Spring Racing & Mechanicals

April 3 NWA RR

Today started with a bad omen...two deer ran across the road and one of them did real damage to our car. I should have known it was going to be a long day!

I started the day feeling great but my head wasn't in the game. I was nervous! This was my first race since my crash in Austin and I just kept thinking what if someone takes me out again! This is the wrong way to start a race. The race started, I was riding strong and getting some confidence back. Then, we a turn straight into the crosswinds. I was in the wrong position and got split from the front group. The group I was in tried to bridge gap but I was having gear troubles. It turns out my rear derailleur was bent and I couldn't get the lower gear I needed in the crosswinds. So, I did my best but eventually had to just decide to turn this day into a great training ride. I was bummed but that's racing! Placement 50/63

April 10th Eucha RR

Today was a new race day! I had taken my bike to get a thorough check and tune up so I wouldn't have any bike issues. This is not the place you want to have any gear issues as the climbing is insane. I started off great and could hardly wait to get to the big climb (Spavinaw Hill). I was super stoked to still be with the group through this climb but trouble started soon afterwards as I wasn't able to quickly get back into my big chainring. It was a downhill/flat section and I could not stay with them in my small chainring. When I finally got into my big ring it was too little too late. I was caught in no man's land, solo! I finally got with another small group. But, trouble started when we hit the feedzone... I missed my hand up (first time that's ever happened), and I was completely out of water. Thankfully, another rider grabbed my missed bottle and gave it to me! WHEW...that was a life saver as we still had about 30 miles to race including climbing Spavinaw AGAIN! I just kept working and when I saw the 5K to go sign I dropped the guys I was with and just took off! It wasn't a great day but I had completed my longest road race and learned a lot about myself this day! I'm learning more and more with every race that doesn't go to plan! You have got to stay positive and keep working to get better! Placement 24/31

April 16 Matrix Challenge Crit

I had a rough start with trouble getting clipped in. I lost the main pack but I worked really hard to get to a group. It was just a couple of guys for a while. I had to put in a lot of work pulling because the other two riders I was with weren't strong enough to keep our speed. I finally got with a group of about 15 riders. I learned how to move within the group, not letting gaps open and got more comfortable in a pack on a technical course. I didn't have to pull anymore so was able to just sit in with them. I worked myself up toward the front of our group on the last lap on the backside of the course near Stackhouse and stayed there until the finish. I started in last place and finished 37th out of 54. I also set a new 30 minute power record! I was really hoping to race on Sunday and get a better start to see if I could use what I learned. I wasn't racing scared for the first time. Unfortunately, Sunday was canceled due to bad weather!

Hey, this is racing and I'll come back better from all this disappointment!

Camp and Wisdom Teeth

It was a long drive to camp but totally worth it! We got settled in the cabin and got dressed for a short day on the bike. We went for about 30 miles just to spin our legs out. When we got back we had to get dinner prepared. I worked with Josh Brazeal grilling the chicken. Dinner that night were these amazing chicken sandwiches. Then, I turned in early to be ready for Saturday's long ride.

Last year, I was totally dropped on Spavinaw Hill and was super embarrassed. This year my coach, Mark Teruki, had me ready! This year, I felt strong! I was not dropped and stayed with the group all day! We rode 107 miles of paved roads, gravel roads, and over 5,100 feet of climbing. I had an marvelous day on the bike! We had beautiful weather and it was awesome having so many teammates tell me they could really see improvement. YES! Hardwork does pay off! I really feel this is going to be a break through year!

Photo Credit: Kristen Ryan

Austin thinks he can get me to cut my hair but it's not happening anytime soon! Check out my cool Handlebar Mustache @hbstache socks! #sockdoping #sockgameisstrong

Day 3 of camp I woke up with a migraine headache so I helped in the SAG wagon. The guys had to cut the ride really short anyway due to the strong winds. They even had a tree blow down right in front of them on the way back to the cabin. Sorry I didn't get a picture of that for my blog! Overall, it was a really fun weekend of riding with some great guys. Thank you TLC and Josh Brazeal for such a fantastic weekend.

I wasn't too excited to come home because I knew the coming weekend wasn't going to be much fun! The Friday, after camp, I got my wisdom teeth removed! I was pretty miserable for about 5 days and VERY swollen. I tried to ride a couple of times but it didn't go well. I'm glad that's behind me and I can start training again. My next road race will be in a couple of weeks! So, stay tuned for more from the road!

2016 Racing Has Begun

This past weekend was the start of my second season with Transitions LifeCare Cycling Team and my 2016 racing season. I went to Austin to race Bat City Apache Pass and Pace Bend. These are both road races. I went down early to ride the course so I was prepared for the "Texas Cobbles".

I was excited when race day was finally here! On the first lap, I was sitting in a great position when I hit a bump and my water bottle popped out of my cage and got stuck in my wheel, chain and chain ring (see picture below). I have never seen anything like it. Good news: I didn't go down and didn't cause anyone to go down. Bad news: it took me plus the two guys in the SAG truck to remove the bottle, was down to one water bottle with Skratch, jacked up my front derailleur, was more than 2 minutes behind the field and it was windy. The SAG guys asked if I just wanted to call it a day get into the truck. I said, "no thank you...I want to finish the race." I knew my placement would be bad but I didn't care, I just wanted to finish. I was dead last coming through the feed zone but I didn't quit. I rode hard, caught some people and ended up 44th out of 53 starters but I finished. The good part was my coach, Mark TeRuki with TeRuki Training, was pleased that I set new peak power numbers for 10, 12, 20, 60 and 90 minutes during the race. Progress!

Sunday was the Pace Bend Road Race. I felt like today was my day! Legs felt good and I was confident. I really like this course! I was on the first lap and climbing a hill. There was a gap and I was trying to make my move up through the pack when a guy changed his line, hit my wheel and took me out. My bike wasn't rideable and so my day was over before it hardly started. Super bummed!

The weekend didn't go the way I wanted it to but that's racing! I will keep training and getting faster!  Next stop...TEAM CAMP! Oh, by the way, I got new cages and a helmet from Celestial Cycles when I got home! Thanks Sheridan the Arundel's ROCK!!

First OK Race 2013

Salty/Tall is the start of the Oklahoma racing season near Tulsa, OK.  Salt Creek is a criterium, it is a hilly course. It was really windy and hard. I was disappointed with my results in the criterium. I will contiue working to get more comfortable with this type of racing.

Salt Creek Criterium

 
The good news is it didn't rain on Sunday at the road race this year but it was really cold. I beat the finish time Coach Teruki had set for me to finish the road race. I took over 12 minutes off last year's time and even had a crash! I was standing, climbing a hill, when I shifted and my chain dropped. I fell over! My time could have been even better had I not had this mishap! I am really happy that my coach was proud of my race. I was happy with my race, too, but will continue to work at getting even faster!

Coming into the Tall Chief Cove RR finish

Next race, next weekend! I'll keep you posted!

OCTOBER WAS BUSY

October has been an exciting and interesting month. First, let’s talk about the obvious thing so you understand my feelings about the news that has been on every news channel around the world...LANCE ARMSTRONG! I have my personal feelings about Lance and you may or may not share the same feelings but those feelings. The news was about him as a cyclist and the choices he may have made or did not make. I don’t know what happened. I wasn’t there and I don’t truly understand the pressures of having to compete at that level and what’s asked of you everyday. What I do understand is that he IS a cancer survivor! He and his foundation have made a difference in the lives of millions around the world. I will always proudly wear my yellow wristband until there is no longer a need because cancer has been cured. I will continue to support LIVESTRONG as they help those affected by cancer, their families and friends. I hope you will join me! I have included a video, set to music, so you can see what LIVESTRONG has done for millions since it began http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tENdDtkJX5E&feature=youtu.be.

Now, for the Luke’s 5-Line Ride...it was an amazing event! Our biggest hurdle was the weather which we couldn’t control. We woke up Saturday morning to bitter cold, rain and fog. Although the weather was crummy the spirit of our riders couldn’t be dampened. We went out, did the best we could to stay warm and dry and had a blast doing it! The community support was amazing, especially Felt Schools. They moved their Power Stop to their basketball gym and we were greeted by a cheering crowd and Felt cheerleaders. The gym was all decorated and we had a nice warm, dry place to eat some lunch, then get back on the road! After the ride, we had a great time back at camp with music by The Dizzy Pickers, a fabulous meal and some even enjoyed the beer donated by Black Mesa Brewing Co. We all had a super time! We are already planning for next year and are seeking a corporate sponsor so we can even make it even bigger!

During the concert by The Dizzy Pickers we drew the name of our raffle winner, John Otjen! Congratulations to John on winning the Trek LIVESTRONG FX! He told us he was giving it to his mom to help her with the rehab of her recent knee surgery! I know she’ll love it!

Luke & John

 As you know, my goal this year was to raise $20,000. I didn’t reach that goal but was still really happy to have raised $10,114! I have now raised over $21,000 in the past three years for LIVESTRONG. I also qualified for the Ride for the Roses for the second year in a row. I participated in that event this past weekend in Austin. It was a blast to see all my LIVESTRONG friends I have met over Twitter, Facebook and last year Challenge. We attended the 15 year LIVESTRONG Gala on Friday night, dinner at Lance Armstrong’s on Saturday and then rode 65 miles on Sunday! When I crossed the finish line I hugged my mom and told her that I did this for Poppy! I actually put so many names this year on the LIVESTRONG Tribute Wall and I rode carrying all of them with me! I was honored to be able to ride side-by-side with many survivors as well as those, who like me, had lost someone they loved or honoring those still in the middle of the fight! This is what LIVESTRONG is about...community, family, support!

Brad, Jennifer, mom & me

Lance & Luke 2012

Caner Warriors Scott Joy, Steve Bartolucci, me & Brad Didier

 If you get a chance go to our website and see our picture gallery from our ride http://lukes5line.com.

Thank you to all of you who have supported me in 2012 or in the past. I will continue to fight for those who are in need! The funds I raised will be used to help support LIVESTRONG services. These services include, but are not limited to, call-in cancer information line, survivorship planning tools, alliance of young adult cancer organizations, LIVESTRONG at School program, and now, an on-site patient navigation service (walk-in, for under-served and those without insurance), information classes and webinars, so thank you as you are truly part of making a difference in people’s lives.

I hope I can count on your continued support in 2013!

100%

I hear my parents say all the time “where has the time gone?”. I am kind of thinking the same thing. WOW! It really isn’t too long now till so many things happen!! I thought I would send you an update on how things are going!

FACTS:

My fundraising goal is $20,000

I have raised $4,246 to date

8 weeks till the Luke’s 5-Line Ride
11 weeks till I need to turn in my fundraising money

14 weeks till I'll be riding in Austin's LIVESTRONG Challenge

CYCLING:

I'm getting in lots of base miles because the racing season has slowed way down. I've been working on many areas of my cycling so I will be ready to ride 65 miles in Austin.

FUNDRAISING NEWS:
I am still selling 5-Line t-shirts and decals at Dwelling Spaces in Tulsa, or you can contact me if you’d like to purchase one of these items.

100% of the proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG.

I am raffling off a 2012 Trek LIVESTRONG FX bike. The raffle tickets are only $5 and, again, you can contact me to purchase.

100% of the proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG.

I held a LIVESTRONG garage sale this past weekend and raised over $600!! I will be holding another sale as soon as I can gather some more items from family, friends and neighbors!

100% of the proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG.

The biggest news is we are putting all the pieces together on the Luke’s 5-Line Ride. We have had riders signing up...how cool is that!?! We are lucky to have support from the local community in Boise City and the surrounding towns! I have to give a big thank to my Tulsa friends (who don’t want a lot of glory) but who are a huge help to make this ride a great time! I think it’s so cool that all our riders will be covered by ICE.events (In Case of Emergency). ICE.events is a system connecting your bib number to your identification, medical information and emergency contacts. If you’d like to come and ride with us you can get registered at https://www.usacycling.org/events/index.php?event=2054&year=2012. There is a limited number of spots so sign up early!

Registration for the ride is $250 ($200 will be tax-deductible and going straight to LIVESTRONG) Remember: This includes complimentary lodging in the bunk house for the first 25 riders and tent accomodations for the next 25, 4 meals and ride entry!!

I am very excited with the amount of donations I have already received but the fight is still on to defeat cancer. And, I still have a long way to go to reach my goal. If you are still trying to decide if you want to contribute please consider this:

“Where the Money Goes

LIVESTRONG endeavors to be the best possible stewards of the outstanding financial commitments made by its donors and partners and to leverage those funds in the global fight against cancer.

We gratefully thank our donors on behalf of the people served through your generosity.

Making a donation—at any level—can be a complex and difficult decision. For that reason, we are as transparent as possible about how we have been, and will continue to be, good stewards of your gifts.

Since our inception, we have raised more than $400 million dollars for the fight against cancer, and 81 percent of those funds have gone directly to support our programs and services for survivors.

2010
In 2010 we had functional expenses totaling $35,746,206, and 81 percent of every dollar raised went directly to programmatic funding totaling $28,954,426.”

Read more here http://goo.gl/YQzF2.

Please consider making a donation. Your tax deductible contribution would be one more weapon in this fight and would go a long way to help meet the needs of millions living with cancer. You can donate online at http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/lukeisthebikeman. Don't forget you can also follow me on my blog, Twitter (@lukethebikeman or @lukes5line) or Facebook!!

Thank you to those of you who have already donated. I am very excited with the amount of donations I have already received but the fight is still on to defeat cancer. And, I still have a long way to go to reach my goal. Check out my Tribute Wall (below) to see those I will be riding for in Austin. I will carry your loved one with me as well and put their name on the Wall of Honor in Austin with a donation, no matter the size. As always, my main inspiration and how I got started on this path was because of my grandfather (Poppy)! I think he would be proud!

LIVESTRONG

Tribute Wall



Jim Pemberton (my Poppy)-Angel

Scott Raffe-Angel

Theresa Hild-Angel

Mrs. Myers-Rose (survivor)

Aunt Norma Jo-Angel

Alex TeRuki (coach's father)-Angel
Austin Dej-Rose (survivor)

Christopher Parks-Fighter

Makenzee Highfill-Fighter

Loralei Decker-Fighter

Ronnie Slawson-Angel

Lance Armstrong-Rose (survivor)

Doug Ulman-Rose (survivor)

Chris Brewer-Rose (survivor)

WANT A NEW BIKE??

YOU CAN WIN IT!!!!

YES...YOU...CAN!!!

All you need to do is purchase a raffle ticket and it could be yours!!!

Tickets go on sale 30 May, 2012!

Cost:  $5 per ticket

Bike: Trek LIVESTRONG FX (click here for more details)

        

Provided by Lee's Bicycles of Tulsa

Chances: Well...depends on how many tickets you buy!

How to purchase: Follow @lukes5line on Twitter or "LIKE" our FB Page Luke's 5-Line Double Ride and then send me a direct message. We will also be selling them at the Celestial Cycles tent during the Oklahoma Pro-Am Classic and King of Moore Criterium (2-3 June, 2012) or during Tulsa Tough (8-10 June, 2012)!

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT LIVESTRONG

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:

    

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

Blue Canyon State Championship Time Trial-June 5, 2011

My mom (in all black) crossing the FINISH LINE

This has been a great weekend! First, my mom ran in her first 5K. I was really proud of her. She is a cyclist and has not run since she had her knee surgery in 2008. Hey, she wasn't the fastest but she finished strong and absolutely wasn't last. She said that was a win! I don't know about that but I was still proud.

5-4-3-2-1 GO!

So, why else was this a great weekend? It is because this was the weekend for the Oklahoma State Time Trial Championship! It was a super race put on by the OKC Velo Club! Thank you!

I have been battling bronchitis so mom & dad were worried but I knew I felt like it was going to be a good day. I got up at 4:45 am, ate a good breakfast, got the car loaded and then slept all the way to Lawton! It's good to be a kid! I ate my pre-race snack, warmed up and got to the start line ready to RUMBLE!

And, I'm off!

Well, I felt good and strong and finished the same way! And, when the results were posted it was an AMAZING day for Team Rad Racing. My teammate, Sawyer, won the 15-16 and I won the 10-14! So, we are both STATE CHAMPIONS!!! The guy who won the 17-18 is Grahmm Smith. He is really cool and races for Chipotle Jr. Development Team!

Two REALLY Happy Guys!

I was really happy because when I got home my mom checked and I had taken 6 minutes and 22 seconds off my time from this race last year! WOO HOO! I am getting stronger and faster! I love being on the bike!

State Champs Luke (10-14) Sawyer (15-16) Grahmm (17-18)

Ok, I know this is silly but last year when I won we drove to the top of Mt. Scott and took a family picture. So, we did it again this year! My parents are pretty awesome! Don't forget to LIVESTRONG!

Top of Mt. Scott



SO MANY RACES!! Part I

OK, I have been racing so much I haven't had enough time to catch on my blog! So, I don't wear you out and I'll split these up into at least two posts! Sorry but this is going to cover many races. I will try to not write too much! BUT...No Promises!

  

OKC Velo TT March 19, 2011



It was a chilly day!

So, after the Salt Creek and Talk Chief races I was preparing for my first TT of the season. I love participating in the OKC Velo TT Series. Although, I didn't post the fastest time that day I still set a personal best. Last year was this was my first TT of the season too and from that TT to this one I have taken a total of 4 minutes and 26 seconds off my time. Although I am not as fast as I want to be yet I am pleased with my progress.

  

I love my Honey Stingers!

 


Bringing it Home!

NW Arkansas Spring Classic March 27, 2011

Can you say COLD?  This was a crazy race for many reasons but I will only talk about some of it! First, a cold front came through Arkansas this weekend and temperatures dropped into the 30's and it was sleeting on us during the race. This was a 24 mile road race and it was part of the Lance Armstrong Junior Race Series. Well, it all started pretty good but I learned a valuable lesson on this day. And, that is no matter who they are or what their intentions I will NEVER let anyone work on my bike during a race again. Anyway, after this happened I was never able to get my bike to shift properly again. This was not the course to be stuck in a bad gear...Weaver Hill was looming. OK, it is a 1/2 mile climb and it's not pretty but I didn't quit! I climbed that hill...ugly...but I climbed it! I really can't remember ever being unhappy on a bike but I have to say this was my worst day ever. I just kept thinking "Lance Armstrong Never Quit" and neither would I. I got a medal but wished I'd had a better day on the bike. 

I just have to tell you it was so cold my buddy Ryan, a Cat 2 racer, lost complete feeling in his left arm. They, obviously, went longer than the Jr.s but he had to reach over his body to shift his front derailleur and he still had a great placing! Great job buddy! 

Trying to bring it

 

LAJRS Medal



Lincoln Road Race April 10, 2011

1st Place

I have one word for this race...WIND!! Wind gusts close to 50 mph is what I heard people saying! I just know it was WINDY! I left the race with a 1st place trophy and I felt strong. I was still having some gear problems but I just trying to work through them! Good day overall!

OK, I will not post anymore tonight! Stay tuned Part II will be along shortly! And, remember always LIVESTRONG.



LIVESTRONG 2011 UPDATE

I started my 2011 LIVESTRONG journey by sending out a bunch of letters and emails. I posted to my blog and signed up on Twitter. OMG...things have really been happening! I have already received many donations and it's been great to hear from so many people! One person I was very excited to hear from was a gentleman I met at last year's LIVESTRONG Challenge! We became buddies and this year he made a donation via my fundraising page. I was so excited to later receive an email from him telling me more awesome news...he works for a company who is matching his donation! I can't tell you how excited I was when I read this news and to know we are going to see each other again this year! It has been so fun watching my LIVESTRONG themometer going up and up! 

I also made a donation bucket and put it at the bicycle shop, Buchanan Bicycles, who is a sponsor of my racing team!  So, if you happen to be in Buchanan Bicycles be sure to drop your change or a dollar or ten in my bucket!

 Ok, I told you I started a Twitter page and I have met so many really neat LIVESTRONGers! I have even met a couple who were married last year in Dripping Springs, TX the weekend of LIVESTRONG 2010. Their names are Brad and Jennifer! Brad even sent me a picture of their surprise wedding cake! Check it out! We've decided we are going to meet this year in Austin! It will be lots of fun!

There is also this really neat guy, Dylan Trakas, who works for LIVESTRONG. He and I were emailing each other as he was helping me with some questions I had. I felt really special when the other day I got the mail and there was a handwritten note from Dylan! He has been really helpful! Thanks Dylan! I hope we get to meet in Austin! 

I know I set a much bigger goal this year over last year but I really feel like I can reach it! My Poppy always told me I could do anything I really wanted and this is something I really want to do! HELPING OTHERS ROCKS! Poppy, I am going to do it! OK...so drumroll please...I have raised...wait for it...$1, 640 (including the matching gift that hasn't posted yet)!!! I am really excited! I still have many different types of fundraisers planned so I'm really feeling confident that I can reach my goal! It takes all of us working together to help defeat cancer! I even saw a show today on how nano technology may one day help attack and destroy cancer! It takes research and your donation helps! If you can help please click here to go to my fundraising page! Thank you for all you do!