’m doing well staying in shape by running. I’ve got a 10 km run scheduled on September 8th to support the Cancer Foundation at Methodist hospital. Riding my bike to work and getting extra miles in the weekend. A few weeks ago I rode my first bike-race, a team time trail with my team the Velo Bellas, which hurt so good!

And of course the LIVESTRONG Challenge at the end of September for which I’m asking your support!
My donation website is http://portland07.Livestrong.org/sisfiets, you can make the donation online or print a donation form and send in a check.

The Lance Armstrong foundation empowers the cancer community to address the unmet needs of cancer survivors. Please refer to http://www.Livestrong.org for more information on this great organization.
Thank you very much in advance for your continuing support.

Live strong!

Annemiek

Medical update

2007-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy with all kind of medical tests lately because of something funny going on.
In 2003 I had my gall bladder take out because of having several very painful “attacks” and a US test that supposedly showed gallstones. The surgery went well and I thought my problems were over. Even though my surgeon told me there were no stones but just a small opening into the duct.
After being attack free for a year or so I was surprised to experience one feeling just as the ones that let to my surgery. Now 4 years and several very spaced out “attacks” later I finally decided this was enough.
So I visited my primary care doc who ordered a MRI to see what’s going on. The radiologist and GI-surgeon consulted in the case were unable to agree about what is going on, so the next step was a CT-scan and a US. These took place this past Friday and now I’m hoping to hear something soon. The US tech and MD called into the room didn’t seem to be able to find a clear cause and thought the next step might be an endoscope. Well there’s something to look forward to!

During all this I also had my yearly breast MRI and check up, which thankfully got an all clear and 2 thumbs up!

Next to this I’m also seeing a therapist to get my thought and feelings about the possible impossibility of ever having children and other personal struggles figured out. It’s a difficult process but I’m glad I’m working on it. 6 years cancer free and done with the medical part of treatment, I have found that now I’ve got to work on the mental part.

6 years today!

2007-06-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

6 years ago I underwent my lumbectomy.
I arrived today in the Nethelands for a 2.5 week vacation and what better way to start my time here off than with 6 years cancer free!
Life sure has changed in the last 6 years bringing me great adventure and also sadness. But today is a good day so my parents and I lifted our glasses to health and the future.
Sis

Charlie

2007-05-28T18:41:00.001-07:00

Here some new pictures of little Charlie. He's slowly growing- almost 2 pounds.
His mom is back on her bike (3 weeks after C-section) riding to the hospital (6.3 miles) daily to support her little guy!
Please keep sending postive, strong supportive thoughts their way!
Thanks Sis

Race for the Cure.

2007-05-20T18:35:00.001-07:00

Race for the Cure.
Mother’s day 2007 started off very early so I would get to the MOA in time for the 5 K run. We had decided to meet at the BCAA booth where Julie was already giving out information on our “Breast Party in Town” and 6th annual Educational Conference.
We had Carrie, Jacqui, Ann, myself and 2 fans, running besides all the thousands of others dressing in various shades of pink, supporting this great cause.
Because there were so many runners we never really got any speed going but that was not the purpose this early nippy Sunday morning.
After the run we joined up at the booth again to get ready for the walk. The BCAA group consisted had more than 15 registered walkers and armed with signs we were ready to go. On our way to the starting line Polly spotted the Fox News camera and made sure she was interviewed about our reasons to walk. Our name was called by when we passed the starting line and off we went.
It so great to see some many people wearing pink, supporting the Race for the Cure. Survivors, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, parents and children and friends supporting friends. The ones that made it through the fight years ago and the bald heads from those fighting right now. We are all survivors in one way or another.
Seeing all these people in this sea of pink gives me a lot of hope for the future and one day that we don’t have to come out and “Walk for the Cure”.
But for now was stick with our slogan: Today we walk in October we talk!

For mor information go to www.BCAAMN.org

Help Charlie fight!

2007-05-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Vic who rode the last 2 days with me from Dallas to Ausitn TX last year just had her little baby boy.
He was born after only 5 months and a few days on May 8th. Little Charlie wieght 1 pound and 12 ounces and is fighting hard to get stronger.
His first scan last Tuesday showed no abnormilities which is great news.
This little man and his parents can use some support so please send positive thoughts and/or prayers their way.
I'll post updates about Charlie on my BLOG as I get them.
Thanks Sis

Winter Sport

2007-03-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to enjoy winter sports at it’s best (possible) here in Minnesota.
Kharmen and I had hoped to plan a few days snowboarding in Jackson Hole, but ended up in Lutzen for a day and a half playing in the snow. We left Thursday morning for a ride filled with laughter and serious catching up on our lives, because we hadn’t seen each other for a while. Lake Superior was partly frozen and provided some pretty views.
We arrived in Lutzen a little after 2pm, which left us only 2.5 hours of boarding, no night skiing/boarding in this part of the state. After complaining about the fact that an afternoon pass was only 5 dollars cheaper for a while we decided to go ahead anyway.
We did get some good boarding in despite Kharmen’s troubles with her bindings. She bought a new board this year and this was her virgin voyage not without difficulties.
When we arrived back in the “resort” the bar had opened so it was time for a beer. Late lunch was enjoyed in the form of chicken wings and OK, one more beer than!
We drove to our hotel, only about 300 yards down the road, to check in and be told that our room was even closer to the lift.
We unpacked, showered and decided to get a quick dinner before Gray’s Autonomy started. Besides we got a coupon for a free drink, so those couldn’t go to waste!
We walked back to the restaurant, which was connected to the bar we were before, and finished our food pretty quickly.
Back in the hotel room we switched on the fireplace and found out that Gray’s was a rerun. That was the end of the day for Kharmen, who had been up until after 2am the night before. I made it to about 10pm before calling it a night.
The next day the temperatures had risen and the snow was a lot softer. We started on time and had a wonderful day. Kharmen was able to sort of fix her binding problems what made things a lot more comfortable for her. I didn’t get cold hands or feet and besides the occasional slowdown due to slush we “ripped it up!”
At the end of the day we jumped back in the Saab to get to Duluth for our Ice-hockey tournament. Dinner was at Betty’s Pies, which is besides it’s pies famous for the “Backpacker” a wild rice veggie burger, Kharmen is well informed when it comes to food. We both ordered one and it turned out to be true, the best veggie burger I ever tasted!
A piece of pie to go, which I eventually eat on Sunday after returning to Minneapolis, it was still tasty!
At the hotel we met up with the rest of the team and got ready for the first game. This was at 10.30pm and we actually played a good game despite loosing. I ended up missing a penalty shot and spending some time in the penalty box, innocent of course; she was holding my stick!
Back at the hotel we hang out in Kim and Michelle’s room for a while but I was quickly ready to hit the sack.
The next day started with a breakfast of many choices and a trip to Walgreen’s for my diet coke and toothpaste.
It was time for Kharmen to leave, as we got ready for our next game. She had a wedding reception to attend in the Cities. We were unable to convince her to stay and just wear her sweatpants to the reception. Who needs a little black dress when you have “Golden Stars” pants!
We again played a good game, even though we didn’t win. We have to learn to score to win!
Deb arrived during the second period and took some team pictures after the game.
We returned to the hotel to meet up in and around the hot tub and bubble our soreness away. The plan was to meet up for “happy hour” in Kim and Michelle’s room but Deb and I got side tracked and ended up, after getting coffee and a smoothie at Starbucks, trying on and eventually buying shoes at DSW.
Back at the hotel it was time to go out for dinner at “Grandma’s” with most of the team. Barb told me she found the perfect hill to go tubing right in the back of the hotel. So when I got back to the room I got out the pump and tube and got ready. I donned my ski pants, mittens, jacket, goggles and hockey helmet and was good to go.
The hill turned out to be perfect and before long we were taking turns sliding down trying to find better and faster paths. The spectators were able to keep their drinks cold in the snow bank and I found a shovel to improve and maintain the course as needed.
“Blue Bird” as my penguin was named did a great job with standing efforts to slide down luge-style with 2 people and sometimes sliding onto the parking lot pavement.
When everybody was soaked and cold we returned to the “party-room” were everybody soon figured out that watching to movie from the comfort of your own hotel bed would be much more comfortable.
The next day the last game of the tournament finally brought a win for us! Katie started out by score one, in our own goal, oops! But we stayed focused and played a good game, resulting in 4 goals for us including one by yours truly, who by the way ended up in the penalty box again. It was she or I going down to the ice, what’s a girl to do?
It was great to leave Duluth with a win and we now have a new mascot: Little Snowman or do we?
Sis

7th Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer.

2007-03-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

My experience at The Annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, February 23rd through the 24th.
Thanks to a scholarship I was able to go to this great conference for the first time this year.
I arrived Friday morning after a bumpy plane ride from Minneapolis where the first snowstorm of the season was about the cover the city.
After arriving at the hotel I went down to do my part and volunteer, I was assigned to greet the conference goers and point the in the right direction to register.
Then Carrie and Chrissy showed up and it was time meet the other girls.
There was a lot to talk about, so we missed the first session of the conference. It was amazing to be around all these young women who went through the experience of Breast Cancer. Everybody with different survivor stories, but each and every women finding positive experiences during their fights.
Saturday was filled with workshops and plenary sessions the first of which was great. Dr Olufunmilayo L. Olopade who gave an medical update for young women affected by breast cancer. She’s a great speaker, very clear and had some interesting information.
The second session from Dr. Julie K. Silver who talked about enhancing quality of life through better nutrition and exercise, brought no new information to me.
The afternoon started for me with the workshop: Get fit! Develop your personal approach to fitness., by Sami Papacek-Reis a cancer exercise specialist. She had some good ideas for women just starting out getting back into shape. I talked with her afterwards to ask about becoming a cancer exercise specialist, because it is something I’ve been thinking about. The last workshop was titled: Fertility after breast cancer: options and strategies, healing and hope, by Dr Amr M. Azim and Jeanne Cater Phd,. It was interesting but somewhat disappointing for me because they addressed mainly the options for women who are before chemo, radiation and hormone therapy.
Then it was time for our photo session. Christine Benjamin is a photographer and survivor who is taking nude pictures of breast cancer survivors for a book she is getting together. Beth, one of the women I met this weekend, is one of Christine’s the models. When talking about this with our group the idea was born to ask Christine to take a group picture. The idea was for us to be topless just wearing jeans. Christine agreed so with 7 women we went up to her room all a little nervous but ready.
A Washington Post reporter got wind of our idea and asked to be present with her photographer to shoot some shots for the paper. (Check out the result on: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/070227/GAL-07Feb27-66218/index.html
For the story go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/27/AR2007022701360_pf.html )
After a few minutes of giggling and being uncomfortable we took off our tops and grouped together in front of the background screen. Christine started shooting and we loosened up. We had a few full group shots and then split up in 2 small groups to get some more. The experience was great and my surprise was big when I checked the Washington Post on Wednesday and found my back site in the paper.
After this it was of to the reception followed by diner and dancing. My reports about the meals are limited due to the fact that Sunday morning I started to feel sick and later found out the Norwalk virus was making a lot of us sick. I tell you: that’s about the worst thing possible, send a group of cancer survivors home with nausea.
I started Sunday of with a short workout still blaming the discomfort on the (few) drinks the night before. After a small breakfast I did make it through the morning sessions on Sunday but I didn’t find them very interesting. The combination of Dr George W. Sledge with Dr Silver for an “Ask the expert panel, wasn’t very strong. I feel a geneticist would have been a better combination with Dr Sledge.
At this time another problem started to present itself: snow, and lots of it! I was supposed to go and meet my friend Beth and her son David for lunch but the snow made this impossible. Good thing because I would have felt terrible if I had given the little guy the virus.
The airport was still open but planes didn’t leave on time and some flights where cancelled altogether. Since I didn’t have an assigned seat I decided to go early and see. This ended up a good idea because even though only one NWA flight to MN was cancelled the others were very full and delayed. By this time I was feeling like crap starting to wonder what was going on with my insides. I had to wait about 4 hours and just hang around trying to sleep a little while hugging my personal items. The airport was very busy so there was no place to kind of stretch out and get comfortable. Finally it was time to board about 2 hours late, but once we were on our way it was all good!
Deb picked me up and after dropping my bags in the living room she dropped me in bed. It was only 8 something but I was done with the day.
The virus stuck with me a couple of days and I was relieved to receive the e-mail with the info that I was not the only one getting sick, so I knew what was happening.

Despite this I had a great time and met some amazing young survivors! It’s a sad thing that brought us together there in Virginia but it good to be amongst other young breast cancer survivors. So much positive energy coming from these amazing women! Talking about LIVESTRONG!
Sis

A new Fundraising effort!

2007-02-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

Slowly my year is filling up with all kinds of great events!
Next week I’m going to the annual Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer, in Arlington, VA. I’m looking forward to this chance to learn more about the new developments in research and to meet other young survivors. I qualified for a scholarship, which made it possible for me to go. Thank you kind donor!

Then in March I’ll go snowboarding for 2 days with Kharmen, followed by an Ice-hockey tournament in Duluth with the Golden Stars. 1-2-3 Score!

Thursday March 29th I’ll be in Chicago for a continuing education course and a change to visit Nancy and family.

Sunday April 1st we are off the Florida to visit Deb’s aunt to celebrate Passover and have a vacation together. We’re planning on visiting the Buschgardens and go to Orlando to visit Wendy a fellow Ride for the Roses rider I met last year.

April 20-22nd another Hockey-tournament, this one is in Blain. Stick-it to Breast cancer!
What a way to have a fundraiser and awareness booster for all women and girls interested in ice-hockey!

April 24th, my B-day.

Sunday April 29th is my brother’s B-day and the first ride of the season. The Ironman bike ride here in Minnesota, I’m planning to do the 100 miles ride, will I be in shape in time? I’m the team captain for the Velo Bella team and we are trying to get at least 10 members in this team. So if you are interested please let me know!

Sunday May 13th, Mother’s day! How to better celebrate than with a 5 mile run or walk! Time for the Race for the cure her in Minnesota. I’m the team captain for the BCAA/TEAM Survivor team, if you are interested in joining this team please go to http://www.racecure.org/site3.aspx and register under the BCAA/ TEAM Survivor Twin Cities team. It doesn’t matter if you are a survivor or not so please invite friends and family to join us!

May 16 is LIVESTRONG DAY, I’m still playing with ideas how to celebrate this. Any ideas out there?

June 25th my dad turns 70, so I’ll be of to the Netherlands to celebrate.

July 8th it’s time for the TEAM Survivor Triathlon, will our team grow again from last year?

August 16th the big fundraiser for the BCAA; the Breast Party in town. Go to BCAAMN.org for more info.

September 27th; I’ll be going to Portland OR to ride in the LIVESTRONG Challenge, celebrating 6 years cancer free! My goal is to get as many people involved as possible in the FIGHT AGAINST CANCER. This year I’m asking you to donate 6 dollars to the Lance Armstrong foundation. One dollar for each year I am a survivor. (A bigger donation will of course not be turned down!) I’m also asking you to spread the word and ask your family and friends to join the fight and donate in my name.
Donate on line at http://portland07.livestrong.org/sisfiets

October 6th: The 6th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Conference here in Minneapolis.

This is all that I’ve got on the schedule right now. Please join me in person at a ride or race or help me fundraise and spread the word. We need to continue to fight against cancer because too many people are still dying from this disease and their fights are an inspiration for me. I’m a survivor and plan on being one for a long time to come!
Sis

LIVESTRONG Challenge 2007

2007-01-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

I just finished my entry form for the 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge in Portland OR on September 29-30 2007.
I recieved some donation last year after November 1st which means they will count for this year's fundraiser.
As soon as my fundraising website is up I'll start revealing my plans for this year. My lack of vacation days doesn't allow me to ride all the way out to Portland, but I've got plans to make up for that!
It's been cold here in Minnesota and the best is yet to come, if we for once can believe the weather person!
Ice-hockey is a blast even though we don't win quite as often as we would like.
I cross country skied over a lake last Friday early evening by the light of the moon, very cool.
Next weekend is the area meet for the skiers from the Flames, the Special Olympics team I help coach. It's the time to see if all the hard work will pay off. I've got to go out and find my bells.
Today I had to work and because it was so cold outside I decided to stay and run on the treadmill before going home.
As always, busy, busy, busy!
LIVESTRONG, Sis.

There it goes!

2007-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Right before midnight on December 31st I took my last Arimidex pill with a nice glass of Cava!
Than Eva and I stuck the last one on a bottle rocket and right after midnight shot it up in the air.
Now that's a way to start a new year! Happy 2007, I'm full of new plans and I'll still update this BLOG from time to time.
Sis

Kerstmis

2006-12-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

Here the letter I send to all my fellow CCC-ers!

Hi Everybody,
I would like to join everybody and wish y'all a
wonderfull New Year with lost off cycling, power to
fight the C or climb that hill and good health.
This last year has been a great one for me, being able
to celibrate 5 years Cancer free in a way that I'll
will never forget.
Riding from Minneapolis to Austin TX on my bike, while
being supported by family friends and CCC-ers! It's
great to be a part of a fight for a positive way to
kick Cancer's you know what!
It was a great pleasure to see a lot of you out there
in Austin for the LIVESTRONG Challenge and Ride for
the Roses.

I'm going to ring in 2007 in the Netherlands,
surrounded by my family and eating oliebollen en
appelflappen! My plan is to glue my last Arimidex pill
to a bottle rocket and shoot it into the air. I'll be
free of any treatment starting Januari 1st 2007!

Happy Holidays, Love and Peace!
Annemiek "the Dutch Girl"

I won!

2006-11-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

A portable DVD player that is.
Last evening at work the Heart and Vascular Center celebrated it's first B-day. Amazingly enough my name was drawn from the basket for the Grand Prize! The best thing was however that all my colleagues thought that I actually deserved the prize for raising all the money for the LAF and riding to Texas.
Sis

Back to reality!

2006-10-24T20:25:00.000-07:00

Today is workday 8 in a row, only 2 to go before I get a nice 3 day weekend at home. September 9th-10th was the last weekend I sort of spent at home. Sort of because I rode my first 100 miles bike ride that Saturday.
The living room still looks like a bomb went off and spread all my stuff around. My bike is still in the box, ready to be put back together. I should be able to do that this weekend, because I want to do some riding.
I did start riding to work again on Sunday and it feels great to be back paddling! I sure hope I’ll be able to keep this up for a while this winter, if it doesn’t get to cold to fast.
Yesterday I went for a run wearing shorts because it wasn’t to cold! That was until about halfway it started hailing! It’s a little different than in Texas, how am I going to keep my tan up?
This evening it was time for dry land training out of Floyd’s garage. It was good to see that Floyd is doing better after his health scare. I asked him if he’ll help me get in some bike racing next summer and he said yes. I really feel bike riding is my thing and think it would be fun to do some races to keep me motivated and have something to train for.
Sis

The Ride for the Roses

2006-10-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Early morning and the alarm went off, Erik jumped out off bed as if it was not 5.45 in the am, must be the jet-lag!

We got up made some tea, ate our muffins and bananas, put on our bike gear and were ready to ride! Then the fun was spoiled when we opened the curtain, as Lance predicted: it was looking like rain! We still went down to find the CCC team ready to go. The busses were lined up and they filled up quickly to go south to Smith Ville to the start of the Ride for the Roses. The rain started falling before we arrived.

The bikes were waiting for us in the purple section and I finally found the “I’m a survivor, In honor off and in Memory off” signs so I could fill them out and ride with them. I rode in honor off: Mamma, Judith, Kharmen, Jacqui, Kathy, Cathy, Alison, Marion, oom Ed en tante Ellen, Kris, Julie, Earl, BCAA and all CCC-ers. This was also the time for me to again realize that I am a lucky girl, able to ride all these miles.

This gave me the strength to ride for all those that are not so lucky and realize that you can make a small difference if you set your mind to it. Thank you everybody for the support and believe in me and make my dream come through!

We were told that due to the weather the 100-mile ride was cancelled, that was a disappointment because I was really looking forward to an other 100 miles! Most off the other CCC-er choose to ride the 45 miles so we took some time to take some pictures with the whole group. Then it was time to line up at the starting line.

We were ordered to free up a path at the left side, for as it turned out Lance and company wanted to ride up to the front off the line. Lance gave us a quick pep talk and than it was time to ride. I never saw Lance again; I guess I need to work on my ability to get on somebody’s wheel!

Soon enough we came to the split where the 45 miles took a right turn and we kept going on hwy 71 to Bastrop State Park. Riding through the park was great because of the quiet roads, nice climbs and descents and a rest stop with very helpful and cheerful volunteers. Thanks to all the volunteers for your help, it was amazing considering the bad weather!
Erik was doing great, asking me all kind of questions, especially when we climbed the hills! I was having some difficulties breathing due to the climbing and the residuals off my cold and was not able to talk.

At the end off the park, I heard, “Hello Annemiek”, from behind me from a man I didn’t recognize?! It took me about 5 minutes to figure out that he had ready my “ Survivor sign” that I was wearing on my back. We started talking and it turned out that Mike was riding for his father who is battling cancer. He did a nice pull for us into the wind and this got our speed going. We worked together nicely the three of us and decided to stay together. The route now took us through farmland with some nice longer climbs so my legs started to feel better and better; I finally got my muscles warmed up!
On one off those hills we saw a rider loose his bottle and keep going, he must have thought it was broken. Erik tried to kick it off the road but after he missed, he then decided to pick the bottle up and bring it back to its owner. So on the chase we were, finding the wheel! It took a while but working together we caught up with Miguel, as we later found out. Erik returned the bottle and he caught on to our wheel and joined the group. We turned onto another highway and I was on a roll; at least until I heard yelling behind me, what?! It turned out that I completely missed a turn, must have been my subconscious wanting to ride 100 miles. Back on the trail we picked up Jim so our group now had 5 members. It was going great until we hit a rough part of the road and I felt my back tire slowly empty. We stopped behind a police car and with a little teamwork and a lot of Jim’s help my tire was changed quickly. An assist car pulled up at the end of this and provided us with a pump to get the pressure up enough. Back on the bike I got going steady again until again I hear yelling behind me. This time my brother was missing from our group. It turned out that he was having cleat problems and he was quickly pulled back onto our wheel.

The last rest stop got into sight, just in time for Erik to get a flat. We decided to have Erik, Mike and Jim fix the flat and Miguel and I would go get some snacks at the last rest stop. After we regrouped the last 10 miles flew by getting more and more speed going. Do I hear there is beer and fajitas at the after ride party; let’s go! I was brought up front to be able to finish first in the group and get my survivor rose! Thanks guys it was a great ride; a fantastic finish to the adventure of my lifetime!

Celebrating 5 years cancer free, all the preparation, getting in shape, fundraising and BLOGGING has finally paid off and coming to an end! We took some pictures off our group before racking our bikes, changing into something dry and finding my fellow CCC-ers. All of who had great stories of their Ride for the Roses. What a fantastic group to belong to!

As Erik and sat down to eat a gentleman approached us asking me if my name was Dutch, he heard it last week at the pasta dinner. It turned out that Joe had lived in Germany and during that time had taken a Dutch course (mind you this was years ago) he spoke very good Dutch and was excited to be able to practice. We talked for a while and had another beer.

Then it was time to find our bikes and get on the bus to return to the hotel, we were ready for a shower. I dropped off my bike at the mechanics to be taken apart and get ready for the plane ride tomorrow.

At 6.45pm it was time to meet up with Kathleen and other CCC-ers for the after ride dinner at PF Changs. We had a good group going Steve, Mike, Chris, Kathleen, Fred, Will, Darren, Scot, Phyllis (I think I spelled that wrong!)Bob and our guests. Then Steve pulled out the dreadlocks and we all got to try out a new look. The dinner was great due to the family style servings we were able to taste everything. It was fantastic to have time to talk and hear all the stories from the other CCC-ers. Time flew by and before I knew it was time to say goodbye and get on with my plans to meet with Kharmen’s sister and family. Thanks for the tea and the gift. I’ll be wearing the jersey proudly next summer.
Back at the hotel Erik and I looked back on a great weekend, I’m so happy he was there to share this with me.
Sis

Saterday RftR

2006-10-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today we got up early to join the “abandoned” ride, 36 k for riders who were not invited to join Lance for a ride. Erik started with a flat before we even got going. I met up with even more CCC-ers who had arrived last night.
The sky was overcast but no rain and a comfortable temperature.
We started of at a comfortable pace down Barton Springs Road, to the MoPac and onto Hwy 360. Here we got some nice hills to test the legs and mine are still a little heavy, going downhill was going excellent I hit 62km/h speeding down.
We stopped by the bike store for Erik to get his tire checked and pick-up a new inner tube for tomorrow.
After a quick shower and lunch at the hotel it was time for the autograph session. We had to go to the 17th floor in the hotel where we found a line of people patiently waiting for their few seconds with Lance. Erik had to leave his camera behind at the door and the security guy at the door completed the picture. Once through the door there was an other line with slowly getting more and more excited people waiting.
I was ready with my 3 items to sign and the few words I wanted to say to Lance. Erik and I walked up to the table and I shook Lance’s hand and even before I said my name he recognized me as the Dutch Girl (from last night), that’s impressive! We sat down and I gave him the picture I framed for him with my thank you message on it. Lance reacted enthusiasticly and listened to my story while signing the LIVESTRONG baseball cap, CCC team jersey and the picture mat from my own LIVESTRONG Challenge picture. One more picture with everybody smiling and off we went, Thanks Lance for taking time.
After this we walked to 6th street to find a WIFI hotspot and update my BLOG. We quickly looked at the Capital and bought some breakfast for tomorrow morning.
Time for a little rest with our feet up and some football, Erik kept asking me questions on the rules etc, but I can’t say last years attempts to understand the game really paid off! (Sorry Kim we’ll have to start over with the football lessons!)
We also kept a watch full eye out for the bats that were supposed to fly out from under the bridge in front of the hotel. They never came according to my brother!
I took off to the awards dinner and met up with the CCC-ers and others I met during the weekend. Bob wanted to know which restaurant didn’t want to give me a free lunch in Northfield MN, because he was going to send a family member there to find out why they didn’t support me. People actually came up to me to ask about my ride from Minneapolis to Austin, they read about me or heard the story going around. I had all the CCC-ers sign my jersey to complete my souvenier from this adventure.
Then it was time to find a table and get some pasta, I like carb-loading!
I met Doug from LAF who was wondering who belonged to the car with MN plates last week during the Challenge! He told me there might be a Minneapolis Challenge in the future, wouldn’t that be cool! Sign me up for that one!
Lance welcomed all off us to the diner and thanked us for our fundraising efforts and for being cancer advocates. He’s starting a campaign to make sure that federal cancer funding gets back to the level it needs to be!
Will accepted the Top-fundraising Team award for the CCC-team; we raised almost half a million dollars in the 5 LIVESTRONG Challenges!
After dinner we needed to get the CCC-team behind the scene for a few more pictures with Lance! I can’t wait to see that one. I got to see Jake Gyllenhaal up close, but didn’t have a camera handy to snap a picture.
Then it was time to say goodnight and get some sleep for the ride, it might rain is what Lance told us. I sure hope it’s not going to spoil the ride!

Meeting Lance, Friday 10/13/06

2006-10-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

I met Erik at the airport where I arrived 1 hour late on Thursday night. We grabbed a taxi and drove to the Hyatt hotel on the south side off the river in downtown.
On quick beer at the bar and Erik was ready to crash after being up for more than 24 hours.
We had a good night sleep and started Friday off with a great Mexican breakfast “las Manitas” a wonderful place that should stay downtown Austin.
Than it was time to collect our bikes, we first walked to the bike store where Erik rented his and got set up quickly. Back at the hotel, I called a taxi to get to Cathy’s house to pick up my bike and Erik changed the seat on his bike. Thanks Cathy for storing my bike and giving me some good riding advice.
We did a 40 km easy ride in the afternoon, to see if Erik’s bike was good to go and get my legs back to paddling. After being sick since Tuesday my lungs are not optimal but it’s good enough.
The evening was filled with the welcome diner at the Salt Lick a famous BBQ place 20 miles from downtown Austin. Once there we had an opportunity to play washers and horse-shoe (Holland-USA 11-9!), take a picture with a real longhorn cow and meet all of the other top fundraisers. We had 2 CCC tables and I was happy to see Jim attending the dinner, you rock Jim!
I overcame all my shyness and walked up to Lance and got a second to shake his had and introduce myself, telling him I was from the Netherlands. At the moment I asked him if he spoke any Dutch the speeches started so I had to get back to my seat! But Erik got the picture and I got my handshake!
After dinner it was time for speeches with MC Bob Roll, whom had some very funny stories about the early years of the Ride for the Roses, which used to be a race for 2 dozen roses sponsored by Lance.
Lance also spoke and encouraged every body to please keep doing what we are doing, keep cancer on the front page.
Linda, Lance’s mom also spoke, about young Lance and how proud she was of her son. She reminded us that if you don’t ask you’ll always have No for an answer.
It was a great evening and I’m ready for tomorrow, the autograph session.
Sis

Back to work!

2006-10-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

After a morning at the Honda dealer where Blondie got checked out and eventually repaired, I had a quick flight back to Minneapolis. Reality hit when I felt the cold wind getting off the plane, brrrrr!
Tuesday morning my cough had gotten worse but I felt I would be able to go to work. Good thing because my wonderful co-workers had organized a Taco potluck lunch, now there's a reason to come back from Texas!
Everybody was very enthousiastic about my adventure and had followed me on my BLOG. Thanks everybody for the comments left on my BLOG and all the support.

LIVESTRONGChallenge

2006-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Not a great night of sleep the night before the ride, but of course I fell asleep right before the alarm went off! I rolled out of bed and took a shower to wake up and dressed up in my CCC gear with my new LIVESTRONG socks. Then I just needed to get Nancy and Deb out of bed, but they kept their word and were ready to go! I guess they didn’t want to see me get stressed out and in a bad mood on this important day.

We left the hotel at 6 pm to get at the start of the ride around 6:30, with plenty of time to get ready. We met up with Mike, Steve, Will and Greg (the other 100 miler) from CCC, and then Vicky and Tish showed up to ride with me. Lance spoke shortly before the race and then ran the 5k in preparation of his NY marathon in November.

We got in our 100 miles line up, the horn sounded and off we went. Greg, Vicky, Tish and I stayed together and the first few miles, keeping an easy pace because it was very busy. My idea of the LIVESTRONGChallenge was a fun sort of easy 100-mile ride, but it seemed that Greg and Vicky had other ideas. Slowly the field stretched out and our pace picked up. We skipped the first rest stop and became part of a bigger peleton for a while and started talking with riders around us. It’s amazing how everybody was interested in each other and willing to help each other. We met Randy and Jared this way and they decided to stay with our little group and helped us a lot by taking their share riding in the wind and leading up the hills.

We took a quick refill and bathroom stop at rest-stop number 2 and back on the road again. The route was beautiful with some nice hills and the wind was not to bad and the temperature perfect. The speed was still nice and high and we worked well together in our group often combining power with others. Vicky got a flat, which with a little teamwork was fixed in no time. We stopped again at rest stop 4 for refills, a quick power snack and a restroom brake (important lesson learned on the road down to TX never let a good chance to pee you by!)

On the road again, we quickly fell back into our speed, legs cranking around and around! A nice long climb around mile 85 broke up our group so we slowed down to re-group and found an other rider had joined us. Vicky got an other flat, but luckily this time it was about 150 yards from the next rest stop. A small piece of glass was found and Vicky got a new tube, ready, set, go! Greg wanted to stop at the survivor rest stop but we couldn’t find the survivor part of the rest stop, so of we went again.

My legs started to feel stronger and stronger with the last 10 and than 5 miles to go. A voice from the back of our group asked us to slow down and enjoy the last miles, but that was just not an option for me. Vicky and Jared joined me attacking the last miles to the finish, and yes they were up hill, one more corner and there it was the finish! I steered through the survivor lane to get my yellow rose. My fan club was waiting for me cheering with a big sign and those yellow balloons!

Ride totals were: riding time 5h 34 min, total time 6 h, average watts 147, average miles 18.5 m/h and a total distance of 103 miles (according to Vicky’s bike computer)
Time for a lot of pictures and quick goodbyes. Thanks Greg, Vicky, Tish, Randy and Jared for riding with me, I had a fantastic experience, LIVESTRONG at it’s best!
Champagne brought by Nancy made the finish celebrations complete, to your health!
I found Colleen from the LAF, the Austin coach who adopted me and helped me out with a lot of patience, answering all my questions and supporting me all the way. We took some pictures in front of Lance’s picture on the LIVESTRONG truck. Thanks Colleen!

After a rest break at the hotel it was time to drop of my bike at Cathy’s and go out for dinner. We choose Mexican with an opportunity to sit outside and catch up on the experiences of the day.

A great day it was, for me. A perfect finish of a wonderful adventure; I’m a very lucky girl: being healthy enough to ride these 3 weeks, having all the support from family, friends and complete strangers! Thank you everybody that supported me in anyway, I love all of you!

I can’t wait for Thursday when I fly back to Austin for the Ride for the Roses weekend, which I get to share with my brother!

Saturday October 7th

2006-10-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sleeping in or at least staying in bed was a nice treat this morning.
Nancy called at 10.15 to be picked up from the airport, so Deb and I got in the car and drove to pick her up. We circled around once and than decided to park the car and find Nancy inside.
Back at the hotel we decided it was time to get some lunch and get ready to go to the LIVESTRONG Village. So we packed everybody in the car and drove to downtown Austin finding the parking garage with only 1 Texas u-turn needed.
We had lunch outside at a sports bar and I enjoyed a Fat tire beer and hamburger to really get into the TX spirit. It was only 2 blocks from the conference center where the ride package pick-up. Inside we met up with Mike and Fred from the CCC and soon after this I was interviewed by the local NBC station about my ride to Austin. (We did see the result on the evening news and it is weird to see and especially hear your self on TV).
Than it was time to go and get my ride number, 2219 my lucky number. We collected all the free water bottles, bags, pictures with Lance’s picture, kinesio-tape for Nancy and Deb and some LIVESTRONG wear for Lance to sign next week. I also got the jersey for collecting more than $7500, very nice.
After this it was time to get some coffee for the troops and then there was just enough time to drive by the starting point for the Challenge.
Then back to the hotel and change before the pasta diner. Even though officially I was only allowed to invite 1 person, Colleen from the LAF was nice enough to call me and invite my whole fan-club present for the ride.
It was a great Pasta Party with Lance himself and all 3 kids present. The prices for different achievements were given out and all the top fundraisers were acknowledged.
It was great that we all got the chance to be there together!
My dad’s evening was made when he got to keep the LIVESTRONG-balloons!
Back at the hotel it was time to go to bed and get some sleep before getting up at 5.45 am to get to the ride on time.
Sis

LIVESTRONGChallenge

2006-10-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

It was a great day! I can't believe how fast we finished the 100 miles. 5 and a half hours of riding and 6 hours total on the raod with stops and 2 flats!
I'll write more tomorrow because now it's time to go to sleep.
I'll have sweet dreams tonight.
Sis

Day 17

2006-10-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Today it was time for the last stretch to Austin TX. We started off around 8.45 am, a little late because I found out that I had a flat I needed to fix. After getting directions from the hotel clerk how to get out town we headed to Holland, TX. After driving through Amsterdam in Arkansas it was only a logical next stop!

We arrived in town at 10.30 “koffie tijd!”, So we stopped took pictures and had coffee with some muffins, lekker!

The next stop was Round Rock to meet an old family friend of my mother; Anton and Rebecca van Tilburg, they hadn’t seen each other in 50 years. They moved to the United States in the fifties after the war, starting here in a very different way than I have in 1993. We put the bikes on the car to get to their house and decided to drive closer to Austin to finish the last lap safely. Seven miles from the Capitol Vicky and I got back on our bikes and rode into Austin traffic, one more time follow by my parents in the car. The ride was nice with a good down hill and left turn onto Congress: there it was the Capitol of Texas; I made it all the way!

We rode up the hill and circled around the Capitol for a victory lap, I could see all my family and friends cheering me on like you have done all the way! Thanks for all the support; I made it thanks to all of you.

After taking pictures and one more ride around, we needed to hit 70 miles it was time to find the hotel and take a shower. We had dinner with Vicky’s friends Cathy and Hutch at a wonderful Italian restaurant. Thanks for dinner and the good directions to get into town. Nancy called that she missed her flight and wouldn’t be in until Saturday, but at 9.30 it was time to go pick Deb up from the airport.

After a quick cup of tea in the hotel room, it was time to go to sleep.

Sis

I made it!

2006-10-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Around 4.15 pm Vicky and I rode up to the Capitol in Austin TX.
Sis

Day 16

2006-10-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

A sad day because it was time to say goodbye to Peet, I’ll miss her a lot supporting me, riding with me, celebrating life with me and organizing free hotel rooms and extra donations for me. Thanks Peet!
Thanks Connie and Wendy for your hospitality, we sure enjoyed staying with you and it was good to see y’all.
After the goodbye we set off to meet Vicky at the bike store where we left the extra bike and packed up V’s. A quick hello and goodbye to Kenny and South to Hillsboro we drove. Around 10.30 V and I finally got on our bikes riding towards Lake Whitney. Riding over the dam, we both were surprised about the beauty of the lake and wondering why we never seen it before. We planned for lunch in Crawford but because we had only been riding for 40 minutes V decided we couldn’t stop yet! She’s a tough coach, but her yelling at me to get serious about the training sure paid off during this trip.
So lunch ended up in McGregor in the shade next to a gas station.
The rest of the miles were done at the same 17m/h pace which brought us into Temple around 5pm with a total of 80 miles and total riding time 4h and 40 minutes.
Mom and I jumped in the pool at the hotel while V did a quick shopping trip to the bike store from some new gloves.
Dinner at the Texas Steakhouse was good, including normal size steaks for mom and dad.
Ready for bed because tomorrow we’ll be heading to the Capitol in Austin. I can’t believe this is the last leg of this journey. Good thing I’ve got 2 more 100 miles to go, the LIVESTRONGChallenge and then the Ride for the Roses!
Sis

Restday 3

2006-10-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

No real news today. We spend it mainly at Wendy and Connie's house, relaxing a little, updating my BLOG and some last minute shopping for Peet. We also took a drive trying to find some familier spots from when we lived in Dallas.

Day 15

2006-10-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

Riding around White Rock Lake!
An early start of the day, to try and meet Richard at the beginning of Whit Rock Lake trail for a bike ride the equivalent of Plano to Waxahachie.
But before I was ready to take off I had to publish my last request for fundraising on my BLOG because $20,000 was within reach!
Peet dropped me of a little late but luckily for me Richard was still waiting for me and after a few quick pictures it was time to ride. During the ride on the trail some spots did bring back some vague memories from the time that I lived her in Dallas and I went roller-blading on the trail. We met up with Becky at the lake and after a quick repair were ready to ride, round and around.
It’s nice to for a change ride against the wind knowing that in a little bit you’ll have the wind in the back! We talked a lot about riding, Dallas and life in general and sometimes were just quiet and enjoying the perfect weather. In lap 3 Becky unexpectedly hit the pavement due to a complicated indescribable unfortunate series of events! Or was it just the fact that she had a flat front tire? Luckily she landed with her head on the grass and didn’t have too much damage to herself or her bike. The flat was fixed with some good teamwork and Becky was ready to ride again. (I know she’s very excited that she’s mentioned in my BLOG)
At the end of loop 3 Becky had to leave to pick up her son and Richard and I continued on riding around. I called Peet during our bathroom/refill break and the Team was on their way. We met up just as we started our 5th lap around and decided they would find a picnic spot and the 2 of us would finish our lap.
Lunch was great and it was wonderful that Richard was able to hang around and talk for a bit. Thanks Richard and Becky for riding with me, it was a pleasure to be in your company.
Now it was time for Peet to get out her new helmet and try out the Chamois Butt’r and work on her tan. We had a quick round, still counting; number 6, and noticed that the wind was slowly picking up. Peet did convince herself during this ride that wearing a helmet is a good thing and she sure looked good with her new one.
The last round was for mom, we turned around and rode the other direction, which was like seeing a whole new lake. We stopped for some bird watching and mom improved on her bike mounting technique, lying the bike down on the ground, stepping over the frame and than picking the bike back up. It is fun to watch and a lot safer than her trying to stand on a park bench trying to swing her leg over the tall frame.
Peet got in contact with Connie and after packing up the bikes we were off to find the house. This turned out more complicated than expected but eventually with help from Wendy, we were picked up at the gas station and followed Connie home.
We settled in quickly and dinner plans were made to pick-up Tai food and eat at home. When shopping in Target for wine and beer Wendy told a friend of her about my trip and he donated money right there in the store. That’s the first time I leave a store with more money than I came in with! Thanks Clint and Kevin for the donation.
The evening we spend with Connie and Wendy’s “buren” Adriaan and Augie, who brought some great Dutch treats from their store.
When I checked my LIVESTRONGChallenge website before going to bed I found out that I actually hit the $20,000 mark, thanks Jus for pushing me over! Now I just need to figure out what to ask Lance!
Sis

$19,716.90

2006-10-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Hi Y’all,
I'm getting ready to ride here in Dallas, not through the city as I had originally planned, but the equivalent distance on a bike path riding around White Rock Lake. It’s a much safer solution and who knows the lake might cool me off.
Yesterday I got a donation from RBM Richardson, thanks for your support. This is bringing me very close to the $20,000 mark, which would mean an autograph session with Lance on the day before the Ride for the Roses! The fundraiser deadline is this Friday October 7th, so if you have been planning to support me financially but just haven’t gotten to it, this would be a great time.
Thanks everybody for all the support so far, it has exceeded all my expectations, and to meet Lance in person would be the icing on the cake!

Dad's day in Dutch

2006-10-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

Nu we inmiddels een week meerijden met Annemiek en Petra wordt het tijd om ons af te vragen wat er zo speciaal is aan deze tocht en waarin hij zich onderscheidt van een gewone fietsvakantie of van andere reizen die we met haar gemaakt hebben in dit enorme land.
Er wordt gewoon keihard gewerkt. Om te beginnen is het een gigantische afstand die afgelegd moet worden. Op een kaart van Amerika is het maar een klein stukje van Minneapolis naar Austin en drie weken lijkt een lange tijd, Maar op de detailkaarten die we onderweg gebruiken is elke centimeter niet meer dan tien mijl. Een afstand van vijftien mijl is voor Annemiek ongeveer een uur fietsen. Negentig mijl dus zes uur, d.w.z. zes uur flink doortrappen. Tel daar regelmatige rust-, plas- en eetpauzes bij, nog afgezien van tijd om de juiste weg te vinden of om te keren als dat per ongeluk fout gaat. Als het lukt om rond negen uur op weg te zijn, betekent dit dat ze onder gunstige omstandigheden ‘s middags niet voor vijf uur op de plaats van bestemming is.
Maar meestal is dat later, want de wind is bijna elke dag tegen en trekt in de loop van de middag aan tot krachtig. Soms zijn de wegen goed, waardoor ze heuvelaf lekker kan opschieten, maar het gebeurt ook vaak dat de weg slecht is, vol met scheuren en hobbels. Dan moet er in de afdaling worden afgeremd en dat schiet niet op.
En dan is er de hitte die elke dag toeneemt. Gisteren zijn we ruim een half uur vroeger vertrokken, dat leverde wel wat op, maar na de middag was het echt afzien, zowel op de fiets als in de volgauto. 94 graden Fahrenheit was het toen. Op dat gebied heeft ze alles meegemaakt. Geen wonder dat het avondprogramma voornamelijk gevuld is met douchen, uitrusten, eten en vroeg naar bed.
Over alle praktische dingen die dagelijks geregeld moeten worden zoals boodschappen en onderdak hebben we het dan nog niet gehad. Het lukt Petra zo goed als elke dag om een gratis hotelkamer los te krijgen, vraag me niet hoe.
Maar sinds gisteren zijn we in Texas. Dat betekent dat het einddoel in zicht komt en de zekerheid groeit dat het gewoon gaat lukken. We zijn zelfs een dag voor op het schema en dat maakt het mogelijk Dallas op een andere manier te passeren dan op de fiets. Ze gaat morgen de daarvoor geplande afstand afleggen d.m.v. acht rondjes om een meer in plaats van langs de snelweg. Daarover schrijft Annemiek morgen weer.
Andre

Day 14

2006-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Durant-McKinney 123 km-76 miles
Today started with breakfast in our room with hot tea, juice, bread with cheese or jelly. Because of the warm weather the plan was for mom to ride the first hour turning into 20km where dad took over. We turned east for a while and the wind helped us along to make a good speed. There was the Red River and before we knew it we were in Texas, picture time!
Peet changed into her riding gear and after a quick snack we were ready to go. The road let us through Bonham onto hwy 121 a busier road with nice wide shoulders. Then my phone started ringing and Else was calling me, wondering what I was doing! I also got to talk to Eva who reported that high school is going well and Erik who was wondering how fast I was riding. He is training to ride the Ride for the Roses with me in 2 weeks.
Lunch was on the curb at a gas station in Trenton, more bread, grapes and cola light, that’s what I call a power lunch!
A few more miles to go to McKinney and I was done for today. Total 76 miles at least according to my speedometer, I sure hope this thing it accurate!! I have left a lot of confused cows behind riding all this way.
We are staying at the Best Western hotel in Plano and just had a wonderful diner.
Luna de Noche: a very nice and new for us since leaving Texas, Mexican restaurant.
Now the laundry is going and it’s time for some relaxing TV-watching.
Tomorrow an extra day off because we are ahead of schedule, nice. I just need to get to stationary bike for the 15 miles I missed today!
Sis

day 13

2006-10-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Haywood to Durant 138km- 86 miles
Rolling off our high bed around 7am to get ready for an other day of riding. But first we had breakfast at the hotel and went grocery shopping for lunch.
The team dropped me off at Haywood, just West of McAlester. The road quality was pretty bad and the first miles the rolling hills returned from the past. The temperature was 80+ F early in the morning, which told me I wasn’t in Iowa anymore. The wind was still coming out of the South felt like I was paddling into a blow dryer. But enough complaining: I’m still riding strong, no injuries and the best support team one can hope for on a trip like this! Thanks Peet for getting free nights at hotels, riding with me in the afternoon and keeping my parents out of trouble. Thanks mom for paying for all our food, filling up our stomachs and worry about the little things. Thanks dad for asking a lot of questions about a lot of things, riding the car behind me (or us) and packing up the car every day. I know I’ve got to do most of the paddling but wouldn’t be able to do it without your help!
The ride was a long and hot one today. Lunch was served in Wapanucka at the side of the road right next to the City Hall. After a little while a nice man approached us wondering if we “had broke down or where just having lunch. He was happy to find out that we were indeed just having lunch and “were not broke down’.
Peet jumped on the bike to work a little on her tan and get some km in her legs. It turned out to be a few more than we anticipated because the hotel in Durant happened to be all the way on the other side of town.
Thanks Days Inn for sponsoring me tonight.
Tomorrow we’re heading for Texas, hoping to make it all the way to Plano, which will be one day ahead of schedule. Nice!
Sis

Day 12

2006-09-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Tulsa-McAlester: bike ride 79 mile or 127km and 27 miles by car.
This morning after my shower I went down to the lobby to get the Tulsa World newspaper. The article can be read on http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStory.asp?ID=060929_Ne_A8_Cycli1957
We had breakfast in my parent’s room before packing up the car and set out the meet up with Mike.
He was going to ride the first miles with me out of Tulsa. We started on the River Side bike path and met up with rest of the team on Memorial and 101st. The wind was coming from the south blowing in our faces, but the sun was out and the temperature rising, an other nice day to ride.
Mike road 20 miles before it was time for him to turn around and enjoy the wind in his back. Thanks Mike for riding with me, it was great of you to come out and meet me for this ride.
The ride was a straight shot south; we had lunch at the side of the road after Morris. Than Peet jumped on the bike and pulled for the next 16 km, nice and easy for me, drafting all the way. Dad did the next shift promising Peet she could do the last part with the wind in the back if she could get us an other free hotel. No problem, although it took a few more phone calls than she is used to.
The price was, not as sweet as expected because the wind was dying down and we had to climb a couple of hills that were not on the map!
At the Indian nation turnpike we had to get into the car and rode 27 miles to McAlester were the Holliday Inn Express was waiting for us. This hotel was only open 1 week and very nice and fresh.
For dinner we walked to a pizza place where we enjoyed after a long wait, but we couldn’t leave since mom already paid, 2 good pizzas.
Coffee and tea in our room and now it’s time to turn in. Tomorrow the plan is to ride to Durant; 74 miles if we could take the freeway.

Restday 2

2006-09-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

The day started with an interview with the Tulsa World newspaper, thanks for listening to and printing my story!
Than we were off to get some errands done; laundry and bike repair. Lee’s Bike store hooked me up with 20% discount on tires and a great deal on my repair, thanks Mark.
Breakfast at BBD’s a waffle for dad, toast for mom and a light pancake, scrambled eggs and toast for Peet.
Back at the hotel, Peet and I decorated the room with laundry, good thing we have such a big room. The housekeeping lady thought it was a funny sight.
We checked out the Kansas River from a walking/bike bridge that used to be a railroad bridge. We saw big fish, turtles, white and gray herons have an all they can eat fish buffet in the shallow water behind the dam.
The Philbrook museum was next on the agenda, a nice collection including Native American paintings and pottery and beautiful gardens.
For dinner me parents and I met Mike, Steve and Ginny from CCC at PF Chang, a tradition I heard.
It was great to meet some fellow CCC-ers in person and we had plenty of things to talk about. Plans are made for Mike to ride with me tomorrow morning, sending me off for the second half of my trip. Thanks Tulsa for your hospitality!

Day 10

2006-09-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Columbus Kansas-Locust Grove Oklahoma 88 miles or 142 km.
An other day of early awakening! Country music woke me at 7am to get ready for my interview with the local Columbus paper.
I totally missed the reporter walking in, while I walked out to check the oil and cooler fluid in the car. A short interview and some pictures in front of the hotel and we were ready to roll!
The sun was out, the wind was from the south/west and not to strong, so a beautiful day to ride! The first 60km without a problem and a little on the freeway! But than boredom and pain in my feed got the best of me. I had to stop and ask Peet to join me riding and singing to get to our lunch spot. Mom got us a place in the yard of a breast cancer survivor with a great view of the “Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees”, nice work mom!
After lunch, mom got in her shorts to join me on the bike, how cool is that! The both of us survivors paddling for this wonderful cause! We were able to support each other during our fights with cancer and now we are riding together through the US to fundraise for more cancer research! Mom also decided to pay for any extra costs during this trip so I can donate every dollar that I fundraised to the Lance Armstrong Foundation! I might get enough to ride with Lance after all!
After an hour mom thought she had done enough and passed the bike to my dad to ride the last part of the day. We got a few nice hills to climb but eventually rode past Lake Hudson to Locust Grove the end destination of today, We quickly put the bikes on the car and drove to Tulsa where Peet had arranged yet an other night free this time at the Ambassador Hotel. We just finished a nice dinner with lot’s of beef for my parents and are ready for a good night sleep.
Tomorrow will bring a rest day with an other interview, laundry, bike repairs, a museum visit and diner with Mike and Steve from the CCC (Cyclists Combating Cancer).
Sis

Day 9

2006-09-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the delay, but we didn’t have WIFI the last days but I did keep up the writing so this should be plenty to read for everybody.
Today started in Garnet and about 100 miles later we arrived in Columbus, both in Kansas. The originally planned finish town didn’t have a hotel.
The day was a beauty; no wind this morning and a blue sky. I started off nice and early and the speed was around 25-30km because of the limited hills and good quality roads.
I had 100km in my legs when we stopped for lunch at a gravel road under a tree for much needed shade. We hadn’t seen very many cars so far but now everybody decided this quiet gravel road was the place to be, so dust was added to our meal! Close the peanut-butter quick, there’s a garbage-truck coming!
After lunch it was time for dad to join me on the road, a few adjustments to the bike and we were ready to go. The road even had a nice shoulder for a long time so we were able to talk a little. Than came the railroad track! Unexpected and very uneven, BOOM, I felt my back tire go! Good thing Peet and mom just arrived to check up on us, like the cavalry just in time!
I changed my tire: which had 2 large slits in it, and Peet got ready to take dad’s place on the other bike. We got on the road only to discover that the other bike had a flat as well! Stop the engine and take out the pump again, change number 2. This time mom did take some pictures a job nicely done.
Peet lead the last 9 miles to Columbus where we are staying at the Maple UnCommon Inn, down town Columbus. Thank you for yet an other free night stay, this place is great! The interview with the local paper is set for tomorrow morning 8 am.
This was a great day!
Sis

Day 8

2006-09-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday was my first rest day, so planned to sleep in! But around 7.15 am I was wide-awake and ready to get up. Peet did a little better job sleeping while I changed my outer tube and cleaned my bike.
We had brunch and then were off to the Mall, shoe shopping. No results but we did have a good time. Than we were on our way to find a bike store, for a quick tune up, but no luck here either, the stores were closed.
Off to the airport to pick up my parents, finally some good result. They were waiting at the curb for us, ready to go.
The late afternoon we spend in the sculpture garden of Nelson Atkins Museum, which was very pleasant because the weather has turned warm and the sculptures were interesting.
We enjoyed diner at the Sidewalk Café and then turned in early.
Today we packed up the car, and took of the find a grocery store for breakfast and lunch items. The weather was beautiful and I was ready to ride again.
Kansas City- Garnett 132km (including a few km extra because the navigator in the car was to busy talking with the driver!) A nice ride south parallel to the state line to a small town called Amsterdam. We had to stop and take some pictures, see results. Than we crossed into Kansas and the wind! We had lunch in the city park of LaCygne and Peet changed into her bike outfit! She bought her shirt at the silent auction last week!
It was great to have company again on the road and we made good progress riding 30 km together. The last 20km I was on my own again but with the hills less frequent I finished up quickly.
Peet had jet again arranged a free hotel room, this time at the Garnett Inn Suites. A brand new hotel in Garnett, with very nice rooms!
After a little relaxation time and a shower we drove to town to find restaurant where we had a pleasant diner.
No WIFI at the hotel so you read this story later.
Sis

Day 6

2006-09-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

We got up to face a bus full of senior citizens at the continental breakfast. Then it was out of town trying to find the 371 towards Kansas City.
The ride was a short one because we had to drive to St Joseph last night to find a hotel. So at 11.30 am I had 40km in my legs and we arrived at Platte City, north of Kansas City and put the bike on the car to get safely to our hotel. The InterContinental Kansas City provided us with one free night and 2 rooms with a discount for Sunday night when my parents will be here.
When we unpacked the car I noticed my front tire was flat, I’m very happy that didn’t happen when I was flying down yet another hill this morning. Time to put the new outer tube on and fix the flat.
We had lunch and celebrated a very belated birthday for Peet, but better late than never!
The 75th annual art fair is going on this weekend right below our window so we can enjoy free music; let’s hope they stop before bedtime. We did walk around to look at the art until my quads decided that strolling is not a good plan after riding your bike for 6 days.
I did pick up my free LIVESTRONG survivorship notebook at the Discovery store this afternoon. A nice binder with way more info than I’m willing to read at this time, but will safe for after I get back home.
Dinner was Sushi at the place to be on the Plaza, good stuff!
Now back in the hotel and ready to rest, no free WIFI here.
Sis

Day 5

2006-09-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

We woke up way to early, because the alarm went off at yet again 7 am!
Dark clouds and a lot of wind, coming out off the south! My riding direction today……yes also south! We had breakfast in yet an other buffet version, which took us longer than realized so we left again around 9am. Peet drove me out of town and started at the beginning of yet an other very long straight road with lots of rolling hills!
The wind and hill slowed me down but at the end of the morning the sky started to clear up. Peet started riding in front of me to block the wind, but this didn’t really made a difference other than it made driving for her more challenging and gave me something the chase.
We crossed into Missouri around 2pm and had lunch by the side of the road. Bagels with peanut butter, diet coke and trail mix. I decided to try my book on tape to entertain myself a little on the rolling hills. It worked great I got in my zone and made it 132km today. Not all the way to King City but more than the schedule that I set up for myself. One important lesson I have learned so far is that all cities I planned on my trip are further apart than I measured in my planning. So far every day has been longer than I anticipated and even than I wasn’t at the city I had on my schedule.
The great thing so far is that we have had the hotel stay donated every night. Today we are staying at the Stoney Creek Inn in St. Joseph, a wonderful room and great pool. We just finished dinner and are ready to sleep to get ready for tomorrow.
Sis

Day 4

2006-09-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Newton to Osceola 124km or 77 miles
The clouds were back this morning, but no rain so far.
We got up around 7 am because the local reporter would be there at 8 am and we wanted to get on the road right after that. The interview went well and I’m becoming a professional model for the picture.
Back on the bike, off towards Pella, the little Dutch town complete with windmill, people in traditional Dutch clothing and canals. It’s weird to ride into an American town and see a working windmill turning above the houses!
We visited the local newspaper, the editor promised to run the press release in next week paper. Than we got some coffee and tea with some excellent snickers cheesecake.
Next the Vermeer Mill, I told the lady my connections with Verbij, which gave me the special treatment and an option to climb up all the way into the top. I talked with the miller for a while and we shared the love for windmills.
Than it was time to go down and find Peet getting her own private tour of the miniature village and museum from a friendly volunteer in original “Groningsche klederdracht”.
A few pictures later we were back on the road towards Osceola. The wind was picking up and starting to drive me nuts, as were the rolling and rolling and rolling hills. Who ever said that Iowa was flat, never tried to ride their bike through this State!
Luckily I finally got to go east and the wind started blowing me into the right direction. We had a short lunch at the side of the road and than speeded on, to try and beat the rain. Peet left me to find reception and yet an other free night stay and I finished the day riding.
We are staying at the Terrible’s Lakeside Casino in Osceola, complete with free dinner. The only thing they asked us to do is the sign up for the Player card, so we did. They gave us a free T-shirt or baseball cap and a $5 play card. So off to the $1 machine we went and at my first try I won $30! So it looks like we’ll have free breakfast as well tomorrow, nice!
Now we’re ready to turn of the lights, I hope tomorrow won’t bring the storm they predict!
Sis

Day 3, from the driver

2006-09-20T20:38:00.000-07:00

The first thing we did this morning was checking the weather…. cold and sunny, frost on the roof of the car… Annemiek took off, fully geared up in layers. To find out after a few miles that there was hardly any wind and the sun was actually very warm. I was driving with the windows down and managed to get a tan! It turned out to be a very long ride today, all the way up to Newton, Iowa. Over 180 kilometers through hilly roads that seemed to go on and on forever!!! Many cornfields, lots of squealing insects, all day long beautiful butterflies passing by and , hum, lots of flat creatures on the road. We stopped for lunch in Eldora, where we managed to find the only restaurant in town, or so it seemed, and they were about to close within 10 minutes. We ordered 2 great burgers and to our surprise were offered free ice cream after that. No –no- to that of course! Back onto the bike/ in the car we ran into a roadblock. After explaining the purpose of the ride and the hope of not making too many detours, they cleared it so we could get through!! In the meantime I had been able to get a complementary room at the Quality Inn in Newton, and had set up an interview with the Newton Daily Post that will cover Annemieks story. Arriving in Newton, we unloaded the car, stretched and sat in the hot tub. Then time for a quick dinner, a stop at the grocery store and finishing up the day with writing the blog and a massage… tomorrow on to Osceola
Peet
Mason City- Newton 182km=113m

Day 2

2006-09-19T20:43:00.000-07:00

My morning started with an interview with the Owatonna People's Press in the lobby of the Grand Hotel Owatonna. In the mean time Nia and Nancy cleaned the bikes and Peet served me breakfast. It's great to be famous!
We are slowly finding out that more radio stations have featured my story in Minnesota and that my story was on "the wire".
The sky was still gray but no rain and a favorable wind for our ride today.
Owatonna to Mason City Iowa, 70 miles or 112km. Nia saved me with her legwarmers because the pant I brought for cold days turned out to be very uncomfortable. The ride took us through a lot of cornfield with even a handful of chasing dogs. We crossed the border into Iowa before lunch and had the wind blow us down highway 65 into Northwood. Here we stopped at a small local coffee shop for "Taco Tuesday" lunch, Nia had some of Barbie's homemade chili, which was very tasty.
Than it was of for the last ride with the three of us. Through Manly playing a game of name that shape with new patches of asphalt into Mason City. Peet had gotten yet an other free room for the night, this time in the Holiday Inn! Thank you for your support Holiday Inn, Mason City.
We finished this part of the trip with a diner at the hotel and than it was time to say "See you later" to Nia and Nancy. Thanks ladies for getting me on the road, I'll miss your company. Who is going to call at almost every town we pass "I love....." and who will make laugh making wild gestures while riding along side me!
I'm of the bed to get ready for my first sole ride! Goodnight!
Sis

Day 1

2006-09-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis to Owatonna 74 miles or 120km.
The day started with an early wake-up because Deb had to go to work, but before she did she dropped of some copies of the St Paul Pioneer Press. My story was on the front page of the local section, with a couple of very nice pictures. http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/living/15545611.htm is the link to the article.
Then Peet and I got ready to go, packing up the car and awaiting Nia's arrival. A quick tire change and a call to Nancy and it was time to head to the Capital. I picked Nancy up at our regular meeting place, which felt so normal and not at all like the beginning of a great adventure.
At the Capital a reporter from WCCO was ready to tape my story and take our picture. A quick pits-stop and of we went out of St Paul and into the rain. Peet was following us closely in the car with blinkers and heater on.
The morning brought us through cornfields and over rolling hills to Northfield for lunch. The sun came out as soon as we went inside the restaurant. Peet tried to get a discount from the manager but he wasn't able to help. One of the customers how ever was very interested in my cause and promised Peet a 300-dollar check, if she waited for him to finish his lunch. We got on the road without Nia's security blanket but in the end it was worth it. An other donation for a great cause.
The sun was still out which made the riding much more pleasant and I was even able to get rid of my warm-up which where causing me some discomfort.
Nancy was my personal tour-guide pointing out all the road kill and trash on the road; we saw a lot of frogs! Nia loves Northfield, Faribault, Medford and finally Owatonna! We pulled into the Owatonna Grand Hotel right before a big storm, nice timing! They sponsored us with a free room for us and one for our bikes and set up an other interview with the local paper tomorrow morning.
After a tasty diner it is now time to get some sleep and get ready to ride again.
Sis

Send-off Party

2006-09-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening, the last fundraiser took place before my take-off today.
After a few weeks of trying to get Silent Auction items together it was finally time to party. Saturday night all my Minnesotan friends came to send me off towards Texas. It was a wonderful evening with great company and wonderful music. Thanks everybody for participating in the auction, good competition for my Party in Leiderdorp. The grand total was almost $1600! How awesome is that! But the best part of all this fundraising is the positive reactions I get from everybody. Support from family, friends and people I don't even know but that are touched by my story.
I will never be able to say thank you to everybody in person, but please know I'm very grateful to all.
Sis

Ready to leave

2006-09-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

Only 3 more days of work before I leave. I'm trying to get everything ready, last minute silent auction items, haircut and color, date night and pictures for the Pioneer Press.
Floyd came up with the idea to e-mail the Governor to send me off on Monday. Since I'm riding from Capitol MN to Capitol TX maybe I can deliver a flag to his colleague down South.
After work I met up with the photographer 2x during my ride home, I made sure to wear my CCC jersey, looking all sharp with my helmet on.
After this it was off to Donna for a haircut and color always fun. She decided on fall colors and leaving my hair a little longer. The colors didn't come out as dramatic as she hoped for but it looks good, ready to meet Lance:-)
Deb and I walked to a Thai restaurant across the freeway and had a wonderful diner.
Now it's time to go to bed, tomorrow "Blondie" gets 4 new tires.
Sis

Do I need to say more?

2006-09-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for my ride and the silent auction this weekend!
Today I was interviewed by Rhoda Fukushima for the St Paul Pioneer Press, finally a positive reaction to my quest of media attention! She's planning on getting my story in on Monday, so everybody go out and buy a copy!
Lou donated an other beautiful bowl for my silent auction and I got to pick up my bike from the shop. A new seat and shiny like new!
Sis

Jesse James 100 miles

2006-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning 5.30am, the alarm goes off, Why? Then I remembered today was the day to ride my first 100 miles bikeride, the Jesse James ride in Northfield MN.
I had to go and pick up Nancy around 6am so we would be at the start before 8am, all this on the weekend!
After a short delay for a later very important I.D. we were on the road heading South. We found our way around the detour by following the other cars with bikes and had a quick breakfast of cranberry scones (delicious) and hot chocolate and coffee.
It was cold and windy so we decided to wear our windbrakers and long sleeved jersey or arm-warmers. We payed our entry fee and after one more bathroom break we checked out the sponsor tables. At one of them a friendly young man told me everything on the table was free, yes even that bike tools bottle opener! He even offered to keep the free kids bike helmets he gave me for my Silent Auction next week.
Than it was time to get going, Nancy was planning on riding the 100 miles in 6 hours or so! Going into the wind starting of was not to bad at least when also going up hill, because the hill blocked the wind. Who ever said that Minnesota is flat didn't visit this part of the state! Nice rolling hills covered in feed-corn and soybeans reminding me of the North of France.
We skipped rest-stop 1 only 10 miles into the ride but were happy to see #2 because it was time for a bathroom brake. Who would have thought I would ever by happy to see a porter-potty! After filling up with small snack size candy bars and other sweets we were on the road again. The wind made my windbraker flap loudly which made it hard to keep up a conversation or keep track on who was or was not behind me. We sometimes teamed up with other to form a little train fighting the wind on the flats. It sure felt like the old days, riding my bike to school as a kid when it often seemed that you were riding against the wind both ways.
The sun tried to break through the clouds for a short while around midday but that wasn't more than a little tease. I was never able to take of my windbraker and show of my CCC longsleeve jersey that Jim gave me to wear!
We visited every reststop, many to use the restroom (that might be a little to fancy description of the porter-potty) and eat more mini-candy bars. After reststop #4 we started discussing our after finish beers and burgers, because we longed for something salty. The last miles brought more flats with wind and one more long hill and, Oh I couldn't let those guys making smart remarks about us chasing them to the Twin Cities, beat me up this one. See you later Nancy! It' was a good feeling to find out that my legs are ready for my adventure, hills and wind I can handle it all!
We crossed the finish in 7 hours and 40 minutes, not bad for a windy day. Cheers to my first 100 mile ride, only 2 to go and yes also about 1100 miles to TX.
We changed into warmer clothing and took off in search for a burger and beers, we found them at Appelbee's, good thing we went back for the I.D.!
When I got home Deb treated me to a massage and my lights were out at 10pm, it was a good day!

Koekjes

2006-09-07T19:33:00.000-07:00

Zie hier de lekkerste actie om donaties te verzamelen voor mijn fietstocht. Bedankt E en E!
Tante A

STOP sign

2006-09-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Dad, I'm standing in front of a STOP sign so people will STOP and give a donation!

Today I met Jim a fellow CCC-er here in the Twin Cities. He has been involved with the LAF for a long time and rode the Tour of Hope a few years ago. Now he's on his way the the Philly Livestrong Challenge this weekend, but had a little time to give me some good advice.
Hopefully he'll be able to get my story in the media here before I leave, my 5 minutes of fame!?
I also recieved a possitive reaction from the Owatonna Grand Hotel, they will sponsor me my first night with a free room in Owatonna.

Dinsdag

2006-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Vandaag kreeg ik een e-mail vanuit Nederland met goed nieuws. Het sponsorbord in de Hollandsche Tuyn heeft tot nu toe $750 euro opgebracht! Euronet, Barendse loodgieters, Safecare L'dorp, AKRO L'dorp, Rob en Puck, Hollandsche Tuyn, VDK Beheer, AKA trading, Rob en Anneke Kortekaas, Neuteboom Tweewielers, van Haasteren Toyota, Kookplanet en Stucadoors van Best zijn de sponsors die op het bord hebben ingeschreven. Bedankt allemaal, ik kan niet wachten om aan mijn avontuur te beginnen! Zaterdag komt er een foto van het bord, de dag van de sponsorfietstocht.
Vandaag weer meer dan 60 kilometer in de benen, ik ben er klaar voor!
Sis

Laborday

2006-09-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

It's just an other Monday, at work. The day started of well because I found another therapist that was able to do cardiac rehab so I could be in the gym and do my "lead" duties. It was a lot better day than Saturday, everything moving along the way it should. Resulting in an early leave for everybody, PT's leaving before OT's I don't think that ever happened during a holiday I worked.
The weather cleared up during the day so my ride home was nice. Deb and I did a little photo sesion with my new CCC gear, taking advantage of the nice weather. Than I went for a nice run while listening to a book on tape, much better than music. Since I speed up and slow down with the beat of the music.
I can't believe it's only 2 weeks before I'm leaving! I should start packing and getting ready, because I'll be working the weekend before I leave to be able to use my OWE days for my ride. It's been a lot of planning to get all the days of, working extra holidays, using the weekend compensation days and all my vacation days. One of my collegues offered to donate a day off but that was not possible, bummer!
My nieces are planning a fundraiser for my trip, but they are not telling me what they're doing. I'm getting very curious?!
Sis

Items.

2006-08-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Ride is getting closer, and slowely eveything starts to fall into (or out off) place.
Today Kharmen showed me some great silent auction items that she bought and got in California. Cookbook, wine, beer, cycling shirt and T-shirt. Barb from Pumphouse Creamery donated 5 gift certificates for great handmade organic ice cream. Nia and I picked these up after work and ofc ourse had to taste some ice cream, I can vouch it's good!!
When I got home I found a box on the porch with 2 CCC jerseys and 1 cycle short, now it's official I'm part of the CCC Austin Team. Thanks Todd!

$15,000

2006-08-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

My brother called me today to tell me that I have passed over $15,000 because Tjitske donated a wonderful amount she made from translating a book. Thanks Tjitske for that great donation! I can't believe that i've made it! Let me rephrase that that we made it! Thanks everybody who has made a donation, gave an item for one of the silent auctions, rode with me to get the miles in the legs or just told me how impressed you are with my crazy idea. I'm getting very excited about the rest of this adventure, the ride, the Challenge and now the Ride for the Roses!!
Today I did get to ride with the Velo Bella's, Nancy and I joint them after our hour warm-up. It's a fun group of girls who love to ride and like to have fun while doing it. We picked the right ride because afterwards they had their picknick.
Yesterday Penn Cycle provided me with some great free tubes, a chain, a outer tube and brake pads, to get me ready to ride and make sure I make it all the way to Texas! Thanks Penn Cycle!!
Total this weekend 126.2 miles, with some hill repeats!
Sis

So close!

2006-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it but I'm so close. $14,725.67 to be exact. Anybody out there who would like to help me get over the bump?
Yesterday evening the Breast Cancer Awareness Association was having their fundraiser, Breast Party in Town.
I arrived after 8.30 on a cheap ticket so all the other committee members had had a few drinks and a lot of fun. But the "Remnants" got the party going again after a break and we had a lot of fun dancing!
Make sure to check out www.bcaamn.org for information about the 5th Annual BCAA conference: "Living with Breast Cancer. I've been involved with this great conference the last 2 years, it's a great way to meet other survivors and learn about the latest updates in the Breast Cancer field.
I found a great group of friends in these girls and guys who are all very positive and fun loving. The meetings are a great time, serious as needed but there is always wine and beer involved. I'm sad that I'll be missing this years conference because of this bike ride I'm doing, but invite anybody interested to go.
Sis

The Invites are out.

2006-08-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day, perfect weather. It's getting a little cooler in the mornings but still wonderful to ride.
My days at work are going well, it's good to be back in the rehab part of things. I've been seeing the same patients for a while and they are all motivated and making good progress. I'm having a great time experiencing with the Light-Gait, a pressure weight bearing machine.
Deb sent out the Invites for the Send-off party on September 16th. One more fundraiser to see if I can make it over the magic $15,000!
Sis

Bella Bill

2006-08-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the day for the long ride but it wasn't easy to get motivated to go. I called Floyd but he was getting ready for the inline marathon on Sunday. Luckily Steve was ready to ride and we started in Plymouth at his house, thanks Deb for droping me off. We took off to the North and West and Steve started telling me where we were going but as I told him I would forget fast. So we switched to talking about our favorite books, movie, the seperation of goverment and religion and ice-hockey. He took me to General Mill headquarters to see an amazing sculpture of the contour of a man.
After 35 miles we said our goodbye's, my long ride only started. I decided to go around the Lakes starting at Cedar all the way to Lake Nokomis, am I at 80 miles yet? No, so via Ford Snelling across the Mississippi to hwy 13 up to St Paul. Down Smith Ave to Shepard road following the Mississippi to Minneapolis, am I there yet? No, but almost, so I went up to 8th Ave NE and back down on the West side on the River Parkway. Home sweet home after 83 miles in about 6.5 hours with a short brake to get a diet Coke and cookie at Lake Calhun.
Sunday morning we went to the Renaissance festival Minnesota. Now there is a place for people watching. It's fascinating to see peolpe completely dressed up in costumes of an era never existed in this country.
Back home it was time to take a quick time to relax before going on a ride with the Velo Bella's, a group of women rides who promised a nice Sunday afternoon group ride. I signed the release form and took off to the meeting place: Minnetonka Blvd under 494, be there 15 minutes early! Riding out there took me less time than expected so I got there 25 minutes early. Nobody there as expected, then I saw 2 women riding by (on of them wearing a Velo Bella shirt) but they didn't stop. Was I supposed to jump on my bike and chase them?! I choose to wait and at 5 minutes before 5 a Bella joint me, his name was Bill!! I gues you cann't be picky when it comes to Bellas.
We waited until 10 after 5 and decided to go for a ride which lasted until Bill got 2 flat tires in a row and called it quits and his wife to pick him up.
I rode back home via the Cedar trail and finished 41 miles, less than expected, but it was time for a beer!
We had diner in St Paul and my need for beer was filled with a Blue Moon.

A good day, for a rainy day!

2006-08-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

6.00 am the alarm goes off, I’m wondering why it’s still sort off dark outside? Is it because the summer is ending or because it’s cloudy? The answer: a little of the first but much more of the later.
Ready to get up and go for a run so I can get my 30 minutes in before work.
Halfway through the rain starts but it doesn’t hurt my run, it’s nice
After a shower and breakfast it was time to jump on my bike and ride to work. Luckily the rain stopped long enough for me to get there dry.
It’s good to be back in the PT gym, I’ve got a good group of challenging patients who keep me busy and thinking. I’m starting to learn about the Lite-gait a new piece off equipment we just got this year. I like that after 14 years I still learn new skills and surely enjoy my job.
I got finally get to leave early today so that made the day even better. I rode by Hoigaard’s a local out-door store to ask for help with a donation or item for the silent auction. They gave me the name of the responsible person and advised me to write a letter to her.
At home I grabbed my gym bag and drove to the “Y”, I know that sort of doesn’t make sense, but he Blondie needs a little action once in a while!
At the gym I rode the bike a little more than the stair-master and weights.
Back home Deb made diner with shrimp and couscous salad, mmmm lekker!
Than I wrote and send letter to Wells Fargo and Hoigaard’s, let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I hope my coach is happy with my work-out day. Now I just need to increase the distance off my weekend rides!
Sis

Saterday

2006-08-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

I’m doing my best to keep you updated but life gets in the way of writing sometimes.
I started the week of well, riding my bike and running on Monday, riding to work and a fast 25 miles ride with Floyd on Tuesday. Than Wednesday my legs just felt really heavy throughout the day, so instead of spinning I called Lou to go see a movie. Talladega Nights, it was way funnier than I expected, good movie.
Than Thursday just as I was about to leave work, after day 4 back in the rehab gym, Brigit asked who wanted to go see the St Paul Saints. Yes, pick me! It was a great night for outdoor baseball. Thanks Brigit, just what I needed.
Friday was a day of rest and time for dinner and yet an other movie with Lou. Strangers with Candy this time, a weird yet funny movie.
On my home I called Kharmen who convinced me to go out for one more beer, or did I convince her? We might be old but always ready to party! (Remark for Kim and Michelle J )
Deb is in Connecticut for Renee and Sean’s wedding and called me to tell me I really should have been there! I need to be careful not to have this ride take over all my attention.
Today I started by sleeping in which was good and needed.
Than a nice ride with Steve, after taking the long way home the speedometer stood on 45 miles.
Now it’s time for laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning.
Sis

Over 100 miles in the weekend.

2006-08-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

The weekend in Minneapolis was a beautiful one.
Friday evening Kharmen and I went to a small beer tasting in St Paul, it was about Belgian beers and the sampling was good. Both K and I ended up with a bottle and free glass.
Then we went for dinner at a Japanese restaurant, oh I love Sushi, I could eat it every day. It also brings back good memories from way back in Fairfield CA, when Peet and I would go to Izumi restaurant after working out and eat Sushi about once a week. The more often we went to the restaurant the cheaper it got. That’s a nice deal.
But back to Friday, it was good to hang out with K and catch up on the last week's since the garage sale.
Since we did a little walk after diner, we had enough room for some ice cream, Izzi”s mmmmm, lekker.
Saturday morning I woke up early since my internal clock has changed lately, getting ready for my ride with Floyds group, at least I thought. When I called Floyd to ask what time we were going to ride, he told me everybody bailed out and the ride was off so I had to go out and ride by myself, and I didn’t feel like going! I called Deb and when we chatted I told her about the amazing results from the silent auction at work, organized by Nia, about 780 dollars getting me close to $14,000!
When I told Deb that I didn’t feel like riding she reminded me that the ride is not just about me. All my friends and family who have supported me are part of this.
They have placed their trust in me by never questioning my idea to go on this ride, by giving me financial support so I’ll be able to fulfill my dream.
So not feeling to go for a ride is just not an option at this point.
(Another reason is of course that V has been on my case to get ready for this ride and I don’t want to arrive in TX to meet her in pain and unable to keep up with her, only so she can say: I told you so!)
I decide to go up north following the Mississippi River; it was a good ride once I was out of the City. It continues to amaze me how much more you see when riding a bike vs. getting around by car. I made it up to the Coon Rapids Dam a recreation area around a dam in the Mississippi. A good place to run to the restroom in the visitors centre.
After I crossed the river I though I took the North Hennepin Trail towards Maple Grove, but that ended up not being the case. After riding for about 15 minutes I was surprised to Avenue number going down as if I was riding South towards the city, instead of going West as I thought I was going. Finally I found a person to ask directions and she pointed me into the right direction. My plan to stop by Josie’s new house was still possible so toward Medicine Lake I went. But yet again no Josie at the house, next time I’ll need to call first. When I get back home I’ve got 59 miles on my odometer.
That ride was for everybody who supported me so far, thanks!
Sunday, I slept in nicely until 9 am. Ready to ride, Nancy needed to clean her house, so I was on my own again.
My plan today was to ride around Lake Minnetonka, West of the Twin Cities. A nice ride mainly on trails up to the Lake and than a couple of not to busy roads. In Wayzata I treated myself to a smoothie and chocolate chip cookie, the lunch of champions!
On my way home I passed by Hillcrest my old workplace, so after that the road was familiar from my old commute. Back home my total was 53 miles, this ride is for Robin one of the CCC (Cyclists Combating Cancer) members who is fighting re-occurring cancer! My thoughts are with you Robin, keep up the strength!
Sis

Thursday

2006-08-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s all ready Thursday, tomorrow my last day in the wound clinic for a while. At least that is the plan, but you never know, once you’re in it not easy to get out! :)
My new printer is still standing on the counter, I’ve got to get it to work this weekend!
Nia is doing a great job with the silent-e-mail-auction at work. Bids are over $600, isn’t that incredible! I’m getting so close to my goal it’s fantastic.
I rode my bike an other 31 miles after work, in combo with my 30 min run this morning and 10 miles to work, not bad after Happy hour yesterday.
Sis

New Bike shirt

2006-08-01T18:44:00.000-07:00

OK, I’ve been slacking, that is if I look at my writing. No new entries her in my BLOG for a couple of days.
What have I been doing you might wonder? Well that’s easy, I’ve been riding my bike as much as possible. Starting Saturday morning, I rode to Floyd’s house to go ride with the group. We were lucky that there was a little cloud cover because it was supposed to be a hot day. Floyd tried to keep the speed within control because of the head and just make sure to ride the miles. When I got back home I totaled about 51 miles.
Sunday, I got up really early to go on a ride with Nancy towards Still Water, following the Gateway trail, a nice tree covered trail with plenty of shade. Slowly going up hill, but we only found that out on the way back. At Hwy 12 we took the bike-path to Still Water, a nice ride over rolling hills with a big drop into the town. Let’s get a waffle, for the second breakfast. Nancy was ready for a veggie-wrap and a cup of coffee. We needed the courage to get back on that hill!
Up we go! Once back on the Gateway, we were pleasantly surprised the go mainly down hill and wind in the back, nice! Back in the city there were a few more hills than we remembered but some ice at the gas station and finally the beer at the patio of Long fellow got us through the ride. The temperature was slowly climbing up towards 98 F.
Hanging up the laundry outside was great because the first item was dry when I was done hanging the last one. J
Monday it was supposed to be over 100 F with a heat index of 110F, so to beat the heat I got up early and ran 30 minutes before work. Since I had to volunteer at the free neighborhood clinic after work and the high temperature I decided to ride my car to work.
The day at work was busy, in contrast with my volunteer hours, because no PT patients showed up. But it was a good time talking with the 2 students and give them the early night off.
Deb was packing up for her last wedding trip home, 3 weddings in one summer, that’s a lot. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to go to any of them because I’ve got to spend all my vacation days on my ride.
Lisa offered to give me a vacation day but after a call to human resources that plan was not to be! It was a nice idea.
Today it was raining when we woke up, and yes I took the car. I know I’ll be getting rained on during my ride to Texas but I really don’t feel like practicing that! Call me spoiled, go ahead. After work I went to the gym because it was still wet out and thunderstorms were in the air! 45 minutes high speed spinning, 30 minutes on the stair-master and 45 minutes weights and abs. I hope it makes up for the missed bike ride.
At home there it was the brand new printer, will I be able to set it up?
Deb had a rocky flight but got there safe.
Sis

Fietsen, fietsen, fietsen!

2006-07-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ja ik train wat af deze dagen. Vanmorgen eerst een half uurtje hardlopen en douchen. Op de fiets naar het werk ongeveer 15km, lekker weertje vandaag.
Op het werk ging alles redelijk soepel, niet al te veel problemen. Nog 1 weekje in de wond poli en dan ga ik weer een tijdje terug naar de revalidatie. Ik ben wel toe aan een kleine verandering lekker spelen met de "lite-gait" een nieuw aparaat om mensen na een hersenbloeding te leren lopen, ik ben benieuwd!
Na het werk was het een warm ritje naar huis maar nog goed te doen.
Even snel een hapje eten en op de fiets naar Floyd's verjaardags feestje in St Paul. Lekker taart en ijs eten en snel voor het donker weer naar huis.
Thuis nog even mijn rekening in Nederland kijken en daar staat weer 1000 euro extra op voor mijn fietstocht. Wow, ik kom nu echt dichtbij mijn doel!
Ik kan met een gerust hart naar bed. Morgen een rustdag.
Sis

monday, monday.

2006-07-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time in 2 years commuting to work that I was unable to ride back. Just as I finally was ready to go home, after a draining day, late because of it, the code gray was announced overhead.
Not a moment later the rain started and the storm broke loose! I walked into the cardiac rehab center to enjoy the surround view. They could tell that I was stuck and Judy was very nice and offered me a ride home. Thanks Judy.
Deb was not so lucky and got very wet riding home through the rain.
Of course about the time Judy dropped me off the sun was out and the rain stopped. Time for a run for about 40 minutes and 30 minutes spinning to make up for the lost commute ride.
Sis

5 mile swim

2006-07-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Saterday morning and the alarm goes of at 5 am, what is wrong with that picture? Nothing really that is if you have a friend who wants to swim 5 miles across a lake and you volunteered to paddle along in the canoe. To get my miles in I had decided to bring my bike along and ride home afterwards. So my warm-up was a little 5 k ride to Lisa's house at 5.30 am.
After an almost smooth ride out to the Lake, the highway exit we were supposed to take was closed, we were ready to go!
There she is, in between a lot of other women swimmers, it ammazing to see how many people are swimming. First 2 miles in about 50 minutes, way to go. We had to yell to keep Lisa from veering off to the left. A sip of power-aid and a funny remark on the white board kept her going strong. Mile 4 in 1hour and 56 minutes, keep it up! But then she got a little cold and bored, ready to be done. This slowed her down a little , despite our screeming and yelling, are we the only loud paddlers? There is the beach, run Lisa run! She made it, in a great time, 2 hours and about 35 minutes. She's already making plans for next year, I'll need a softer pillow in the canoe, but otherwise I'm game!
Than it was time for me to start working out, back around the lake, down south and back into the cities 46.3 miles when I'm home. Time to eat the left overs from yesterday, mmmmm.
After a shower it's time to try and get rid of the last left overs from the garage sale. Play it Again doesn't want anything except the catchers mask, but the might sponsor my ride, let's see what the accountent says.
Goodwill only wanted the thigh master, so the skies are off to the trash. Let's hope they will pick them up.
Watched the Tour the France, nice ride Floyd! Congratulations.
Now I'm of to bed, because tomorrow at 9 am I've got to be ready for the next training ride.
Sis

Rest-day

2006-07-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today I got to sleep in to 7am because it was the day to ride my car to work. The station wagon was filled with left over stuff from the garage sale. One table to be brought back to the wound clinic, Thanks All for carrying it into the hospital.
A TV and mocrowave to be delivered later to the recycling center.
At work people are talking about the silent e-mail auction that Nia is organizing. The final list with items was out today, there are 26 items on there! Massage, boquet of fresh flowers, pillow cases,beer, wine, vacation in a basket, 4 hours of baby sitting and many other great items and services. The final bids are to be in on August 1st.
The day was steadily busy, filled with MD calls, forms to be filled out and other extras beside patient care.
After work I was off to the recycle center only to find out that recycling a microwave costs $15, good thing I made so much money at the garare sale! :)
We had dinner from a new Thai restaurant, besides that they messed up the springrolls the food was good. While watching the Tour I mapped out my ride on a map from the US to send to Sas so she can hang it in the Hollandsche Tuyn. My dad told me the "Home Team" had a meeting the other night to plan other fundraising activities in the Netherlands. A bikeride is planned on Sept 18th as I am starting my ride her in MInneapolis.
I send a letter to KARE 11 today to ask if they are interested in my story, keep those fingers crossed!
Tomorrow I've got another early start, Lisa is going to swim 5 miles across Lake Minnetonka and I'll be paddling the canoe with her sister. Than I'll ride back with a few extra miles.
Sis

Heavy legs

2006-07-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally made it to the Twin Cities Bike ride with Floyd, the speed skating coach. He's been offering to help me out all summer, but things get in the way. Now it's all about the bike for me, these last weeks before the ride.
My new mantra: I am an endurance athelete! is slowly starting to get into my brain.
The ride itself was hard, trying to keep up with the 5 boys. Including Floyd who was riding circles around me and Steve who was very nice and kept pulling me back into the pack. Thanks Steve.
This morning I woke up wondering why Deb had switched off both of the fans in the room, only to reallize that is was a power outage. Luckily it was only 6 am and I got up and set the timer for the last 5 minutes before I had to get up.
After getting up I looked outside and found the sky filled with dark clouds, T-storms, no commute today.
So I took the opportunity to drop of Blondie at the garage to get the timing beld replaced and oil-change. She also needs to get ready for the Big ride.
Deb was nice and picked me up after work because I was done a little early. Off to Traders Joes for a little shopping, frozen fish, nuts, vegies etc.
Back home it was time to get my work out going with a 30 minute run (stiff legs) and 1h and 35 minutes on my trainer, riding while watching a fantastic day of the Tour. Talk about inspiration!
Good day for Rabobank, go Rasmussen! Michiel Bogaard is also doing well.
Time to get a little sleep.
Weltrusten Sis

Kick in the behind!

2006-07-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I recieved a kick in the behind from my friend and coach V to get serious about training. No more excuses unless I'm realy sick and I'm not planning on that!
Run 2x a week before work, ride to work on my bike 4x a week, plan 2 longer rides after work, 1x a week get on the home trainer and in the weekend 2 longer rides 60-70 miles. I need to get this going so I'll make it to Texas in 1 piece.
Thanks V, see you at the border of Texas.
Bike riding total for today 40 miles.
Sis

Training

2006-07-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

How to stay cool on a typical Minnesota summer day, work out on your trainer in front of the air conditioner!
Today was the day to clean up after the garage sale. Goodwill here we come! They don't take TV's or microwaves so what to do next. We'll have to make an other FREE sign.
A few pictures made from the recliner and left over table to see if we can sell them on Craig's list.
Sis

Garage sale

2006-07-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

What a wonderfull day! The garage sale started on Friday setting up all the merchandise, hanging the clothes, selecting everything in piles of bathroom, kitchen, rugs, crafts, toys, garden and sporting goods. Matt came and helped and brought 2 big tables and a clothing rack that was very useful.
In the evening Deb and I drove around hanging signs, we eventually found out that a hammer is all you need! All poles have plenty of nails in them ready to be re-used and a staple gun doesn't work!
Up early on Saturday to go to the garage and put everything outside. The first customers are early, but they must be looking for the worms! I was able to tip over the full clothing rack without killing anybody but just adding a little more work on this hot day. The ironing board did well at a kids clothing rack and we put up a gazebo to get a little shade for the sales people; Lisa, Kari, Deb and myself.
The garagesale venue came with full service catering, who knew! Kharmen was trying to down talk her efforts but those eggs, pancakes, potatoes and bacon she cooked for us were delicious and came right on time. Between sales we had a lot of fun trying to fit in the ice bucket to cool down and coming up with good fundraiser ideas. If you sell that pink pokadot purse, I'll donate another dollar to the cause!
Everybody was very enthusiastic about my story and a lot of people gave extra money to support my ride.
I think my favorite memory of this day will not be the total amount of money but the realization that there are a lot of good people in this world. A lot of poeple who don't know me but supported me anyway, maybe because the had cancer, know somebody that had cancer or just because they want to support a survivor. I heard a lot of stories about people who didn't live to go and ride their bike and that's one of my motivators. I'm a lucky girl, I'm here to tell my story, I'm here able to raise money for more research so eventually hopefully nobody has to die from cancer, have their life changed by cancer or loose a loved one through cancer. Thanks everybody for making it possible for me to do this!
As the day got hotter the sales slowed down a little, but we were able to sell the lawn mower right before closing. Kharmen surpized us with avocado, corn black bean dip and icecream, you rock Kharmen!
Then Rhonda showed up and decided on a pink house coat, fabulous! Brigit came with a cooler full of sportsdrinks to help us load some electrolites.
Breaking down took about one hour with the help of Lisa, Craig, Brigit, Math, Rhoanda ( rollerblading down the alley) and Kharmen. It is true: many hands make light work, or something like that.
Brigit took all the left over clothing to Salvation army, I'm going to Play it Again Sports to see if they'll give something for the sporting goods left overs. We'll place the computerdesk, table and chairs and recliner on Craigslist to see if they will sell and the rest is going to Goodwill.
I took down the signs on my way home and took a shower, that cold water felt great!
The grand total of the day was $771.00! Not bad for a 97 degree day in the sun.
Thanks everybody for your support!
Sis

Garage sale stuff

2006-07-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

It's coming closer, more and more stuff.
We did 2 runs around the Twin Cities with a pick-up, driven by Criag, who was voluntered by Lisa for this job.
The garage is filling up with, 2 bikes, a computer desk, a computer, a grill, printer, wine rack and a recliner. I'll have my work cut out for me on Friday getting ready for the sale.
Let's hope we can find people to buy all this stuff!
Fundraiser Garage sale
Saturday, July 15th
8am-4pm
2533 33rd Ave S
Minneapolis 55406
Please come and join the Fundraiser!
Sis

Part 2 of the Race

2006-07-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Look how proud I am with my medal!
After the race it was time for our after race beer! Always jealous looks from other teams and sherpas! You've got to come prepared as we did. Thanks Deb, Chris and Larry for your wonderful support during our race. It's great to hear people cheer you on and call out your name!
Nancy came also to cheer but was unable to get through because there was only 1 place to cross the race for all the spectators. So she missed my finish again, but there's another tradition! Phineas is becoming a real toddler, what a handsome little man!
After a shower and bike pick-up it was time to find a way back to the car. Nancy to the recsue, we walked to her car, then she took me to my car and we returned to pick up our passengers. Phineas for Nancy and Kharmen, Ali and Deb for me. Time to get on the road, we had on more tradition to follow. The second-annual-post-race-Nike-outletstore-shopping-extravaganza here we go! After about an hour drive there it was the outlet mall. We were welcomed by some island music making man, nice touch.
An hour passes quickly in the store and we all left with a bag full of stuff, over to the 2 Loons cafe for lunch.
Back on the road again for the long ride home. A few bathroom stops, root beer floats, M&M's and sing along CD's later we were home. First stop Ali, who was ready to see her dog again. Second stop Kharmen, the plants need a little water girl.
Home sweet home, 2 cats ready to get out and get a little air.
Thanks everybody for a great weekend.
Next project: garage sale this coming Saturday. I just went around our neighborhood to hang up announcements.
Sis

TEAM Survivor Twin Cities

2006-07-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Go TEAm, what a great day today. The day started very early at 4.40 am, waking up isn't easy. Meeting up with the rest of the team at 5 in the lobby. Then of to the parking area and everybody into the schoolbus to be shuttled to the sportscenter.
Everybody is excited and nervous judging by the last minute changes and bathroom runs. Miss Jaqui arrived in style complete with I-pod and golden fanny pack! I ran off to have her seat fastened as last minute repair. Thanks friendly bike repair guys.
Walking to the swim start area, there are over 150 Survivors in the crowed of over 4000 women starting this tri. It's the second biggest all women Triathlon in the world!
But let's get ready to swim! A few last minute pictures, tears, hugs and words of encouradgement! Then it's of to meet Sally and get our mantra word before the start. I am a fantastic swimmer! There we go, wave number 3 let's go catch the red caps!
For me it was about 100 strokes free-style to switch over to my favorite stroke! Breast stroke all the way! I'm still passing a lot of women and am able to see where I'm going. It's amazing to see all these women swimming to the best of their abilities alone or with a swim angel it doesn't matter. Out the water I go, running into the transition area!
Rinsing of my feet, putting on socks and my bike shoes my shirt with number and of to the bike part. It feels good riding, keeping my heartrate around 158 B/min, keeping up the cadence! Halfway we turn into the wind and the speed comes down a bit but I'm still feeling good. There is the overpass, last turn right to the sportscentre and smile for the photographer, shoulders down! Off the bike and back to my little spot, Kharmen get ready! It sure is nice to have her there to help out.
Running shoes on and cowboy hat on, of to the run. Those first few hundred yards are just like learning to run all over again! But just keep on going, keep my heartrate around 158 B/min. It's great to get all the support from all the women still waiting to get started with their swim. Go TEAM Survivor, go cowgirl! There is the loop, it's psychologically not easy to have to turn and run the other way when you can see the finish line! OK let's get to the finish, speeding up a little and focus on the end.
Run, run, run one more turn, there is the clock, oh I better start sprinting to have a change to finsh faster then last year! I think I just did it! They even announced my name! A very cute little girl hung my medal around my neck, thanks.
Now it's back out there and wait for the rest of the TEAM. There the come, Julie, Jaqui, Ali and Kris all wearing their cowboy-hats proudly!
We just finished watching the soccer final on tape, congrats Italy. My brother will be happy, because he is going on vacation in France today. This will mean a lot less crazy traffic.
I'll finish the race day report tomorrow.
Sis

Getting ready to race!

2006-07-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

We're ready and set, for the race tomorrow.
This morning it was an early rise after a short night. Kharmen, Ali, Julie and I on our way to the Survivor breakfast. Only the directions on the internet were way off, and so were we! Then Kharmen and I remembered the big industry next to the sports center so we started looking for the smoke and found the center. We came to the breakfast just in time to tell our short bio's and a quik meet up with TEAM Madison. They're looking so good, with official shirts and smiles all the way!
Of to the official part of the day, registration. It was better organazed this year. Much better flow throught the area, they moved the numbering to outside and had a lot of computers to check the chips.
The hunt for free-bees started, lip gloss for Kharmen and Ali, waterbottles for Annemiek and (OK not free) a bag for Julie.
The first time talk given by Sally was a good experince, complete with tears when all the present survivors were asked to come on stage. We recieved a standing ovation, wow a very powerful experience!
Time to re-assemble the bikes and we were ready to rack! Time for lunch!
We picked up Deb at the hotel and met Kris and Jaqui at Chilis, so our TEAM is almost complete. The other Alison we'll meet tomorrow morning.
After an hour of relaxation in the hotel room it was time for pre-race dinner at the Phoenix, good company only since I just ate a late lunch.
A last run by the parking location for tomorrow and the grocery store and I'm ready for bed. Deb just offered me a pre-race backrub, so I'm off!
Sis

Thanks Kharmen

2006-07-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful hotel, I'll be ready for the Tri on Sunday after sleeping in this comfy bed.
Using the internet while watching the Tour, what else does a girl want. We just drove from Minneapolis to Kenosha, a not to bad 6 hour trip.
Tomorrow we'll meet up with the rest of the Twin Cities Team, we have 7 women racing on Sunday. I can't wait to get going, cheering and naturally for the after race beer!
I better get some sleep it an early day tomorrow and I've got to grease my chain before we go.
Sis

Over $10,000!!!!!

2006-07-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a wonderful gift of 500 euro from a friend of Peet's, I've today passed the $10,000!
She turned 50 last week and asked donations for my fundraiser from her friends as a gift for her B-day.

I'm a little sluggish today so decided not to go for that last run before the Tri on Sunday. Just packed my bag and we're ready to leave after work.

More stuff for the garage sale recieved today. I was able to fix the massage table so it's nice and solid again. Any takers?!

The Tour had an other good day, with a little bit of a Dutch success, a Rabobank rider took the stage victory.
Sis

McEwen does it again!

2006-07-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yet another day good day in de Tour de France. It's great to have cable with good reception!

Being able to ride to work is such a privilage! The weather has been so great so far, cool in the morning and flying home with the breeze in the back. Work was busy but without major drama. This week I seem to be going back and forth in and out of the woundclinic; Sunday out, Monday in, Tuesday out, Today in, Tomorrow out and Friday in. Flexibility is a good thing I guess.
After work it was a quick arm strength work out, I've got keep my bone density up! Then a swim, with good tips from Deb to improve my kick technique.
Back at home it was grill time, a nice steak, corn and mushrooms,mmmmmm lekker.
Almost fixed the massage table, on sale at the garage sale.
Deb is falling a sleep next to me, waiting to correct this posting, I better finish this up!
Sis

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yet an other Holiday worked to get more days of for my Ride and hopefully the Ride for the Roses.
Nice and quiet and with some good teamwork we were able to leave 1 hour early.
After work I drove by Lou to pick up more stuff for the garage sale. Our livingroom is slowly filling up! Now let's see if I can get a good price for everything.
This week is easy on the training because of the Tri this Sunday, so I did a 23 minute run with a long sprint at the end. To practice for this weekends race to the finish.
The Tour de France had a day full of broken collar bones and a finish in the Netherlands.
We just came back from watching the Minneapolis fire works, so it's time to go to bed!
Weltrusten! Sis

Tour de France

2006-07-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Tour started yesterday and we got cable! Yes specially for the Tour de France!
It was a good day for the USA with George in the Yellow, I hope Thor will be able to start again tomorrow.
I had to work today because next weekend TEAM Survivor is going to Kenoshia to participate in the Danskin Triathlon. Kharmen and I are getting our 7 member team ready! How exciting is this, our TEAM Twin Cities is growing.
The rest of my time is taken orginazing the July 15th garage sale for my fundraiser. Our living room is slowly changing into a pile of stuff. I see skies, speakers, baskets, clothing and so much more. Keep it coming.
After work today it was time for a final lake swim 16.52 minutes for about 900 yards, I've got to support Lisa in her training for a 5 mile swim! I'd rather ride my bike 1100 mile to Austin than 5 mile swimming. But that's why they say: to each her own. I'm just hired to paddle the canoe, peel bananas (good against cramps) and keep Lisa on track.
Yesterday I went to see Rhonda in the Gay Rodeo. The girl actually rides bulls! She stayed on for 4.7 sec not enough for a score but very impressive. It was a nice day with some great people watching.
Bedankt Else en Femke voor de mooie tekeningen en koe.
Sis

Lake swim

2006-06-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

The nice weather just keeps on coming. This morning I had a wonderful ride to work. It's so great to be able to bike to work, it helps get there relaxed and be ready for the day.
The day at work was good, I'm back in out-patient gym for this week so had to dust of my vertigo and neuro-rehab skills. People already started to bring in garage sale items so that's great.
After work it was of to the Lake for a swim practice with Lisa who is practicing for a 5 mile swim in July, oops I told more people. Lisa keeps telling me not to, but it's so much fun! Like at work during lunch when I told 5 co-workers and then Lisa walked by and yelled at me when she was asked about the big swim:):):):)
After 20 minutes we were called out of the water for a safety check?!?!?!, what is that about? Do the life guards just need a break, because they are sure not out and looking for people in trouble.
Back in the water for another 900 yards, then to the BBQ at Lisa's house. Very tasty steaks!
Sis

Woensdag

2006-06-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I’m writing you this letter to ask for your support in an important event in my life.

I am organizing a Garage Sale Fundraiser!
July 15th
2533 33rd Ave S
Minneapolis (Seward neighborhood)

The garage sale is part of my fundraiser and I hope that you will be able to help me out by donating items to sell. Please call me at 612-703-8227 if you have items to donate. I’ll be happy to come and pick-up items you want to get rid of.

Please feel free to send this letter or the websites to anybody you know that is need of a little garage cleaning.
Thanks for your support,

This is the latest letter I send out to local friends and co-workers. I just got a message from the Minnesota Women's press that they are going to place my story in the August edition. How cool is that?
Today was a day for running after my ride home. A nice little switch, but oh how the legs just don't like it. The first block you feel like it's the first time you ever run in your life!
I'm sorry I haven't been able to thank everybody in person with a picture like in the beginning of the fundraiser, but there are so many names! Thank you!

Bedankt Dutch Race & Rally Parts voor de gulle bijdrage!

MRI

2006-06-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

I just got the all clear on my MRI. I sure like good news like this.
Now back to work.
Sis

$9148.50!

2006-06-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

It's that great! I'm almost at the $10,000 mark, over 60% of my overall goal of $15,000! I'm so grateful to everbody that have helped my get this far. Thanks, bedankt, merci, gracias, supashi-po ( I sure hope the translation from English to Japanese from the web is right!) danke and again!
Friends, family, co-workers, people I don't even know! My dream of participating in the Ride of the Roses is getting closser and closser!
My next fundraising activity is a garage sale on July 15th her in Minneapolis. I'm hoping to have people donate stuff they don't need and others to buy what they do! So I can raise more money for the Lance Armstrong foundation.
We have just ordered cable so we can watch the Tour de France. I'm wondering how it's going to play out this year and seeing all the press attention I'm not the only one.
Today the weather was beautiful a wonderful day for a ride. The flowers and gras are loving it! I finished of the work-out with a 45 minute swim in the pool. Practicing my free style and good old breast stroke.
After a wonderfull diner of homemade shrimp quesedilla it's now time to ride in my BLOG.
Bedankt iedereen in Nederland voor alle bijdragen. Het grote bedrag van vandaag was nog 2000 euro van de stille veiling in Leiderdorp. Gisteren was mijn vader jarig en hij kreeg nog weer 200 euro van vrienden voor mij "Ride", ik ben heel blij met zijn verjaardags cadeau! Gefeliciteerd pappa!
Kus Sis

1 cheer, 2 parties and 1 pick-up

2006-06-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Why is it so difficult during the week to wake up when the alarm goes of and yet in the weekend when you can sleep in, you wake up without the alarm at that same time?
This did give me time to clean the bathroom, sweep the bedroom and livingroom and vacuum the rug all before going to cheer on Lisa. She's my swimming buddy and collegue who convinced herself she should go out and do a 1 mile lake swim. All to get ready for the 5 mile swim she is, at least according to me and some others, going to swim next month. Her sister and I will be in a canoe paddling along and cheer her on on the occasion! Lisa did great and came in 1st in her age group! You go girl!
I finished my bikeride and went to Target. I didn't have anything I needed but came home with a new Holland/Amsterdam T-shirt, I tell you that store is great! (Let's hope somebody at Target reads this and decides to sponsor me).
Than I went up the White Bear Lake to the Flames ski-team party. I help out coaching this great special olympics team. mostly for skiing but if I can fit it in I show up for softball. It was great to see everybody in shorts and with their normal hair. Who knew Adam had so many curls! During ski season we're used to helmet-head and lot's of layers.
When it started pouring it was time for me to move on to party number 2 at Kim and Michele's in Blaine. It's Pride in Minneapolis this weekend so they decided to trow a party for friends. Because it was still raining they also had moved their party to the garage.
Then Deb called that she made it to the airport which was my cue to wrap it up and head down south. We just watched the pictures from her brother's wedding and it's already time to call it a night. That was a busy day.
I need to go for a run tomorrow!
Sis

MRI

2006-06-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had to get a breast MRI, the new best thing for young women to detect signs of breast cancer. So now my MD wants to do a mammogram and a MRI
once a year. This will get me a test every 6 months.
The MRI technicians were very nice, but my
uncooperative veins drove one of them mad. Why do the technicians
not listen when I tell them the veins in my elbow are
not any good! I wish I had been given the choice to
have a porter catheter when receiving my chemo. It’s
a normal practice here in the US and saves your arms
veins from being destroyed.
Then I had to lie chest down with my breasts kind
of hanging down in an opening in the bench. What a
noisy machine that MRI is. Even with my earplugs there
was no way of falling asleep! About 25 minutes
later it was all finished. Now just waiting for the
results.
After going home I called Nancy to go on a bike ride.
That was a good way to get the MRI experience out of
my system. A new route into St. Paul, very pretty ride
with a few nice hills and total of about 45k. Not bad
for a Tuesday evening, back home before the rain.
Today at work we celebrated the beginning of summer by eating treats al day, brought in by all of us. Fruit pizza, taco dip, cookies, oreo-salad and much more carbs! At the end of the
day I had to return all the way back to work for yet another late CPM,
that’s twice this week!

Now I’m watching the wrong soccer game on TIVO,
because the game from the Netherlands wasn’t recorded!
Well at least I can cheer for a team in orange!
Good thing Holland made it through already.
I got a response from the Women’s press that their
issue was already filled. But I’ve got some good
offers for garage sale stuff.
The LAF also gave me the opportunity to extend the
fundraising deadline until October 8th if I guarantee
that I will get the $15,000 so the race is on! Please
write me with any ideas you might have for
fundraisers.
Sis

No swim, but run

2006-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I’m writing this while watching the Hockey Play-offs, North Carolina just scored 3-1 only 1 minute to play. The crowd is going wild and so are the players, beating each other up!
I’m glad that our C2 women’s hockey is no checking.
So I was ready to leave work when I was reminded that I was the late CPM girl. This means that if there are total knee surgeries running late you have to stay or return to work to set up the Continues Passive Motion-machine for that patient. I was planning to go swimming but had to change plans! So I rode back home on my bike to eat and than returned to the hospital by car.
Oh, they won the Stanley-cup, North Carolina that is.
So after returning home I went for a quick run, my legs were feeling good. I hope they will feel like that on July 9th.
The cats are resting by my site, exhausted from at day outside! It’s tough to be a cat!
I’m ready to go take a shower and go to bed, because tomorrow it’s an early day, 7am wound care meeting.
I made a rough draft for my fundraiser activities:
July 14th garage sale at Kharmen’s.
August 5th (extreme) croquet tournament in the Park.
August 26th will I be able to pull it of? Silent Auction.
Plenty to organize, I’ll need to get out and ask for some help.
Any suggestions?
Sis

Holland wins!

2006-06-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm a day late, but that's the wonderful world of TIVO. My friend Kharmen TIVO's the game and I get to watch it when I'm able. This means no watching Dutch news or reading newspapers on the Internet! Luckily I'm working with non-soccer-interested people, so they won't be able to spoil me fun.
Now we're through to the next round!
USA against Italy just started let's see if the US can make a fist today!
The planned swim this morning with TEAM Survivor was cancelled due to heavy rain last night. It's not wise to swim in the lakes because of the run-off water.
So I went out for a long run as ordered by my coach Victoria! I made it 1 hour and 35 minutes, with a quick bathroom stop around minute 50.
1-1 in the game, with Italy playing with 10, only 29 minutes played! I better start paying attention!
Sis

End of the week!

2006-06-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Friday is already here! It's great if you only have a 4 day work week.
I got great support from the CCC (cyclists combating cancer) group on line. These people are all survivors fighting in different times in cancer treatment and survivorship. I've had a packet e-mail inbox ever since I signed up with them.
Yesterday I met Nancy an fellow bikerider and hopefully we'll be able to go on rides together. She also offered to help fundraising so that's wonderful. It's great to get more unexpected support.
Yesterday I also did a lake swim with Lisa which was a good practice because it's a little different out in the weather. No walls to turn around and push off, but waves, wind and green water.
Today a day of rest.
Sis

5 year cancer free today!

2006-06-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today 5 years ago I underwent my lumbectomy. The bigging of a long road to recovery which I hope to finish this December when I take my last Arimidex tablet.
Life has changed in those 5 years and I believe a lot of great thing have come from the experience.
I love life and am ready for my challenge this fall.
Thanks everybody for your support throughout these 5 years, I am very fortuned to have so many great friends and such a wonderful family!
Ride Strong, Live Long!
I got a big smily face balloon and cake from Kharmen and Deb took my out for dinner, sushi mmmmmm!
Sis

More pictures from a great weekend!

2006-06-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

Back to work is not easy after a great little get away!
My activity today has been sending out my English press release to the APTA(American Physical therapy association) national and the Minnesota chapter. Hopefully they will be interested in my story!
I have to make a planning of all the other fundraiser events I'm planning. Time is getting shorter by the day, why am I such a procrastinator! It’s not easy to ask for money or help from others, but that is part of the Challenge!
Thank you Eric for your donation.
I’ve been getting a lot of donation in on my bank account in the Netherlands from family and friends there. I’m not going to be able to put them all separate on the fundraiser website. But I do appreciate everybody’s donations.
Bedankt voor alle gulle bijdragen!
Sis

Obsession!

2006-06-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a wonderful weekend in Itasca state park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. It’s beautiful up there, a big lake, woods, nice campground and even the weather was pleasant.
We borrowed a canoe and put it to good use by paddling around the lake. First day down to the beginning of the Mississippi, where we just pulled the canoe up to the little beach and walked around. Had to walk over the rocks crossing the mighty stream. There were a lot of people there and I wasn’t able to jump over as I promised my father I would do.
Paddling back we had to fight the wind and stream, but staying close to shore we didn’t have any big problems. In the afternoon we walked up to the observation tower and I enjoyed the view from the top. Lot’s of green around, with some blue spots of lakes.
The next morning I ran from the campground to the source, a wonderful trail, about 4 miles, on a bike path with a few small hills and hiding in the woods. That was better, nobody around at the source so I could jump all I wanted, but now there was nobody to take my picture! The afternoon we filled by canoeing up to the lodge and enjoying lunch, or for my mainly desert. Blueberry Sunday,mmmmmmm!
In the early evening Deb wanted to walk to the source again and I would follow by car, so she could finally take my picture jumping! When I arrived Deb was sitting on a bench reporting that I just missed a ballet practice around the Mississippi. Oh, there they were again, starting to dance, must have been the local dance school. No pictures for me.
By now it had become and obsession, I was going to get the jumping pictures even if I had to get up really early on our last morning!
And so it happened, please judge for yourself if it was worth it!
Sis

11 days in a row

2006-06-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

It was a long stretch, 11 days in a row, working that is! But it will be worth it when I’m sitting by the campfire, throwing peanut shells in the flames tomorrow night!
Another sick call today, but luckily for me, a lot of my patients were either gone home, didn’t show up or cancelled their treatment. My colleague did work hard, you go girl.
Than I went to grocery shop at Traders Joe’s to get ready for the BBQ and other food activity this weekend. Salmon, steak, asparagus, chip, nuts etc. all very healthy!
We’ll be picking up a canoe tomorrow morning and than drive up North!
I hope the water is good up there so I can practice my out-door swimming. It’s supposed to get a little cooler this weekend, so we’ll have to bring extra blankets.
I’ll be back on the BLOG Monday.
See you, Sis.

Getting ready for camping

2006-06-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

An other reason to go to REI, I needed foam blocks to use on my roof rack so we can bring the canoe to our camping trip.
We’ll be going to Itasca to see the headwaters from the Mississippi this weekend. Of course rain is on it’s way but we can always turn the canoe around!
I should bring a shovel so I can make some ditches and water works. It’s in my Dutch blood. Last time we had water coming into the tent and I had to go and borrow a shovel from the rangers.
I’ve done the laundry, packet my bag and pumped up the soccer ball! I’m ready to go!
Thanks Molly for your donation!
Sis

Bike, Work, Bike, Run, pffffffff!

2006-06-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday a day of rest, I guess for some.
I had to work this weekend, but it will give me 2 days of later.
The nice thing about working the weekend is that there's not as much competition for the patients. So most of the times it runs smoothly!
Today was no exception, everybody worked together and we got to leave a little early, which is nice on such a wonderful day!
Riding was racing today, this morning a guy passed me and than had a hard time staying in front of me, constantly looking back over his shoulder as to say, ….she’s still there! He finally turned of the bike-path, I like to think because he was getting to tired!
This afternoon it happened again with an other guy, this one was saved by his cell-phone.
Have I told you I’m quite competitive!
After coming home I went for a run with a little speed training, will it help?
Than Julie called to tell me that she is going to ride with me from Sept 21st until the Sept 23rd how great is that!! We’ll be riding together through the fields!
I’m amazed every day by the kindness of others, people that don’t even know me are helping me with the fundraising! Thank you everybody!
Sis

The things you learn!

2006-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today I figured out how to set up a Link from my BLOG to an other website!
I'm somewhat computer challenged so this is a great accomplishment for me!
Today it was my turn to work the Saturday, but all went pretty smooth. I bought browniebites and cookies for tomorrow so that should my working Sunday a little sweeter for eveybody. Being lead therapist brings great responsibility, bring the goodies!
No work-out today, I needed a break and had to make sure I still knew how to drive a car after riding my bike all these days.
I cleaned my desk and had a beer.
A good day!
Sis

Bike, run....relax!

2006-05-31T19:58:00.000-07:00

Today I got a reaction back from the VogenVrijeFietser, the newsletter from the Dutch Bike association. They won't publish my story but will put a link on their website. It helps to spread the word!
I also send out 2 more letters to different organizations in the Netherlands.
First the Flair a magazine for (Young) women, 5 years ago I was interviewed by them as part of a report on young women and breast cancer. Let's hope they are interested in my follow-up story.
I also send a letter to the Dutch Breast cancer association to see if they will pay attention to my story in their young women newsletter or regular magazine. Yesterday I wrote my first letter to a local bike store to see if they are interested in helping me out here in Minneapolis.
I'm not a very good writer so every letter I write is a small mountain climbed for me. Thanks everybody for helping me editing all my letters.
The weather was great again today. Riding to work and back on “Big Blue eyes” my new road bike. Than I went for a run right after coming home, a little hill training.
Than it was time to relax, a little laundry and watering the plants, Deb will be proud!
Please keep spreading the word!
Bike strong, Live long!
Sis

Memorial day

2006-05-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's good to work a Holiday, no doctors, MRI's and or other things for patients to do, just a little walk with a friendly Physical Therapist. Working this day for me means an other day off to ride this fall.
I also found out that to be invited to the Ride for the Roses the $15,000 has to be in on September 3th 2006.
So please if you are planning on donating don't wait untill the last minute.
It was another hot one today, riding back from work was great, the wind blowing me home with more than 30 km an hour! Nice!
Than I went for a short run, just a little brick training. All for you Vicky, my coach and guide through Texas.
More letter writting, to the Flair, a Dutch magazine that told my story 5 years ago as part of a report on young women with Breast Cancer to see if they want a follow-up; the Dutch bikeriding organisation and a local bike store. Let the fundraising continue!
Sis

Hot, hot, hot!

2006-05-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

So today it was almost a recordbreaking temperature in Minneapolis and I had a ride planned! (97 degrees Fahrenheit is 36 graden celsius) It is also sunday so I didn't want to get up te early to beat the heat!
So I started around 10am and rode 70km. It was also very windy but I got a good route without a lot of headwind.
I found out today that if you follow "the Parkway" you have a 50 miles route on a bikepath, around and in Minneapolis. My route only included part of it, but I'm planning on riding the full "Parkway" soon.
The results of my ride you can see on the picture added, I did use sunscreen on my arms but forgot my legs, oops! Yet another important lesson learned!
After my ride I drove to a local bikestore, Blondie (my car) needed a little exercise at time, and bought a new pair of biking shorts, it's good to have padding.
Then I called my friend Nancy to talk about our upcoming camping trip to Itasca (the headwaters of the Mississippi). It was good times, planning where to pick up the canoe, who will bring the coolers and what will we eat. Then in our closing goodbye I mentioned, we have an other 2 weeks to do any final planning, which Nancy thought was a joke. A joke I ask, not a very good one, but Nancy was thinking our camping trip was next weekend but we made reservations for the week after.
Let's hope Nancy and family will be able to change their plans because we have a tradition to uphold!
Tomorrow I'll work will other have a nice day off, it's Memorial day, but there are still people to be seen in the hospital!
Sis

Thanks

2006-05-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Rain is falling outside! Thunderstorms coming through the Twin Cities.
But I got lucky again riding to and from work. This morning was a little foggy and it almost made me chicken out and us my car to go to work. But than I thought: I'm might be called Sis but I'm no Sissy, you can ride to work!
It was a nice ride and after a good day at work the sun was out to welcome Nia and I back outside. We ride together often after work adding a little more yards to Nia's or both of our rides home.
I stopped at the Y for an other swim this afternoon, that's 2 in a row, much better to go right after work. I already said that didn't I?
Checking my e-mail I found more donations! It's wonderful to get all this support. It keeps me going, riding, running and swimming to get in the best shape I can to get ready for my adventure.
http://www.LIVESTRONGChallenge.org/06TX/sisfiets that's where all these donations are coming in.
Ari put me and my cause on his website under friends helping friends check out: http://www.abzpictures.com
I still have some money in the Netherlands from the silent auction, but are unable to move it because of my credit card limit. But I've got time!
Sis