photo - ride for the roses

Ride for the Roses in Austin, TX October 21- 23, 2005
	The Bourkes in Austin We really did enjoy Austin even if it is in Texas. Seriously, Austin is a town with a very cool vibe. Here's some of what we did during a very busy few days of Bourke family celebration: Toured the state capitol - Magnificent! Shopped the South Congress Arts / Antiques district - Funky! Attended the famous Esther's Follies - modern-vaudeville-style comedy - Outrageous! Dined and observed the energetic party down on 6th Street - Music and Madness!
	Steve with Davis Phinney - At the Peloton Project Party that Ginny and I were able to attend due to our generous project contributors, we had the pleasure of meeting some real champions. One was Davis Phinney, a gifted cycling athlete of the 80's and the first American ever to win a stage of the Tour de France. Now in a personal battle with Parkinson's disease, this guy is a living hero and it was a huge honor to share a few minutes of conversation with him. http://www.davisphinneyfoundation.com/
	Steve and Ginny with Chris Carmichael - One of the training programs I consulted in preparing for this, my first 100 mile ride, is produced by Lance's training coach, Chris. This guy is way cool and a gifted athlete his own bad self. Having the opportunity to share a little time with him about by own dive into cycling and my preparation for the Ride for the Roses was truly priceless. (Can I explain the bandana? It was supposed to be a western wear event and I wanted to at least make an effort. I'm wearing a bandana provided by the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. If it's good enough for the Duke, it's good enough for me......pilgrim!)
	Steve with Wendy Chioji - I include this picture mostly for my friends in Orlando but Wendy is also well-known in the Lance Armstrong Foundation circle. She's a news anchor at WESH in Orlando, an inspirational cancer survivor, a Tour of Hope alum, a major LAF fundraiser, and an awesome cyclist.
	Robin Williams and my Girls - While I'm out there busting my rear-end on a 100 mile ride, guess who is back at the party hanging out with my girls?! Yes, that's Robin Williams. The girls were simply thrilled that he mocked Ginny. After she called out "Casey come get in the picture!", he did the same thing. How cool is Robin Williams!
	Steve in the Green Jersey - I wasn't sure I'd be able to stand up after a 100 mile ride, but I was. The endorphins were still firing at this point. I'm feeling pretty good.
	The Yellow Rose of Texas - As survivors cross the finish line at the Ride for the Roses they are handed a yellow rose. A pretty cool tradition and I've never been so happy to receive a flower.
	Bourke Brothers - My brother Scott came in to town to witness the event. I think he wanted to make sure I wasn't just pulling his leg on this whole 100 mile thing. I was so glad he came to be a part of the celebration. That definitely made it even more special.
	Ginny and I are just enjoying the moment. We've worked hard to get to this point.
	Two Steve B's - Steve Bartolucci is an incredible person who is one of the leaders of Cyclists Combating Cancer, a group of which I am proud to be a member. We are mostly survivors who love our cycling and we Ride to Live! Steve and I have a lot in common. He is an inspiration to me on how to deal with challenges in a positive way. All of the CCC members are powerful, positive people and collectively they, or WE, are making good things happen for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and for each other. What a solid group to be a part of.
	Steve and a new friend Dr. Steve Stein - This guy is an awesome athlete - proven by his competitive participation in marathons and triathlons. In the short time we had to hang out with him and his wife Joyce, it's easy to tell they are good-hearted family people that know how to stand up to challenges with courage. Ginny and I met them at the Peloton Party Friday night and by the time we said "so long" to them on Sunday afternoon, we felt like old friends.
	The Bourke family at the finish - a big moment for us all. Another photo compliments of brother Scott.
	Lance Armstrong - At the Peloton Party, there is just no way for Lance to get around and give a piece of himself to every one there. I was lucky to share a brief moment with him mostly by sheer chance - OK, a little assertiveness on my part. A hand shake and a quick thank you. I think he gets it - how important that moment can be for a survivor.
	Waiting for the start of the Ride - I'm so ready to do this thing, I can hardly stand still. Hearing Lance read the LAF Manifesto live was another inspiring moment in this awesome weekend. Definitely gave me chills.
	Steve and Chris talk training over Shiner Bock - OK, so the Shiner Bock we shared probably isn't part of a regimented training program. But I knew I was ready to go and he said it was OK. If Chris thinks it's OK, it's OK.
	My Green Jersey reflecting the success of my project. My entry number is signed by Lance. I rode in Memory and in Honor of: My Uncle John Bourke Bridget "Nanna" Bourke Danny Elmore Don Ryan Susan Prosser's father Kelly Taylor's Papaw My friends and family who have battled and are living with or beyond cancer.
	Rest Stop 54 miles - A team of 6 Tour of Hope riders came whistling by me at about mile 45. They were so quiet and efficient and uniform as they came by, I could not resist the temptation to jump on their back wheel. They were mostly out of my league and I wouldn't be able to sustain their pace for the whole ride so I only hung on for about 4 miles. During that time we must have passed a hundred people. It was a real strong adrenaline rush to pump with them.
	Sun Rise at the Ride - Preparation and focus is everything - especially when you are getting ready to step up to a challenge that is based on a commitment made to a lot of important people over 6 months ago. Thanks again to all my family, friends, and supporters. I took your energy, your encouragement, and your prayers with me for a little 100 mile spin.
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