This is not how retirement was supposed to go down for Mike. He had the most anticipated, and advertised, retirement of anyone I have known. Seemed he would ask twice a week "Hey, did I tell you I was retiring?" For two years he would ask you this, and it just became a running joke.
Well, he did retire and life was good... for about a year. He got to ride whenever he wanted and would always tell me about the latest route they took; the climbs, the views, the brewery they visited, etc. I can't count the times he would text and say "Retirement is everything they said it would be".
Then he was diagnosed with cancer. Then COVID restrictions put everything on hold, except for the countless trips to Boston for treatment. So many trips.
Mike never did get to do that bike ride around Ireland as he had planned on. He didn't get to rent that lighthouse in Maine that he and Cindy had planned on for this month. We didn't get to do one of his favorite rides together through Deerfield, Sunderland, and Montague.
Well, on June 18th I will be pedaling my way through the Pioneer Valley as part of Team Feeley, Yo! to raise money for DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE. Ironically, the route happens to be part of one of Mike’s favorite rides and passes the cemetery where he will be laid to rest. So, we will bring a Guiness along on the ride and stop to honor a man who had such a positive influence on so many lives.
These life saving funds will relieve the burden of disease now and for the future through our research, clinical care, education, outreach and advocacy. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's ultimate goal is the eradication of cancer, and related diseases and the fear that they engender. Please support this ride, and help create a future free of cancer.
Thank you for your support
Barry
The BIKES FIGHT CANCER Charity Ride
Love Bikes? Hate Cancer? This is the ride for you!
The BIKES FIGHT CANCER Charity Ride benefiting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Overview:
This charity bike ride, in Western Mass, supports Dana Farber Cancer Institute through the iconic Pan Mass Challenge. There are 2 routes to choose from, a 25 mile and a 50 mile, and both rides will weave through the beautiful Pioneer Valley and along the Connecticut River with some nice long straightaways along green farm land and rollers with views of the river. The 50-mile ride will be a bit more challenging but will reward riders with great views! There will be fun post ride activities like a food trucks, a beer tent and massages. This is a can’t miss bike ride!
Details:
· Choose from the 25 or 50 mile rides, same low registration fee and fundraising minimum
· Registration Fee includes: a fully supported amazing route, awesome water stops, post ride food truck voucher, cool pint glass, fun swag and more!
· Fundraising Goal of $100 includes an amazing feeling of hope for helping find a cure for cancer!
· 100% of every donation goes directly to Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Fundraising Information:
The low fundraising minimum allows for you to raise money for a great cause and participate in fun ride with 100% of all donations generated go directly to Dana Farber!
About Bikes Fight Cancer:
We love bikes. We hate cancer. Bikes Fight Cancer is a tight-knit team who ride bikes and are committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research and treatment. Since 2006, we have proudly raised $800,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute!
www.bikesfightcancer.org
Bikes Fight Cancer started in 2006 with 3 friends from Palmer, has become a powerhouse group of fundraising athletes, raising over $1 Million in the past 18 years for cancer fighting research and care.
Now a 501c3 organization, Bikes Fight Cancer uses our love of bikes to raise funds for valuable cancer research, care and services to lessen the burden of a cancer diagnosis. Through athletic events like our Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride we encourage a community to participate, donate and fundraise to feel empowered in the fight against cancer. Nonprofit organizations supported by the Bikes Fight Cancer include: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital and The Cancer House of Hope, D’Amour Center for Cancer Care at Baystate Hospital.