Brains on Bikes

MI5

2011-09-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

It Can't Get Much Worse.

2011-09-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

I had imagined my first day at rowing camp this year to be a triumph - my progress would stun the coaches. It ain't what happened. I got into a single and I was very unsteady. I felt very ill at ease but I managed to (sort of) move the boat when a rower passing my by told me the problem. It was a simple matter of moving the feet slide from one end to the other but it had rocked my confidence and I couldn't get it back. I was angry that I didn't think to check the gear and I was embarrassed at my poor performance. Though I did learn how to change the slide while I was in the boat and I did learn to check that any boat that I use is properly rigged for me. I guess I'll do better tomorrow because it will be hard to be worse than today.

My Daughter Sade and Her Friends are Supporters

2011-09-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

and so are all of you seeing this pic. Together we will outsmart brain cancer!

Back in the Gym with Gundy

2011-09-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Each morning on our ride last summer I would serenade Gundy as we set off with "we're back in the saddle again". I felt that way today because we hadn't seen each other for a few weeks and we were back in action. Of course we did rowing and also weight training and it felt at times like we did impossible acts of daring do like jumping and squats and and and.... Thanks Gundy!

Raining Ants

2011-09-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

When I went down to swim today there were hundreds of flying ants in the pool. I decided to brave it (they don't bite )and started my laps. It creeped my out once in a while that so many creatures were beside me. I thought maybe to them I am like a barge on the channel will be for me. On the sixth or seventh lap there were hundreds more. And then a gentle warm rain began and I continued. On the next lap I saw a massive swarm flying above and then it began raining ants. Alright I said but I am going to do my laps anyway. 30 laps done!

Swimming Laps

2011-09-03T03:17:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't use the word laps because it's a small pool but how else can I keep track. The first day I did about 10 because I lost count. The next morning I collected 15 pebbles and at every lap I shifted a stone to a new pile. I did 15 laps. Today I threw away 5 pebbles and shifted the stones into one pile and then back. So I did 20. Tomorrow I will try for 30. I not sure you can qualify what I am doing as swimming. I lie on my back and relax and kick and either flutter my hands by my sides or do a big sweeping stroke. These mornings I surrender to floating - the water holding me - and the sky - with the overhanging trees and clouds. Sometimes life is good!

My Pilates Epiphany

2011-08-26T23:04:00.000-07:00

I had a pilates epiphany yesterday. I realized that all the strengthening of the core is only the beginning. The truth is pilates is about fluidity. I can't do the movements correctly yet but I had brief glimmer of the ideal during one excerise. Being relaxed and focused and having the whole body move in synch seems to be the goal. I suppose thats why many wonderful pilates teachers began as dancers. They are not bulky but lean and strong and graceful. So that was my training day - pilates.

Training August 23

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Gu and I are fit as fiddles so training today was rewarding.

Here's what we did:
10 minutes of egr excerises, 10 minutes of rowing 1 minute on and 1 minute off - this doesn't sound too bad but the one minute is an all out push at increasing speed. Then the weights: deadlifts, several squat tortures including one legged squats, squats with weights, squats with kettleball, and squat walking like crabs with bands on our calves.

An Old Friend

2011-07-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

Last night my daughter Sade and I met up with Huw. He is an angel. Huw trained me for a half marathan and did it with me while I was taking chemo. To our surprise it was an extreme event-mostly on mountain paths and thru little rivers and very very warm. My dismay turned, as the day wore on, to determination and then happiness. I just had to do the damn thing. It released me from being embarressed about what would have been a rotten time anyway. I stink at running. Always have and always will.

Huw has moved away from training(was it me?) and is just finishing his advanced business degree. I wish him oodles of success and happiness.

Hard Work in Progress

2011-06-08T22:58:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of Toby and I training together yesterday. After having been on the water for 90 minutes Toby taught me a starting technique for indoor rowing. It's a lovely picture that should be titled: Hard Work in Progress!

Behind the Curtain

2011-06-06T00:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging for a while but this week I am strong and fit for a return to life and serious training. Health concerns plagued me the last few months and I didn't want to waste your time with my whining and whinging. The ankle fracture and torn ligaments are finally healed. I was also stuggling at getting to the gym and was tired all the time and steadily gaining weight. Overnight, it seemed(actually two months), I had become a lazy bum. I took myself to my gp and discovered my thyroid wasn't working. It was so simple to fix. Within a month of starting synthroid I feel well and comfortable in myself again. What I learned is when I have a genuine and general unease, stop blaming myself and get myself to a doctor.
Having brain cancer should mean no other health isssues. But it doesn't work that way. Damn and double damn.
The doctor was lovely when he told me about the thyroid. He said: You will like this because it's so easy to fix. He was right.

Pictures Don't Lie

2011-04-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish it weren't true but when our coach Toby took pictures at our last outdoor training I could see what I am doing incorrectly. The photos are a great tool and heck I know I have a long way to go and amazingly in one I look like I know what I'm doing. Can you tell which is the good stroke? Saintly Gu is just steadying the boat in these photos so our out of sync oars are not a clue. A big hug to all that answer correctly!

My Bags Aren't Packed

2011-04-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

and I am not ready to go. But I am not leaving til this weekend so I've got time. On May 1 Brains on Bikes will be walking the Race for Hope in Washington DC. We were there last year and we had such a wonderful time meeting up with others with brain cancers and all of those that support our fight that we are coming back for as long as it takes to tame this monster disease. As we all know brain cancer sucks! I hope to see many of you there.

The Marsden March

2011-03-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to my family and friends for doing the 14 mile Marden March. Because of my ankle injury, I was chief cheerleader and banana and water carrier. I only walked the bit of the route that went past where I lived for nine months during treatment and where I had treatment. The day before I was sent a moving film that reminded me of the molded mask that bolted my head to the radiation table. I had to talk myself into not freaking out every day. So for me the Marsden March was revisiting my past.
And thanks to Jonathan, Lois, Sade, Patrick, Jason, Alix, Chris, Mike, Enery, Ketty, Gundula, Kashia and Frank the trip was a celebration too! I am so lucky to have you all as more than supporters, more like co-warriors in the fight against brain cancer.
Anne

Gundy and I Go to Rowing Camp

2011-03-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Gundy and I just returned this afternoon from the Spanish rowing camp where we spent three days rowing for 4 hours a day. Yikes it was intensive and challenging and fun. We rode our bikes to and from the camp and around the lake at the end of each day. The grand irony was for the few days we were away from London it was sunnier and warmer here than in Spain.

A New Brains on Boats Schedule

2011-03-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Five weeks ago I was walking Walter, my dog, and I fell into a little hole in the pavement. Yes, I wasn't paying attention, except to the sunshine, blue sky and mild weather, which were making a brief visit to London. Despite icing, wrapping, plenty of paracytemol and ibuprofen, my ankle did not get much better. Moving forward was fine; but, last week, when I tried a sidestep, I was back to the agony of my first misstep. I went for an x-ray and scan and discovered I have a tibia fracture and have torn the ligaments that support the outside of my ankle. It should take 2 to 3 more months to properly heal.

So, with regret, and a somewhat hobbled gait, I have decided to push back the Brains on Boats Channel Crossing till next summer.

It was a hard decision to arrive at and I felt like I failed the cause. But one of the lessons I've learned in dealing with cancer has been to read my body. Not to be Polly-Anna, but since I've taken the decision to delay the "voyage", I've realized the positive side of delay. A few years ago Gu and I competed in the Irish Indoor Rowing Competition(at which I won a Gold Medal in my age category ... ahem ... and in which I was the only competitor in my age category) and also in the World Indoor Rowing Championship in Boston, where I placed comfortably in the middle of more than 40 competitors. We've decided to return to our indoor roots and row at a number of competitions during the next year both in the UK, Ireland and the US. We'll use these occasions to seek out cancer support groups and continue to raise awareness about Brain Cancer and the causes which help those affected by it and which seek to its cure. As we will mostly be in the United Kingdom we will, as ever, champion The Royal Marsden and Macmillan and in the States, Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Thanks for understanding.

Rowing on the River!

2011-02-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

This is yesterday while Gundy and I trained. Yes we are rowing on the river!
I have many hours of practice before I wil begin to feel adequate.
Row row row our boat gently across the sea
merrily merrily merrily life is but a dream!

Help Me Get Out of Kentucky!

2011-02-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

I didn't purchase the Brains on Bikes game until after Gu and I cycled across America but it's proving to be more difficult than I thought. I am stuck in Kentucky. Hey I am not putting Kentucky down but I just can't get the 420 points I need to move on. Help. Is there a tip someone out there can give me? It's driving me round the bend. I cycled it now I want to game it! Anne

Goodbye Rick Peterson

2011-02-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

It was with great sadness I learned yesterday that Rick passed away. Gundy and I had the chance to meet up twice with Rick and his lovely and strong and supportive wife Mary and share a meal as we traveled across America. I remember Gu and I thinking he would make it. It wasn't to be. I get punched time after time because it makes no sense who survives and who doesn't. Rick proves it's not attitude, fitness, positivity and spirituality that determines the outcome because Rick had a surfeit of all these as well as great love. In his memory and in honor of his wonderful family let's join together and redouble our efforts to irradicate this awful disease.

We Rowed!

2011-01-17T01:18:00.000-08:00

Not long and not far but the few strokes Gundy and I did made me remember how much I enjoy it. Skully is a great scull that is thankfully stable. We have a lot of work to do but we have the right boat. Whew. I was so afraid. If you only rode stationary bikes you would have no idea of the joy of riding outside. The same is true of rowing. The beautiful feeling of gliding along the water, of actually working with the water is fabulous. I do need to become a lot stronger. I need to bulk up. We need to row row row and row.

Ahoy Matey!

2011-01-13T23:40:00.000-08:00

Gundy and I go to our first coaching session today. We may very well be out on the water today. It might be too windy and the currents too strong. But I need to row on water soon because right now the apprehension is larger than (I hope) the act. I am half praying I won't have to row and half that I will just to reduce my anxiety. Pray for windy conditions-no wait-pray for calm conditions-no wait.......

Let's Get This Party Started!

2011-01-10T23:32:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over and done and now as earth slowly moves toward spring our serious training begins. Brains on Bikes is doing quite a lot this spring. Besides training for our July crossing of the English Channel we are participating in the first Marsden March. It's a 14 mile walk between the Chelsea and Sutton Royal Marden Hospitals on March 27. We are urging all our UK friends to come join us. Simply register your name and make sure you fill in your team as Brains on Bikes:

http://www.royalmarsden.org/march/

Let's help the great Royal Marsden have a successful launch. Speaking of launches Gungy and I will be taking the boats out soon. I am petrified - with a capital P. Gundy says fear is a good motivator and I suppose she is right because even as I write this my adrenaline is coursing through my body. I guess that is what I need.
Be well!

Skully

2010-12-08T23:48:00.000-08:00

Skully. That is the name of our two person scull Gundy and I will row across the English Channel. Thanks to Eve Hartman for sending it in to our facebook. Way to go Eve! As soon as the boat is decaled I will post pictures. Gundy and I have had a few minor aches and pains but I think we are finally well. Though we are training now the serious work won't begin until January when we will begin in earnest on the water with Skully. Take care everyone!

Our Visit to Our Boats

2010-12-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

Gundy and I went and visited our boats today. It was thrilling to see the 2 person scull we will be rowing across the channel this summer. It was also scary to think about the actual rowing. Holy cow! I have no doubts about Gundy - only that I may hold her back. We didn't go in the water as right now London is freezing. Hopefully in January we will start. And writing that terrifies me. Forgive the blurriness of my phone camera(and my photo skills).

Shanna I wish you a wonderful and Happy Birthday!

All The Brains News

2010-11-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

As you can see our boat has arrived! Gosh it looks tiny for Gu alone but for the both of us it looks teenie tiny. I have been thinking of names-do any of you glorious readers of ours have suggestions? I was thinking of The Watery Walter. I am taking suggestions and I have to name the boat before it is registered. Help me please!

Blustery Brighton

2010-10-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

Its a cold and blustery autumn here in Brighton where Gundy and I are taking a five day swimming and kettle ball class. It looks calm in the picture but really, as the Brits say, it is fresh. Why we are swimming is obvious - if we fall out the boat this refresher course should help us remain calm. The surprising thing is the kettle ball class. Many of the movements correspond to rowing. All is good-we are knackered at the end of each day and as we climb the three flights of stairs to our rooms-yet again-we are ready for sleep. Till next time. Anne

Brighton Training

2010-10-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

Where Is That Darn Disc?

2010-10-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

I just spent two hours searching for a disc with photos of the ride that I had in my hands this morning. It's in my place and I have traced and retraced my steps but I still can't find it. As I wrote the last sentence I rererechecked the desk drawer and it's still isn't there! It is so easy to start looking in places that don't make sense - suitcases, junk drawers, bookshelves and among the kitchen pots. But I didn't find it. Oh well I don't know if its age, menopause, brain cancer effects or was I always so forgetful. I forget.

Pretty as These Pictures

2010-09-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

Isn't it amazing. A photographer and fellow(sister) rower, Robin Boger, took these wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing them.

Rowing Camp

2010-09-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon in the cold rainy Vermont rowing camp I had my first experience in the scull(one person row boat). I had dreaded it was the time to go overboard and attempt to get back in. What a disaster. I got on the scull from the dock and was so happy to have accomplished it that I forgot the coach was going to tip me over. Happily day dreaming about rowing got me into trouble because tip me over she did and I was so shocked that I lost my breath-I think I swallowed water while under and I just couldn't catch my breath. But after about a minute I was ready to try and I did try a few times to get back into the skull but I couldn't. Over dinner many of the rowers who had done it had done it by a different method which I will try next. I was afraid I would freeze in the water but the water felt warm. It when I got out that I froze and didn't feel warm until I had a long hot shower.
Today was better. I got in twice so far and actually began sculling. My mantra is "relax and think".
I'll keep you posted!

Dreaming About Our Future

2010-09-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am with my parents for a few days before I leave for rowing camp and it gives me a bit of time to digest all that's happened these past several months. The response to Brains on Bikes has been phenomenal thanks to all of you that helped us spread the word about brain cancer. Stand Up 2 Cancer helped so much by highlighting brain cancer on their show. We are on our way to more fast track research.

So I have begun dreaming about our future. A future where doctors say this used to be a very deadly cancer but today we have ....

Watch Stand Up 2 Cancer Tomorrow Night

2010-09-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today I went to see the near final touches to the Stand Up 2 Cancer set at the Sony Pictures Studios. I saw where I will sit and answer phones during the show. I think there must be enough cables and wires of all sorts to go to the moon and back! Oh if only Nasa would let Brains on Bikes hitch a ride on the next shuttle. Now that would raise awareness! Meanwhile back on earth I am excited about the live TV show tomorrow night. It may be bit like playing Where's Waldo but look for me-I will be wearing my Brains on Bikes T-shirt. See you there.

Stand Up 2 Cancer this Friday

2010-09-04T00:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday September 10, our friends and our partners, StandUp2Cancer is broadcasting on over 20 stations a fundraiser to further cancer research. They are an amazing charity that encourages new approaches to cancer research.
Look for me on the phone bank proudly wearing my Brains on Bikes shirt. More information to follow soon.

Saying Goodbye and Saying Hello

2010-08-24T00:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Gundy brought with her lots of the photos from the ride. We are making a short film about the trip and what it meant for us because as Brains on Bikes moves forward it's good to have a record of what we have done - from the cycling itself to meeting so very many kind and brave people. We picked up random pictures and spoke about when they were shot.

My worktable was covered with photos.

This morning I looked carefully at each one as I straightened up my desk. I said goodbye to the cycle trip but not to the people I met. To our fans and friends I say hello. Together for us this is the beginning.

Gundy and I are still thinking about our next USA event. Meanwhile we have decided to row across the English Channel early next summer. For one day we will be Brains on Boats. I am terrified for lots of reasons- I have never rowed on the sea, for one. It requires a very different kind of fitness than I have and so I have a lot of work to do. But I do love a challenge.

A news flash! StandUp2Cancer has invited me to their Fundraising Show on September 10. I will on the phone banks so look for me among the sea of celebrities. I will post more about it in the next few days. Thanks to SU2C for helping BoB raise brain cancer awareness!

See You Later

2010-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Gundy and I said our "see you later" the day after the finale. We will see eachother next week after a few days get-a-way with our men. So it was with a "see you later" that we said goodbye. Gundy is an amazing athlete. She trained me perfectly for the Brains on Bikes adventure. She also did a brilliant job maintaining equipment and finessing navagation and helping care for Walter. She always watched my back. I tried to watch hers.
I am happy to be back to normal life but sad too. I enjoyed our RV life. I enjoyed our biking. And most of all I enjoyed our lives together. You are the best Gundy and I couldn't have done Brians on Bikes without you.

A Successful Start

2010-07-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes Gundy, Mark and I feel we don't want this trip to end in five days. But there is no way around it we will. We are hot on the heels of DC.

Here is my personal list of pros and cons:I love cycling/I love my husband, America is beautiful and there is so much more to see/ I want to wear dresses again, RV living is lovely/ home is lovlier.

Well I could go on but I haven't addressed the real question that reporters are starting to ask me. Do you think Brains on Bikes was successful? My answer: yes, a successful start. Brains on Bikes work is not done when we cycle into DC on the 17th of July. It's just the very beginning.

Horton Can You Hear Me Now!

2010-07-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

During our journey we have met so many people with brain cancer in their lives. One day-today: The manager at the RV camp we are staying at tonight has lost two friends to brain cancer. The RV driver on the left of us lost his wife one month ago to brain cancer. Today several people wrote in about losing loved ones to brain cancer. That is one day in this trip of many days. And everywhere we go we hear the stories people need to tell and that we want to hear.
It's like the Who in" Horton Hears a Who" by Dr Zuess. It's only when every Who in Whoville shout out together that they are heard and helped by Horton. All together now......

We Are Fallen Angels

2010-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has become very clear that the end of our roadtrip is near. Mark met us today atop Hayters Gap when suddenly we realized it was the last true climb of the trip. As we sweat heavily up the long steep climb the road was shaded by trees with lots of rustling noises in the bushes, birds singing, the music of creek water, sweet clean air and the sweet smell of the earth. It was idyllic - okay not perfect because my cold and cough is still here - but maybe as idyllic as it can get on this sweet earth. There will always be coughs but today we got a taste of heaven. And like fallen angels we had to descend - in our case to route 11.

It's the Final Countdown!

2010-07-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

We entered Virginia today-our final state before Washington DC. Irritatingly I have a head cold and its making the sharp steep hills of the beautiful Appalachians hard for me. Today I could only do 36 miles of a planned 54 ride. Feeling better I would love this ride especially since its our last challenge before the end. I am on the mend though so hopefully before the hills are over I will enjoy them. No matter what I will ride into Washington on July 17.
Have you noticed our new homepage? Please do because there you find an invitation to meet us on the 17th. You can cycle in with us or meet up with us at the end point. But please join us. The more the merrier!

www.wkyt.com

2010-07-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Brains on Bikes on www.wkyt.com

Riding with New Friends

2010-06-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Stephen and Ben joined up with Gundy and I as we cycled to McKee, Kentucky. Stephen has brain cancer(1 year 4months) and we met at the brain cancer support group at Gilda's Club in Louisville last week. He is a cyclist and amazing as he just finished some of his meds(but not all) and he rode 32 miles with some tough hills. With him was his friend Ben who at 72 is super fit. He kept me company as I take the hills slowly but he zoomed ahead when he wanted to speak to the others. Both so impressive. We ended our day together lunching at Opal's Cafe. They are Kentuckians and taught us about some local foods and the sights and sounds of Kentucky. Thanks guys.

More Acts of Kindness

2010-06-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

We've been noticing more and more how strangers are so kind to Brains on Bikes. At the Chimney Rock Campground at Lake Harrington in Kentucky there was a knock on the RV door. Don, the owner, gave me our rental fee back saying he had visited the website and didn't want to take money from us. Just then a woman passed by whose mother had died of a brian tumor. She got braceletes for her entire family.
A few days ago Brian the owner of the Diamond Lake Resort in Owensboro, Kentucky was so very kind to Brains on Bikes. His Dad had died of brain cancer and he understood our cause. He is making Brains on Bikes the sponser of his July 4th Show and Fireworks(10,000 people attend). It's a very special resort and I suggest going. I regret not having a picture of him but I will always remember him.
And what about the London to Brighton Brains on Bikes event. Patrick writing to me about it said: "im absolutely jelly today!
can't even speak...hardest thing i have ever done. im broken. what a great day!!"

Anne

Michael Quinlan Brain Cancer Support Group

2010-06-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

After our ride on Friday we set off for Louisville to the Gilda's Club to attend a Michael Quinlan Brain Cancer Support Group. Above are a few of the people we met. While speaking about our experiences there is sadness but often as well hillarity. Brain cancer humor is not for the fainthearted and I guess anyone who has gone through it is certainly not that.

It was lovely to meet you all and I wish you all well.

And a special thanks to you Cindy for making our visit happen.

Anne

Brains on Bikes - Brookdale Avenue School

2010-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Brookdale Avenue School, Verona, NJ, Hosts Ride Your Bike to School Day in support of Brains on Bikes. A small town helping put brain cancer on the map!

Shanna

2010-06-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

In Marion we met up with Shanna, a brain cancer fighter. Shanna, her Mom, Gundy, Mark and I lunched at a wonderful cafe in town called The Marion Cafe. We all had a chance to share our experiences of brain cancer. Shanna has had several surgeries and is doing well with the chemo she is currently taking. Shanna you have incredible spirit and I admire you tremendously. Brain cancer sucks and you really know this and I wish you didn't have to. Keep me posted about finding a brain cancer support group in Nashville. With a big hug, Anne

Welcome to Illinois!

2010-06-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

When we crossed the mighty Mississippi into Illinois we stopped by the visitor center right at the bridge's end. There we met Evelyn. When she learned about Brains on Bikes she phoned the local press and a few minutes later they showed up. She also reccomended a good place for lunch and when we went to pay she had treated us. Your willingness to help, your generosity and most of all your spirit touched me more than these words can convey. Thank You! Anne

Back in the Saddle Again

2010-06-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't moved much the last week. A little walking, a little shopping and a lot of eating and hanging out with family. Ideally I would have liked to begin the day before yesterday but the RV front window caught a rock falling from a big truck and was cracked. It took a bit of time to get done and that is why today is our first day back in the saddle.
I woke up this morning after a classsic performance anxiety dream and was nervous on route to our starting point. All cobwebs were swept away after the first hour. We did 66 miles and I am a bit sad we'll be done in a month.

Gu introduced me to a gentleman who works where we are staying tonight whose wife died from brain cancer. He loved her so much and still needs to sob as he described her final months. I so understand. Oftentimes it is harder on the people that care. They can not fix it and they can't take away the pain. Three cheers to all the caretakers who carry their burden with great love.
Thanks so much, Anne

2010-06-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

Friends of Anne in the UK are riding from London to Brighton on the 26th June - please support us by donating to Brain on Bikes -

www.brainsonbikes.org/donate.html

Together we can outsmart brain cancer...

14%

2010-06-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

We really got to find out what 14% gradient meant today. Setting out early again we did a rather fast first 30 miles and our spirits were high. It was after all our last riding day before heading off to St Louis and Chicago for more cancer support group visits (hope lodge) and Anne's daughters graduation in Chicago.

The weather forecast had thunderstorms in the cards for us and for sure we could feel the heat and the stillness of the air so common just prior to a storm. The weather front never reached us though and we ended up enduring the humidity as it built up throughout the day. The Ozark mountains with their beautiful river parks made the ride pleasant to the eye. Forests along the winding roads offered welcomed shade. The rollers got steeper and longer and soon we got used to a steady rhythm of steep descents followed by steep inclines. A lovely couple in their car pulled over to wish us good luck on our journey (thank you for your support!). After 57 miles we called it a day. We were hot and happy and for sure we could feel our legs. Our total ascent had been 3800 ft. We love the Ozarks though, Missouri is beautiful!

More roller-coasters

2010-06-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

We set off with the RV this morning to get back on course. Right from the word go we were entertained by more roller coaster hills, up and down and around. It's quite fun, really. And with plenty of trees around we don't have to worry about finding shady places for our breaks anymore.

Dave saved two turtles today which made me really happy. Sometimes we can help luck along a little...

Today we got to ride past quite a few springs. Goodness, they looked so inviting....cristal-clear deep water ponds in rock-beds; as the day wore on it got hot and hotter and the humidity increased. Nevertheless, we got our 60 miles in and en route to our camp-site we stopped in a small town where Anne got interviewed. It will be Anne's daughters graduation this weekend and we shall leave the course to head to Chicago for a few days.

Eventful Days

2010-06-06T19:25:00.001-07:00

We had a fabulous rest-day yesterday. In the morning we drove to Springfield to take part at a cancer survivors breakfast. In the evening Anne participated in the walk of life in Carthage. It had been an amazing atmosphere there: a great band was playing, many supporters came and Anne was introduced as a special guest and presented our cause on stage. We handed out lots of bracelets and made friends and connections that helped us get brainsonbikes on the evening news today after our our ride (thank you so much Gary and David).

Today we went back on our trail and enjoyed the calm and peace after all of yesterdays events. It has become such a great balance: the visits and the rides...meeting people and sharing stories and seeing the country in detail.

We have a great friend riding with us this week. The landscape had changed a lot today as we were headed more and more into Missouri. Hills followed by descents; roller-coasters spring to mind. Its fun to ride through the lush green and feel the wind and then take on the little climbs. We will find more of the accordion-like landscape ahead of us on our way through the ancient Ozarks.

The Trees of Missouri

2010-06-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been very hot on the road. We are trying to be out by seven in the mornng so we can do our mileage before the afternoon bake begins. We now take all our breaks under the shade of trees. It's delightful.
And this morning sitting under a group of trees reminded of the most meaningful gift I received during my cancer treatment.
It was a chestnut.

My friend Tony told me this story: His favourite tree in his garden was a very old and very large chestnut tree. Several years ago the tree got sick-the chestnuts became misshapen and deformed. They had several tree experts come to the house and they all said the tree must be hewn. It was dying and better to chop it down so it wouldn’t come down in a storm. Tony resisted and found one tree specialist who said to kill the disease might mean killing the tree but he was willing to try if Tony understood. They went ahead and the tree seemed to get much worse during the following two years. But gradually during the third year it began to do better. He gave me a chestnut from that healing tree. I keep it on my night table and it reminds me of what I have lived through and what may come.

What a great gift. Thanks.

Anne

The Kindness of Strangers

2010-06-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

It is reassuring that daily we meet kind strangers. A week ago Gu and I were having trouble finding a road and a kind local cyclist went out his way to show us. Today a 4 mile strech of road was impassable due to construction. To turn back would mean hours lost. They kindly took our bikes and us in a big big truck to where we could safely ride again. Our driver across the abyss told about his grandmother who had brain cancer that had spread throughout her body when he was a boy. When we left them they were all wearing Brains on Bikes bracelets.

Early today we met the nursing staff at Chanute Cancer Clinic. These women do so much good. They are so caring, so smart and so capable. They are the front line medics in the cancer wars. It reminded me of the night before my surgery. The family had left for the night. A very caring nurse(a guy by the way) asked how I was feeling and I just broke down. I was terrified. To my core. Everything had happened so fast I couldn't take it in. He sat with me until I finished sobbing and hugged me. He didn't try to rush me or tell me everything would be fine. He knew better. He listened and because of him I got through that night. If you are reading this thank you so much. Your kindness still means so much to me. Anne

Road works

2010-06-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

We had an appointment at the cancer clinic in Chanute today. Keen as we are, we decided to take advantage of the cool morning air and got on the course for 7am. It was beautiful. The mileage went by fast, the air was cool and fresh and we watched the world around us waking up. On small country roads we saw a whole family on their bikes heading in the other direction. Apparently they do sections of the transam track, every year a little more. Neat idea to get to know the country. We had a good visit with the nurses in the cancer centre and left them with good wishes and bracelets for their patients. Our excitement of the day arrived when we had to stop because our road had been completely torn apart for road-works. There was no by-pass either, only off-road paths. Lucky for us the charming workmen helped us a little to get across. Thank you Ian & co. for helping us and wearing our bracelets!

The Reptile State

2010-06-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

The Turtle Gundy Saved

We have seen lots of wildlife in the past few days. This is the first state where we have turtles-lots of turtles trying to cross the road and lots that haven't made it. Early this morning we saw a police car alongside another car. We thought a traffic ticket. But the policeman and the other driver were trying to get a large turtle to finish crossing the road by prodding it with a stick. An hour later Gundy stopped to rescue another turtle from heading into traffic. This is also the state where we have seen lots of dead and sometimes large snakes in the road. This afternoon while resting under some trees after the ride Mark jumped up yelling: snake! and so did I. He was right it was about 2 and a half feet and vibrantly colored in a diamond pattern with two gold stripes along the sides. Beautiful but scarey too because neither of us know about snakes. So for me this is the reptile state.
Each state is different. When you begin to get near a border the scenery melds into the next states predominant profile. We are only getting a snippit but because our traveling is slow we have time to really look around us. Do you remember as a child knowing every crack in the sidewalk on the way to school? it is sort of like that.

Lucky

2010-06-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

As we are sitting outside winding down after another successful riding day, we realise how lucky we have been today. Just now it is even too hot to last in the shade for long! Getting up early really helps. We also freeze one of our water bottles. We added bug-spray to our bring along stuff and for now we seem to be covered on all fronts and the hours of riding go by fast.

We were lucky today: after 2 morning hours in cooler air, clouds from behind caught up and provided us with a pleasant overcast. Anything that beats the heat makes us really happy. Mileage is collecting up well, with the winds on our side these days. We rode through lovely green rolling hills and for a while farmland changed into treeless prairie lands, then back into farmlands. The country side looks so lush and healthy. Roads are lined with little flowers, bumble bees are humming and there are plenty of turtles and birds of all kinds around. Great to be a witness and see when nature is in balance. In the last 5 miles we got surprised by headwinds (after a turn), uphills and sunshine....it always gets tricky when you think you had a good day. No time for complacency:).

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

We had a delightful rest day yesterday with Anne's family visiting us in Hutchinson. Many hugs and smiles and we got to share our adventures.

Riding on Memorial Day today was great. We got up early and made good mileage beating the heat. Not many cars around and the winds were kind. We rode on little country roads past small pretty farms surrounded by big trees. We appreciate the big trees offering us shade on our short breaks. It gets so hot!! We got 61 miles in and feel it had been a very successful first riding day after our break. Let's see what the rest of the week has in the cards for us...

Some Photos of My Daughter and I

2010-05-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

A friend sent these pictures she took at the American Brain Tumor Association Walk in Chicago of my eldest daughter and me.

Wetlands

2010-05-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had a great day today. We set off the earliest ever to beat the heat and it worked really well. In Larned we crossed paths with a cyclist cycling across in the opposite direction. It was fun to exchange quick stories. We loved the change in scenery; big trees, green meadows with healthy cows and their calves sprinkled on them and plenty of little rivers and creeks. The prettiest surprise towards the end of our ride was riding through the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. A remote country road almost without any traffic leading us through wetlands and salt marshes. We enjoyed a whole array of wild-life: we saw snakes and turtles and frogs and had birds circling around us playing chase. It was a lovely surprise to finish off our riding week before the rest day. We also are now through our half-way point- unbelievable. Please, help us spreading the word and raise awareness for brain-cancer. And thank you for following us.

Gundy

Elements

2010-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

In our fast course on how to deal with the elements, we had our first test on " how-to-deal-with -the -heat" today. We got up extra early, we applied high sunscreen factors frequently, we poured cold water over ourselves and had Mark find us on our last break to hand us more icy cold water. Amazing. It doesn't matter if it is windy or cold or hot or down-pour of any kind, we learned very early on in our journey to respect mother natures moods. And rather than fighting them we approach each day as it comes. We can prepare ourselves, dress the right way, rest and eat, but ultimately it comes down to respecting the conditions you are in and dealing with them the best you can. When we turned South en route today, into the wind and up some unexpected hills, in 90 degrees heat to get the last 19 miles of the day in, it felt like riding into a giant hairdryer on full heat against us and dragging extra weight behind us. But we did it, we were determined to do it and committed ourselves to it. And we feel good for it.

A Rude Awakening

2010-05-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

We've been having a wonderful time, Gundy and I, cycling across the states. We feel so proud of ourselves, for doing the ride and so far we are on schedule. But the real challenges of our journey are much more hard to endure than the ride.
Tonight I read that Gussy, the sister in law to Barb who is a friend of Brains on Bikes, died from brain cancer today. How awful for Gussy's family and friends. It's like a punch in the face. Please help us combat brain cancer. Sponsor a walk in your town, have a bake sale, send in a donation, get all your family and friends to join our facebook. Anne

It's getting hot

2010-05-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

We left early this morning to get ahead of the hot weather as much as possible. The dew drops were still hanging on to the grass and it felt nice and cool. Less traffic, as well! Kansas is a wonderful State to let your mind drift. Miles and miles of farmland, flat terrain and beautiful blue skies. It got hot and hotter, something we need to adjust to, but we poured water over ourselves. Later on into the ride Mark handed us icy-cold water when he passed us en route to the next camp-site. It also got greener as the landscape started rolling and we saw rivers and trees, a nice change to the flat plains. No cyclists in Kansas and given that, we need to mention that 99% of the truck drivers are very nice and give us a lot of space when they pass us. The trucks here are huge and we feel very little when they roar past us....,so a big thank you to all the truck drivers.

Walter and Jackson

2010-05-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

Jackson, Mark's dog, is visiting us for a few weeks. Walter and he hit it off right from the beginning. They share everything and the video shows one of their games. Walter barks and taunts Jackson until they start chasing eachother. Anne

Good- bye Colorado, hello Kansas

2010-05-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Last night we had the front seat to a very spectacular show: we were sitting in our RV and watched two weather fronts collide. What an amazing display of lightening and dark clouds all around. Great to witness it, though we never want to encounter anything like that up close.

We left Colorado today. We had climbed our highest mountains, endured the coldest days, rode through storms and had seen stunning country sides and met amazing people. Thank you Colorado! Salida, Pueblo...we loved all the little towns that became our home on our short visits through them.

Our arrival in Kansas was foggy and windy. It's exactly what we had expected, a lot of people had warned us about the ever changing winds in Kansas. The wind wasn't all that bad and we enjoyed the morning mist. We got some good mileage in and celebrated in style with the best bbq.

Plains and winds

2010-05-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

We got up early today because our camp-side was miles away from the course and we needed to cover some distance. As we were heading to our drop off point we discovered we were going to face slight head-winds. And we did, all day! It goes to show how quickly winds change their direction in the open plains. And wide open it was....and flat....We reeled in the mileage in silence, not because we stopped talking to each other, but because we couldn't hear each other. We stopped just a few miles before Kansas. We are feeling our legs but are so happy we covered the distance in spite of the winds. Another good day. Gundy

ridin' in the wind

2010-05-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

We set of late today due to our visit at the Dorcy Cancer Center in Pueblo. It is such a great center and we met up with patients and staff and supporters, reporters and survivors. It was fantastic and emotional at the same time and the bike ride offered a nice balance to it.....except when we arrived back at the camp site to pack up to get a ride back on the course (40 miles outside of Pueblo)....we were greeted by trees bent side-ways in wind gusts, tents getting stuck in fences blown away by the winds and dusty clouds preventing us to see the mountains in the West. Very scary and dooming. We decided to go to our drop off point anyway to check it out, just in case it was rideable. Once we arrived we stepped out leaning into the wind but to our delight we discovered it came straight from behind us. We hopped onto our bikes and almost didn't have to pedal. In 2:45 min we had covered 51miles (and that included our short breaks for food). We loved this new experience and felt so lucky. We had achieved a lot in one day. We also enjoyed the open wide plains of an entirely new landscape.

gundy

The Cancer Centre in Pueblo

2010-05-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

Lynn, the survivor coordinator, has been extremely helpful. We had a great visit at the cancer centre in Pueblo. Ready for our bikes now and its mighty windy!

Reverend Roger Patrick Dorcy Cancer Centre

2010-05-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

At the Reverend Roger Patrick Dorcy Cancer Centre we got introduced to brave brain cancer patients and their lovely support...our thoughts are with all of you, keep on fighting!

Vance

2010-05-24T01:27:00.001-07:00

Vance helped us with our bikes in Pueblo. After 1600 miles, they needed tune ups. He was there for us beyond shop hours! Most helpful and supportive bike shop ever. Thanks Vance.

Abta walk

2010-05-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Family and friends at the Abta walk...

Blue skies

2010-05-17T11:26:00.001-07:00

Blue skies...nothing but blue skies!

Gundy and I both agree this was our first day of spring. There was a slight chill this morning but after an hour only blue skys and warmth. This part of Colorado is Bonanza country. We passed several ranches and I thought at any moment I would see Little John riding past. But instead we had a lovely surprise that a frequent visitor to the site, Karolyn, was waiting by the side of the road about 10 miles from our stop. We met up later and had a good talk.
The day after tomorrow we all go to Chicago for the Path to Progress Walk put on by the American Brain Tumor Association. It was there I was inspired to do Brains on Bikes. And for all of you attending I am speaking before we set off. It will be nice to be off the saddle for three days and to see my family and friends. Anne

Rest Day!

2010-05-16T10:48:00.001-07:00

Lovely camp-site for a well earned rest day!

San Juan Cancer Center in Montrose

2010-05-14T08:40:00.001-07:00

We met with Francie Smiles, the resource coordinator of the San Juan Cancer Center in Montrose. What a great place with an energised team working in it! Thank you Francie, for introducing us to everyone.

Icy Cold!

2010-05-14T01:15:00.001-07:00

We got icy cold on the descent. It snowed and there was sleet, the works. We took a long break, changed into dry clothes and off we are again....

A Full Day!

2010-05-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

We had a long day. Gundy has beautifully and accuratley described our biking for the day. Meanwhile Mark found a great restaurant for dinner and I did my part my going table to table with the Brains on Bikes bracelets. I explain why we are cycling across America and give the bands and encourage everyone to go on line and support us. I am amazed by the warm welcome I am given. Tonight I met many people but two who had a personal experience of brain cancer. One had a friend who died after his cancer traveled to his brain and at another table a close friend was just diagnosed last week with brain cancer. People are so receptive and willing to talk about their experiences. It is always moving and steels my determination to get the word out about brain cancer. I have said it a lot but it is so true: together we can outsmart brain cancer!
Thanks to all of you for getting the word out! Anne

Kokopelli bike and board shop

2010-05-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

Just visited the "Kokopelli bike and board shop" in Cortez and Jimbo kindly sponsored us and was very excited about our project. We love the small town support.

www.kokopellibike.com

It Had To Happen

2010-05-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today we both awoke with stuffy noses and rough throats. The first one and a half hours we finished the summit we had begun yesterday and we were happy to have cycled 25 miles by our second brake. Our throats feel better but the stuffiness remains. The second half of the day was up and downs. Sharp uphill climbs followed sharp descents. It's fun to try to zoom down so fast it brings you to almost the top of the next. After the very last sharp descent I flew like before and on the very last sharp uphill I screwed up my gears, the chain stopped moving and down I went. I banged my knee and a car that sped past me gave me a fright. Gundy and I walked to the bottom where I took 5 minutes to compose myself. I had a little cry, a little think about how it happened and when my nerves calmed I got back on the bike. I rode up the steep hill(10 to 12 %) and continued for the last three miles to our RV campsite. Sometimes in life its all about determination.

Checking out Lake Powell

2010-05-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Gundy reports on the B.O.B. Facebook Page:

We had a brilliant day yesterday. A tat chilly in the morning but it didn't matter as we rewarded with stunning sights and strong tailwinds all day. We started following a beautiful canyon with lush vegetation, were blown through lunar landscapes before the land opened up again and offered us wide views of colourful rocky landscapes. We pushed on for 67 miles and loved every moment of it. On the way back we dipped our legs into Powell lake. What a great day!

Brains on Bikes in Ode Magazine

2010-05-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Brains on Bikes is featured on Ode Magazine's website:

Anne was not an athlete before her illness. She was a wife, bakery owner, and mother of two daughters who--devastated by the diagnosis--found that exercise helped her deal with the debilitating effects of the surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Yoga, running, hiking, and cycling helped her to feel emotionally and physically stronger. It also helped her to focus on the present moment, instead of the terrifying prognosis.

Give Anne a shout in the comments!

The ABC2 Race of Hope in DC!

2010-05-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful weekend Gundy and I had in Washington DC at the Race for Hope held each year by Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2). There were well over 10,000 people there running or walking 5k to raise research funds and to meet each other. Gundy and I met so many people and Max and David of ABC2 introduced us to many more. The walk has a sense of community purpose which filled me with hope. I know I will attending it from now on. And thanks to all we met for your words of support. I will be posting pictures tomorrow. Anne

Photos from Red Canyon, Utah

2010-04-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Anne & Gundy are uploading some great images to the Facebook Page - here's one of Anne riding through Red Canyon, Utah:

A Cedar City visit

2010-04-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Anne & Gundy stopped by Huntsman-Intermountain Cancer Center to talk with some of the folks there. The Spectrum, the local paper, reported on it:

In Cedar City, she spoke with patient Marci Rowley, who has been undergoing treatment for nine months at VVMC.
"I don't know the difference between someone who is going downhill from someone who is going uphill," Rowley said about the cancer, close to tears and touching Feeley's hair. "Sometimes I think I'd like to be hit and not know what hit me."
Feeley spoke about her dog, Walter, who is on the bike tour with them, and how she and Rowley have that love in common.
She joked with Rowley about hating wigs and speaking candidly of her mission to get more research for people like them.
"I needed this. I needed you today," Rowley said, thanking Feeley and hugging everyone in the room before heading to treatment for the day.

Riding at 9900!

2010-04-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

We woke up this morning to snow the temperature had fallen. The climb was fabulous but frigid. A great day!

A snowy ride in Utah

2010-04-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Holy cow - check out Anne & Gundy riding through the snow in Utah - new friends Ashley and Andrew of MS Run the US took the surprise footage:

Rest Day Tomorrow!

2010-04-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

We have been cycling for only seventeen days and we are in such a routine it feels we've been doing it for months. We don't see the papers and it is so easy to lose track of time. Six days a week we get on our bikes and on the seventh (tomorrow) we take some rest. Yippee! Here I am dancing a victory dance with Walter. Does anyone know what the cow on a skateboard means? There are plenty of walking cow signs but then for a while these appear.

Mark, our driver and so much more, gives out on Brains on Bikes bracelets whenever he can and asks people to spread the word. He met a man whose wife has brain cancer and we are all going out to dinner tomorrow night. I have said it before but it bears repeating that we have met so many people in these small towns that know someone close that has or is dealing with brain cancer. Or has lost someone they loved. It's emotional and inspiring to meet these people. Tomorrow morning we are all (myself, Gundy, Mark and Walter visiting the Huntsman Intermountain Cancer Center and these visits also inspire us to do more to get the word out: brain cancer sucks!

I hear from several friends that the Brain Cycles app game is totally addictive. It was when I tested it many months ago. Please will someone tell me what I need to do to download it. I had my ipad plugged into my computer and downloaded it that way but it is sitting in my apple but I want it on my ipad. I need help.

Highway 50: The Loneliest Road

2010-04-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

We haven't had internet for a few days and before it stops working I should tell you that we have had every kind of weather possible. We have awoke to a deep snowfall, ridden through snow, sleet and even worse hailstones, The winds have been tossing us about(one day this week 50 mph gusts) making the climbs and descents more difficult. But instead of exhausted tonight I feel invigorated, I am getting stronger and better on the bike. Also there are many small moments throughout the day that are spectacular. Decending from Little Antelope Summit the sun light came and warmed us up and showed us a canyon of such awesome beauty - I don't have words. Also another gift today was every break was in sunshine. Lucky us.

Three days ago we met Ashley and Andrew of MS Run the US. She is running across the US to raise awareness about MS. We met the day they were leaving a RV camp but we knew our paths would cross. The next afternoon while Gundy and I were riding through thick snow and harsh winds she was by the side of the road cheering us on. How incredible kind. That night we all had dinner together. She filmed us as we cycled by and once we have it we will upload. This morning we parted ways while Gundy and I were cycling, Ashley was running and Andrew was picking up litter by the side of Highway 50. I am so glad to have the pleasure of meeting them. Lucky me.

More photos from Nevada

2010-04-20T14:26:00.001-07:00

Anne & Gundy are riding along the old Pony Express - they've uploaded some photos to the Brains on Bikes Facebook Page.

Brains on Bikes on the road in Nevada

2010-04-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Check out some more great photos from the road in Nevada -- stay tuned to the Brains on Bikes Facebook Page for the latest updates from Anne & Gundy.

Fallon to Middlegate, Nevada

2010-04-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

This morning we met up with the Churchill County Cyclists in Fallon, NV. After a warm welcome some of cyclist escorted us down highway 50. I am sure not because they wanted us out of town! That black ball in my arms is Walter. He has completely adapted to this new lifestyle of ours. He revels in meeting new people and being a star.

A Bit Late Blog

2010-04-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

The day before yesterday we crossed the Nevada border. You don't need a border marker-which there isn't otherwise there'd be a photo-because the change is dramatic. Nevada has a dry, seared beauty. Tumbleweeds and stone buildings.

Yesterday morning we met with Ann Proffitt of the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center. This great resource for people with cancer helps in every area of a patient's life. They have a great library explaining cancers and treatments, offer help with navigating finances (a gigantic problem), a beauty salon offering free wigs and hats and they also have bungalows for patients that have far to travel for treatment. Gundy and I were so impressed by the work Ann and her team have done. The best bit may be that almost all the staff are cancer survivors.

Thanks Ann for taking time out from your day to show us around. You're incredible!
After we left we cycled 73 miles!

Taking on Carson's Pass

2010-04-16T08:16:00.001-07:00

Anne & Gundy took on Carson's Pass and have a whole state behind them already! Check out the photos:

Anne writing for CNN

2010-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Anne wrote a great piece for CNN's "Census: Who Am I?" series:

After the surgery and the radiation and the 2½ years of chemo, I was pronounced "in remission." During this time, as I split my time between homes in London, England, and New York City, I did several 10K races, indoor rowing competitions, and the UK Three Peaks Challenge. These events transformed my life physically, emotionally and spiritually. Brain cancer was a wake-up call for our whole family. The shock wasn't that I was going to die, but that I had forgotten that I was going to die. We all are. Life isn't a dress rehearsal.

It made the front page of the Opinion section - check out the whole piece and share away!

Anne on CBS 5 San Francisco

2010-04-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

Check out some great footage of the Brains on Bikes launch in San Francisco on CBS 5:

Days 2 and 3

2010-04-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today was our second full day riding. Yesterday we were cruising along with the wind at our backs. We left at 9:15 finished our 52m by 1:30. Today we set out even earlier (830) and the wind was pushing itself against us and it rained and rained for the second half of the day. We pulled into Folsom at 3:15 having ridden 58.6m. We were wet wet wet, gritty, tired, hungry and very pleased with ourselves. We got ourselves dry, stretched and went out for a steak dinner. Of course, as is our duty, we told the waiter and manager about Brains on Bikes.

I am starting to feel a routine to our days. Early rising, a good breakfast and out on the rode. We pack a few bananas and sandwiches and water bottles and off we go. Tomorrow to Fair Play, CA and the beginning of our great assent begins.

That's all for now from the bike path.

The journey begins

2010-04-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

It was a great event - Anne & Gundy were on San Francisco's CBS 5 News and ABC 7 News. Check out video of the ABC 7 piece:

And We Are Off!

2010-04-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

In just a few hours Gundy, Walter and I start our big adventure. Later I will send pics of the event at UCSF. But for now I must show you this:

Anne Feeley on CNN

2010-04-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Anne spoke with CNN's Suzanne Malveaux on Sunday:

Three Days to Go

2010-04-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Brains on Bikes RV arrived yesterday. Our mothers and Gu and I started loading it with clothes and gear.

It's the Final Countdown!

2010-04-04T16:35:00.003-07:00

I arrived in San Fransisco yesterday afternoon. My husband and mother and Gundy and her mom and I are all together now. I brought with me all our gear so today after a two week break Gundy and I rode the road. My mom took pictures:

New drug shows "remarkable ability" to slow brain tumor growth

2010-03-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

Researchers have announced a new experimental drug called PD-0332991 that may become a new treatment option for glioblastoma, the same type of cancer Anne has, Reuters reports:

"We don't know how well this agent will perform in patients with glioblastoma but in the mice we studied we saw very impressive, durable effect," said David James, a professor of neurological surgery at UCSF, who worked on the study.

"What is especially encouraging about this agent is that we found it can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and access glioblastoma, and that there is already a simple test available for screening glioblastoma patients in advance to see whether or not they should be responsive to this therapy."

The blood-brain barrier is a major obstacle to treating brain tumors - these new findings are great news. We've got to keep advocating for more research so it can be used to save people!