OPEN

Registration is open

for the

Luke's 5-Line Gran Fondo!

 

September 20-22, 2013

 

 

Registration for the second annual Luke's 5-Line is open! This was so awesome last year we've decided to make it an annual event. I'm excited to see what we can do when we all come together and ride to help others. Luke's 5-Line Gran Fondo will benefit two amazing organizations LIVESTRONG and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Please visit our website, lukes5line.com, to get all the ride details. Looking forward to you riding with us!

 

 

 

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING...

I JUST KEEP READING IT AND STILL I DON'T BELIEVE IT!

Dear Luke,

Congratulations! You have hit the $10,000 fundraising mark, and we are thrilled to invite you to participate in the 2011 Ride for the Roses Weekend as a White Jersey member. We cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work and we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments.  

BLAH, BLAH, BLAH (a bunch of other cool stuff)

Again, we send our sincere thanks for your support of LIVESTRONG and the global fight against cancer. We are excited to welcome you to Austin and to celebrate your remarkable fundraising accomplishments.

We’ll see you in October!

SERIOUSLY!!

I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!

This email got me thinking about why they hand out Yellow Roses to all the survivors at the end of the LIVESTRONG Challenge Ride. What did the Yellow Rose mean? And, this is what I found:

"The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is an ideal symbol for joy and friendship."

So, it truly is the most appropriate flower to hand those who have survived cancer! I noticed last year that those who had survived truly had an instant connection with each other. They were true friends with stories to tell. They had a joy for life and valued friendships. They appreciated life differently than before and were happy to share their stories with you!

As I ride in this year's LIVESTRONG Challenge I will carry those roses with me (even if it's just a picture on my jersey). I will think of those who have beat this disease and still have stories to share but I will also think of those who were not as lucky. Those people (their families & friends) have stories to tell too. They also have a connection with each other in a different way. And, then, there are those who are still out there FIGHTING to survive the weeds of cancer and become a Yellow Rose! I will be riding for all of these people! I will be riding for the Roses, the Fighters and the Angels!

I can't wait till OCTOBER!!! It's going to be EPIC!

I LOVE YOU POPPY

AND I MISS YOU!

LIVESTRONG

Tribute Wall



Jim Pemberton (my Poppy)-Angel

Scott Raffe-Angel

Mrs. Myers-Rose

Alex TeRuki (coach's father)-Angel

Don Cook-Angel

Christopher Parks-Fighter

Chad Kavanaugh-Rose

Susan Ringer-Angel

Grandma Pettit-Angel

Ronnie Slawson-Angel

Andie Ersman-Rose

Ida Yeager-Angel

Janis-Rose
John M-Angel

Alice-Rose

Lonnie-Angel

Jeff-Rose

Granddad-Angel

Charlene Mattingly-Angel
Shorty Thurman-Angel
John Calhoun-Angel

Lance Armstrong-Rose

Doug Ulman-Rose

Chris Brewer-Rose

28 MILLION-ROSES & FIGHTERS

July went FAST!

OK, how many of you thought this year's Tour de France went really fast? I kept some of the stages on our DVR so I can go back and watch again! It was different not having Lance Armstrong there since he's been in almost every TdF I have ever seen but it was still a very exciting race. It was great for the American teams (BMC, Garmin-Cervelo, HTC-Highroad), new teams (Leopard Trek) and seasoned veteran (George Hincapie)! Congratulations to Cadel Evans (BMC)...great job!!!! You are a true CHAMPION!

FACTS:

I have raised $3,058 to date 

13 days till my birthday (I'll be 14)

20 days till my next race
60 days till I need to turn in my fundraising money

76 days till I'll be riding in Austin's LIVESTRONG Challenge

CYCLING:
I'm training, training and training because the racing season has slowed way down. I've been working on many areas of my cycling including longer rides with my parents so we will all be ready to ride our 45 miles in Austin.

FUNDRAISING NEWS:
 I held my auction on eBay and sold the Sports Illustrated signed by Lance Armstrong and the Discovery Cycling cap signed by George Hincapie. It was great because the Sports Illustrated was purchased by a lady who follows me on Twitter. The cap was purchased by a family whose son races on my team. I didn't even know until the auction was over! How cool is that!?! They were both really excited to have won these items.

My friend Noah is planning a big BBQ/auction fundraiser in September. It's going to a great evening! It's a perfect way for him to honor his friend, Scott Raffe, and help me reach my goal. The other awesome part is Biju Thomas is going to be the guest chef. He's the team chef at MapMyFitness and also works with Team Radioshack cooking for the guys. I met him last month and so excited he will be part of this evening. I wish to thank Noah and Biju for their help to help me,

 HELP THE 28 MILLION LIVING WITH CANCER!

I am also holding a raffle. I will be raffling the OU autographed jersey (signed by Adrian Peterson, Roy Williams, Mark Clayton and Tommie Harris) as the Grand Prize and the second item will be a  $50 gift card from Funky Monkey! Funky Monkey features designer apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family. We are also waiting to hear from two other potential donors so I'll keep you posted! The raffle tickets will be $1 or you can buy a book of 10 for $10. If you are interested in buying a raffle ticket contact me and let me know.

I will be having a LIVESTRONG Garage Sale and Lemonade stand on August 6th. 100% of the proceeds will benefit LIVESTRONG. I am still planning to hold more fundraising events details will follow as they become available!

 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 consider this statement from the Greg Lee, CFO of LIVESTRONG: "At the foundation, more than $245 million (81% of each dollar spent) has been invested directly in cancer programs, initiatives and advocacy efforts to change the way the world fights cancer." Read more here http://bit.ly/m4Furc.

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. You can donate online at http://austin2011.livestrong.org/lukeisthebikeman. Don't forget you can also follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/lukethebikeman

 Thank you in advance for your time and generosity. I look forward to hearing from you and will be sure to keep you updated on my fundraising and training progress as I prepare for this event.

LIVESTRONG

MY MISSION

I'm 13 years old & on a MISSION TO STOP CANCER

I started racing bicycles in March 2010 and I started taking action against cancer in August of the same year. I wanted to be like my hero Lance Armstrong. He's my hero because of what he has done on a bike but more importantly for what he's done for the 28 million living with cancer. He gave people with cancer and their families a face of HOPE. When I heard my Poppy had cancer I was scared but I had HOPE. Although, my Poppy lost his fight I will never quit fighting to help others. The money I raise will help fund cancer research, help increase cancer survivorship, raise awareness through education and help fight cancer at a global level. I am really sad right now because we have lost two more great men to cancer. My aunt's brother-in-law, John Mendenhall, passed away last night. He was a solider in our military and had fought to keep us free. Then, he had to keep fighting. He fought bravely but sadly lost the latest battle to cancer. I am really sad for  my aunt's sister (John's wife); they had only been married one year. And, of course, his daughter. And, then, on July 4th we lost Scott Raffe to pancreatic cancer. He was an internationally renowned photographer. You should check out some of his photographs. They are amazing! http://www.raffephoto.com/raffe.html http://www.circusflora.org/photos/albums/2/ These men will be missed by their families and friends. I will be riding 45 miles in the Austin LIVESTRONG Challenge. I am riding for Survivors, Warriors and Angels. I might only be 13 years old but I will never quit cycling and using my bike to help others! I hope you can help me reach my goal! I will add your family member, loved one, or friend to my jersey with your donation. Click Here to make a donation for my ride in October! Thank you! LIVESTRONG TRIBUTE WALL: Survivors: Chad K Andie E Warriors: Angels: My Poppy Ronnie S Ida Y Scott R John M Shorty T John C

****AUCTION****

HOSTING AN AUCTION FOR A LIVESTRONG CANVAS STARTING NEXT WEEK!!! PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR ALL THE DETAILS! http://bit.ly/ga4nb4

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.



PASSIONS

I have two passions! Cycling and LIVESTRONG!

If you read my blog enough you probably know this but if you don't well...I'm a 13 year old competitive Jr. cyclist. I believe in going fast and giving back!

I need your help! I am raising money again this year so I can participate in the LIVESTRONG Challenge in Austin, TX! This became my non-profit of choice because I lost one of my best friends to prostate cancer and Lance Armstrong is one of my heroes. My Poppy was an awesome grandfather! He was also a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, an awesome golfer (he shot a 70 on his 70th birthday) and one of my best buddies. Unfortunately, he didn't get diagnosed soon enough and passed away in November 2007. It was the saddest day of my life!

I put on my yellow LIVESTRONG bracelet and have never taken it off! I am raising money to continue the fight Poppy lost! I don't want anybody else to lose someone they love like I did. It hurts really bad! If we all pull together we can be sure others get the help they need. You never know it could be you who needs the help! Please give what you can...because every $1 helps. Click here to visit my fundraising website or print off a donation form. Please write my PARTICIPANT ID #297759208 on the check. All donations must have a form attached. I want to thank you for doing whatever you can to help me reach my goal of $5,000. Together we can all LIVESTRONG!