Hello All,

It’s good to see so many people “Do’ing More” to help in such a good cause. I have been affected by cancer my whole life. Love ones I have lost due to cancer; childhood best friend age 22, grandfather age 72, mother age 62, father age 64 and just this past December my father in-law age 78. This does not paint a pretty picture for my future. So I have finely decided to “Do More” by getting off my ass and raising a little money to help the cause.

I am taking part in the Philly Livestrong challenge and will ride the 100 mile ride in memory of my father in-law Albert E Stefancin (Alby). Seventeen years ago I hung up my racing shoes. With the passing of my father in-law I have decided to get totally fit again, as a cyclist goes. My Kestrel 200 SC was set up for flat roads with a 42/53 chain rings and 12-21 cassette. Yes it’s a seven speed and regardless I still ride up to 75 mile in around 4hr and 45min with average speeds of 18-19 miles hr with about 1500 ft elevation total trip. Not too bad after 17 years for a 45 yr old. O’well I do have some gearing changes coming. I put on a 39 tooth inner chain ring and now can stay seated for most of my climbs. Now I am getting a new 13-25 cassette. It was tuff to find a Shimano 600 UniGlide (Pre Ultegra Groupo) cassette. I found it at The Third Hand/Loose Screw (www.thethirdhand.com).

I am really looking forward to that 100 miles with the 8000 feet of elevation. I want to feel the suffering as it’s only a millionth of what people with cancer will suffer. I will LiveStrong for them.

I’m really not very good at raising money and I think this is the first time since selling church candy as a kid. Well I hope to see and meet some people at the event. Take care.

My fundraising efforts web page is here:

http://philly07.livestrong.org/jrokowski

James