Time sure does seem to fly...
Two years ago my Dad, John A Coan Jr, was diagnosed with cancer. Six months later in November of 2014, he passed away. His best friend is one of the organizers of the tour, so my Dad in his retirement would make the trek every year from New Jersey to Connecticut to help out, often handing out water at an aid station. He always came back with great stories about the cyclists and a glint in his eye. Last year, the tour was held in his honor, with the tour t-shirt bearing his name
My Dad always told me I was capable of anything, so after finding out his name would be attached to the 2015 Tour I decided to pick up a road bike for the first time, and attempt the 100 mile route...
I made a huge mistake, I was not ready to ride 100 miles (especially with 7500 feet of climb). About 60 miles in after really feeling like I was not going to make it, I stopped at a rest area. I grabbed a banana, sat in the shade, and pulled out my phone noticing that I had gotten a donation while on the ride. My buddy had forgotten to donate, and left me a note saying "Hope it's going great! Sorry its so late!"
The donations last year are really the only reason I finished. So many people reached out, people who never knew my father, people who I hadn't seen or spoken to in years, everyone really came together and helped me realize that I am capable of anything, but not alone. I need my friends. I need my family.
So this year, I'm going to ride again. Hopefully it will be less painful, hopefully I can raise a bunch of money. Hopefully I can again look down at my Dad along the ride and smile, because he believed I could do anything, but he knew that even without him here, I won't have to do it alone.