Century for Marie.

Some people say their heroes are magical or have super powers. My hero has the power of passion and unconditional love. I’m talking about my Pops. On Valentines Day, this past Saturday, my Pops and I rode our bicycles 102 miles in honor of my older sister Marie, who past away May 5^th, 2008, of blood cancer. “Team Marie” was the team my Pops trained with for 14 weeks, and raised over $3,000 for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. I did partial training while in Utah, (snowboarding) and didn’t get on my bike until I moved back to California. But I knew I would finish as long as I had the spirit and strength of my sister pushing me along the way. (Thanks Marie!)

There has been no greater feeling of accomplishing a physical beat down of the body than the one I had this past Saturday. I crossed the finished line with my Pops, and loved every hundred miles of riding next to him (except for the downhill parts). I felt the hard work my Pops put into this, and the many lives he has touch throughout his training. I am proud and honored to say that this 49 year old man is my hero! I want to be just like him when I grow up.

My step dad, Jose, not to long ago in September also rode a century in honor of Marie. The race was in Hawaii, and I wish I could have been by his side too.

We all miss you Marie, and we’ll keep you in our spirit as everyday goes by.