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Hope gets on wheels
The 2002 ride for the Roses
The Lance Armstrong Foundation's annual Ride for the Roses is the organisation's biggest fund-raiser and has become a major landmark on the Austin, Texas calendar. Ted Arnold went along for more than just a ride.
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Putting Hope in Motion was the theme for the 2002 Ride for the Roses in Austin, Texas. For Lance Armstrong the continuation of what his friends started has become an enormous event. Spearheaded by the foundation bearing his name, the event formally began in 1997 with roughly 1,000 participants. By 2001 the number of riders had grown sevenfold.
The once-small charity bike ride has become a full calendar of events for participants of all ages. For the public the weekend kicked off Friday April 12, with Rock for the Roses, an outdoor concert that set the mood for the weekend.
For Armstrong the day began much earlier with autograph sessions and award ceremonies for the Peloton Project members. Ceremonies in which Armstrong and others praised those responsible for the 2.1 million dollars brought in by their efforts. "When we started I never thought that this would really be possible," Armstrong commented.
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The Peloton Project serves to award the foundation's top fundraisers by treating them with special autograph sessions, rides, and recognition. Members are awarded Jersey colors based on levels attained, with yellow signifying the top level in fundraising.
Yellow Jersey members Doreen and Mike Wiggins were inspired partially after witnessing Armstrong's powerful ascent of Alpe d' Huez while attending the 2001 Tour de France. "We held off our tour trip for 2002 and used the money towards the Ride for Roses," Mr. Wiggins commented. As the private sessions drew to a close there was no rest for the jet-lagged Armstrong, who left for short ride before announcing concert headliner Stone Temple Pilots later in the evening.
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As Saturday morning kicked off more riding awaited Lance, but this time it was with 800 children promoting cancer awareness, along with rider education. Later Peloton Project members were rewarded with their turn to ride and lined up with Armstrong, actor Robin Williams, and 2000 Time Trial World Champion Mari Holden.
For Armstrong the whirlwind continued as Saturday's fun gave way to serious side of the weekend in the form of the Faces of Survivorship panels. Armstrong was joined by a host of cancer survivors and experts in the field of cancer research to discuss survivorship and the fight against cancer. The event was open to the public and was also broadcast live via the Internet for those unable to make the trip.
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Saturday's highlight was the Live to Ride Gala. During the ceremonies Carpe Diem awards were distributed to individuals that exemplify cancer survivorship through impacting the world around them. The Spirit of Survivorship award was given to Tamara Stevens a two-time cancer survivor.
This year the Spirit award was given in the memory of Damon Phinney, who lost his battle with cancer in October of last year. Phinney was the founder of Cyclists Combating Cancer and the father of retired professional cyclist Davis Phinney who was attending the Gala and ride. "This is a special event and I'm here in memory of my dad," said Davis. "It's one of the more impressive events I've ever been involved with."
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Noticeably absent from this year's event was the Downtown Criterium which was traditionally held on Saturday night. Held in Austin's downtown entertainment district, the race gained notoriety as a National Racing Calendar event that thrived on the district's party atmosphere. The LAF cited lack of title sponsorship as the primary reason behind the move.
As Sunday daylight broke, warm cloudy skies greeted the estimated 7,000 cyclists lined to ride with their hero. While they waited they were treated to a rousing rendition of national anthem performed on the electric guitar by Michael Ward. Ward promptly hopped on his bike for the ensuing ride. Formerly of The Wallflowers Ward has been a regular guest of Armstrong.
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Next it was Armstrong's turn to wow the crowd. Arriving earlier in the morning, Armstrong prepared to ride in a custom motor coach. Owner Wayne Weathersbee from nearby Georgetown, Texas provided the use of his own personal motor coach. "I like roughing it," Weathersbee said with a chuckle, "it's just nice doing something that helps".
As Armstrong was announced, riders rushed in for pictures and chance to see their hero up close. In a continuing theme from the entire weekend comedian Robin Williams infused his trademark quick wit to entertain the masses. The highlight was when Williams took aim at the flatbed media truck used to follow the ride: "I know some farmer is going to see that truck and think I can get good money for those paparazzi on there."
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Armstrong was all smiles as he made one more quick check of his cell phone for a Paris-Roubaix update. "I've talked with Johan three times already," he admitted. He was also quick to praise the effort of the weekend's volunteers. "It's so well organized, it's just a good feeling and we couldn't do this without them."
As Armstrong rolled out aboard his custom Trek 5900 it was clear he was touched by the support and continuing growth of the event. After a short bike ride, a private plane waited to shuffle him off to New York where he would then depart for Europe.
For participants a full afternoon awaited with a post-ride party that capped off the weekend's festivities and brought to a close the most successful Ride for the Roses to date. With numbers still rolling in there is no doubt the event will continue to grow and help put hope into overdrive.
