Bike Fit

I recently received this bit of information in a weekly update email from TNT:

"LLS currently has committed approximately $19 million to research that is specific to pediatric forms of ALL, AML, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and rarer pediatric blood cancers, including CMML. And, we are supporting research projects focused on identifying children most at risk for long-term and late effects of particular treatments so that these children might receive alternative treatments or preventative adjuncts that are now being tested."

Most of you know that I am one huge exam away from being a Registered Nurse and working at Children's Memorial Hospital, one of the nations top pediatric hospitals. So, when I read the above quote, I was elated. I currently work as an aide at CMH and float to different floors. I have been on the Oncology floor multiple times, and while seeing any child sick enough to be in the hospital is heartbreaking, the Oncology unit is sometimes extra hard to bear. Before I'd worked on the floor, I think I'd desensitized myself to the phrase 'kids with cancer' or 'pediatric oncology.' But after caring for them and their families (families are a SIGNIFICANT part of a child's care-- hugely significant), and seeing first hand the intensity of their situation, I am overwhelmed by the tragedy and almost injustice of it all. These are kids-- but they fighting in a war that is much larger (hopefully) than any of us will ever face. These children are by far some of the most resilient people I have ever met, and have given me a completely different connotation to that phrase I'd earlier shaken off. Kids with cancer are heroes in a sense-- they relentlessly fight tooth and nail to stay alive with a grace and maturity that is far beyond their years. No child should every have to endure cancer and all that goes with it. When I read this weekly update and learned that LLS is committing $19 million to research specifically for pediatric forms of blood cancers, the incredible amount of respect I already had for this organization increased ten-fold. Let this latest initiative testify to the integrity and great-ness of LLS, and motivate you to make a donation and play a role in the pursuit of a cure for blood cancers.
Last night there was a 'bike-fit' clinic at a triathlon shop (Element Multisport) run by TNT team members. It's really a cool store and they have nothing but the best intentions for the athletes they serve. This clinic described what a bike-fit is, why it's important and what is involved. Appropriately, a bike fit is where they interview, assess, and evaluate you and your lifestyle to see what bike measurements will give you the best biking experience possible. Through a ton of crazy accurate infared tools and giant protractors and hanging weights that some how measure angles... they can generate insanely accurate measurements that will ensure the most efficient and safe fit for the rider's bike. It sounds like an AWESOME thing to do-- especially if one is pursuing competitive biking. The one drawback is that it's three hundred bones! HA! When he said that part I may have laughed out loud, and while I thought my outrage was appropriate, apparently it wasn't as nobody else seemed phased by that number. The explanation of all the parts of a bike-fit session was rather overwhelming as I didn't know half of the things he was talking about. The guy seems so nice and qualified but I had a tainted attitude ever since the three hundred stunt. Then he started dissing mountain bikes. No kidding they're the least efficient racing vehicles outside of a tricycle, but I almost see those who ride them regardless as ultra-brave rather than crazy stupid. We KNOW that so much of our efforts in earning a good time and what not is wasted due to our chunky tires and non-clip in pedals and lack of aero bars blah blah blah. Ugh, the poor Iron Horse. This intelligent man went on to describe upgrades that can be made to mountain bikes to make them more bearable: clip-less pedals (that require clipless shoes) the combination of the two ring up to around $200. Also, slicks which are road tires on my pitifully small 26inch wheel. I have actually seriously considered slicks and hope to get them as soon as my awesome bike-guy can do it.
All in all it was good information to obtain, as I really have enjoyed cycling and can see it being a long term pursuit. If that is the case I will have to retire the Iron Horse at some point and invest in a real-bike, so it's good to know what I'll need to look for and everything. At the end of the clinic they raffled off a free bike-fit. Needless to say, I didn't win. But it's good, I'm sure the winner will use the fitting well. I've been humbled a lot in this whole experience, I won't lie.

The fundraising that we've accomplished this far is encouraging but it's far from over. Continue to spread the word! Tuesday is recommitment! That leaves us three days until $500 needs to be in the account, then we can focus on the rest. Keep up the great work and lets make this happen!