SPEECHLESS

I haven't been able to write about this because I have been so blown away I couldn't find the words to express how I felt and still feel!

My mom and I were on our way to do a training ride. We didn't make any stops except at stop lights and at a railroad crossing. We were just a few miles from our location when my mom looked in the rear view mirror and saw my bike was GONE! I totally freaked out! I couldn't think clearly! I started crying "That's my baby! I have a race in two days! That's my baby!" It was the most horrible feeling I have ever felt over losing a thing!

We quickly turned around and began the search. Mom tried to keep me calm but it wasn't an easy task. We saw a good friend and fellow cyclist, Andy Chasteen. He was out on a training ride and offered to help us look for my missing bike. Thanks Andy!

Mom and I continued the search for four hours looking in every bush, ditch, drainage areas... EVERYWHERE! NO LUCK! I was devastated! My mom kept telling me, "There's a greater and overall meaning to this. It may be that we need this experience to help us grow. Or, it may be that it's because someone else needs to grow... but God has a plan and we need to trust!" She always says this when things are good and when things are bad. I knew she was right but it didn't make it hurt any less.

I had a time trial I was supposed to race in that coming Saturday (March 31). I wasn't sure what I would do when our friends the White's offered us a loaner bike!! Miracles were already taking place. I was going to be able to race.

I had a good race because I just kept thinking the guy in front of me was the one who took my bike! I took 4 minutes off my personal best!!!

Every night I prayed we'd find my bike! We did find it a week later posted on Craigslist! These guys were trying to sell it! I couldn't believe it. There's a whole other story here but the bottom line is we got my bike back. When we took it to the bike shop to get it repaired I had the BIGGEST surprise EVER!!!

My friends, Ryan Lenhart and Tobin Vigil, at Buchanan Bicycles were there when I got to the shop. Ryan took me in a separate room and began telling me "A lot of people were really sad when you lost your bike. And, you are always thinking of others with what you do for LIVESTRONG. So, a bunch of your friends who are cyclists pitched in a bought you a brand new bike!" The words I heard but couldn't believe. He took me into another room and there was the new bike all setup ready for me to get a fit! Tobin was taking pictures and I just walked around the bike in shock. I just kept saying "I can't believe this!"

 I don't know who all did this and may never know but THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!! I still look at it  2 1/2 weeks later and I'm still in speechless! You all are the best friends a guy could ever have! I feel blessed! GOD IS GREAT!

 

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU!

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT

UPDATE (8/1/12)

Please check out our new website for the Luke's 5-Line to get the most up-to-date ride information!! You'll find: What's Included, Routes, Photos, etc.

www.lukes5line.com

It's the ride of a lifetime

5-7 October 2012!

Black Mesa, Oklahoma

Calling all cyclists - from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado:

 

Here's the plan:

100 riders ... 100+ miles ... 5 states ... all in one day.

The distances you can choose are: 20, 40, 95 or 120!  Join us for this epic event! 

 

BLACK MESA OR BUST!! 

 

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

    

2012 Racing Season Debut

Well, the 2012 racing season is underway in Oklahoma. It always starts with the Salty Creek Criterium/Tall Chief Cove Road Race. I had signed up to race in the Jr. category for both days but when I got there, on Saturday, they informed me that the Jr. road race had been cancelled for Sunday due to bad weather being forcast. I was really disappointed. So, my coach Mark Teruki suggested I race in the Men's 4/5. I was excited to be able to race, since I wanted to see if I had improved since last year, but I was a little nervous to be in my first men's race.

Saturday's criterium went OK. I made a major mistake at the beginning and although I finished closing the gap and feeling really strong at the end it was too late to make up the time I needed. I took third and learned something for future races. One thing about racing is you are always learning and getting more chances to do better!

Sunday I woke up feeling ready for the road race! I ate my new race breakfast, courtesy of Biju Thomas, and knew I was feeling better today. It was cold and wet and started pouring just before our race began. I felt really good and when the day was done I had taken 29 minutes off my time from last year and placed 11th. It was a long way from a win but it felt like a victory in a small way to me. I overcame my nerves, raced with men and showed a significant improvement over last year. I know I haven't come even close to my full potential and I will continue training hard but I will take small victories and build off them!

Next race...TIME TRIAL...this weekend!

LIVESTRONG

THE RACE IS ON!

H.E.L.P.

Hope. Empower. Love. Provide.

I have started my 2012 fundraising efforts to STOP cancer! Last year inspired me to do even more after being with 1000’s of survivors, cancer fighters and meeting my hero Lance Armstrong. I know one person can make a difference for millions. I’m a 14-year-old cyclist, I want to H.E.L.P. STOP cancer and make a difference in the lives of MILLIONS. 

Can you GIVE H.E.L.P.?

http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/lukeisthebikeman

LIVESTRONG,

Luke

DREAMS

I hope everyone survived all the ice and snow! It was sort of fun to play in but it meant no bike training outside...BUMMER! So, I just kept spinning for hours on the trainer and looking at the beautiful white stuff while dreaming of days like we are experiencing now! I mean we all knew it would melt but when it really does it is AWESOME! It is like a dream come true!

I got the biggest surprise right before the snow fell! My NEW Team BIKE!!! My mom picked it up on a Saturday and before I could get my fit the snow fell and fell and fell and fell. I was finally able to get fit and ride outside and I LOVE MY BIKE!!!!

THANK YOU, Coach Green with TEAM RAD RACING for this incredible gift! Thank you BUCHANAN BICYCLES for your sponsorship! Thank you Ryan Lenhart for your amazing BG Fit and the special gift you gave me! I have let my mom wash it a couple of times but then I put it right back on! Thank you SPECIALIZED for this incredible ride! Wow...it feels like I'm just floating on air when I ride! I can't even feel the road beneath me! ANOTHER DREAM COME TRUE!

Well, I begin racing next month and I am so excited! We have been very busy lining out my racing schedule and the anticipation is growing! I am DREAMING of another amazing year!   

I am also getting ready to begin my fundraising for LIVESTRONG! I will be riding again this year in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin. I am DREAMING of raising even more money than I did last year! Soon, I will be posting a way for you to make donations so we can help others DREAMS come true. A life without CANCER!

So, I'm DREAMING of an AMAZING year. Maybe this is a good sign, 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit...hmmm! I hope this translates to me being Fast like a Rabbit! I'll keep you posted!

Unique Gift Ideas for Cyclists-2010

Ok, so we've been looking for some unique or great ideas to give my friends who are cyclists but many sites had some very lame ideas, i.e., 1. Get them a Helmet! REALLY??? If you are a cyclist I bet you already have a helmet...unless you had a crash and busted up your old one. In which case, you might not be riding for awhile since you'll have to lay low while your injuries heal! So, I decided to put together a list of my favorite gift ideas (links to the sites are provided)! And, if anybody wants to get me something for the holidays well, I would love any of these things!

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
(sounds like that could be a catchy song...hmmm)

1. Ok, by now you know I support LIVESTRONG. So, here are several ideas along this line.

     a.  Make a donation to your athlete's favorite charity in their name. Any Charity--Any Amount
     b. Anything on the LIVESTRONG store site
     c. Or, how about for those who can't be without their phone a new LIVESTRONG cover, earbuds  or itouch arm band from Radioshack  Price: $9.99-49.99

2.  Road ID-This will be a priceless gift if it is ever needed in an emergency! This is an awesome gift for anyone-cyclist, runner, swimmer, anyone who travels or drives a car, walks to work or rides the train. And, for those of you who shop late...they even have eCards available. The best part is they will make a donation to one of 7 charities, of your choice, just because you bought their product.
Price: $21.49-31.48 (includes shipping...no shipping costs for eCard).

3.  Basket of Energy-fill a basket your athlete's favorite goodies! I love the Honey Stinger Waffles, Bonk Breakers, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, Shot Blocks and Clif Bars ( usually buy these at my sponsor's shop Buchanan Bicycles in Norman), Gatorade or Powerade. My mom says, "Make it fun and festive with bright colored tissue paper or be green and use the comic pages from your newspaper...then they have some reading material as well!" She's always looking for ways to get people to read!
Price: Varies by how small or big you want to make your basket

4.  Speaking of reading how about a book about cycling? There are tons and so, I provided a link that will take you thousands with just one click! BOOKS will take you straight there and if they have a Kindle you will save money and trees!
Price: Varies

5.  What about keeping our feet warm and dry? Neoprene shoe covers (with zippers or velco please) would be awesome! These are available from lots of different companies but you've got to know their shoe size! I wear a EURO 40...hint, hint!
Price: Varies


6.  True Religion T-shirt: Great gift to give so that when your not on your bike and wearing your favorite jersey you can still honor the lifestyle you love and it's pretty cool looking!
Price: $29.95 plus shipping

 

Front View

 

Back View


 7.  Wool Socks-another amazing gift...I must be cold today! Anyway, these make a perfect standalone gift or stocking stuffer! There are many companies that make these but here are a few:
     a.  SmartWool Price: $13.95-39.95
     b.  Specialized Price: $16.00
     c.  Pearl Izumi Price: $18.00

8.  There are loads of ideas for under $30 at VeloGear. They have apparel, home & office, books & dvd's, accessories. Here's a couple of pictures of my favorites!



Ornament

   

Business Card holder



9. Grease Monkey Wipes-They will love these degreaser wipes! You can carry them in your jersey pocket and clean up after you complete a tire change or put your chain back on! We've all been there and then trying to clean our hands in the grass. These are awesome and have a citrus scent...nothing flowery!

Price: $24 for a box of 24 but this link list them at $20.98

There are many more ideas but hopefully this will help you surprise that special athlete in your life with something they will LOVE! Mostly, I hope you've been good and Santa doesn't have to bring you coal for your stocking!

I hope you have a very HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a super NEW YEAR!

Awesome fit...Awesome DUDE!!

This is my new buddy at Buchanan Bicycles, Ryan Lenhart!! He totally rocks and if you want your bike to be the most comfortable you should definitely go see him! Ok, so he got my shoes fixed up, the correct pedals, put my handlebars in the correct position and shortened the stem so I don't have the tension in my shoulders and neck! And, he was soooooo cool! It sure doesn't hurt he has fitted bikes for Jens Voigt, Andy and Frank Schleck and Fabian Cancellara!!! He taught me a bunch of stuff! Thanks to my BG Fit, I bet I will ride much better in my races and when training!

Oh, and for those of you who were wondering if I could make it two whole days without riding...well...NOT! I only made it one day. I just had to ride on Monday but I did cross training on Tuesday off my bike! Does that count? Anyway, I have a race to get ready for so better get to bed for a good night's rest!