Mr. Beanz

Hmm, after watching the Clyde GMR video a few times, I've watched the final words by PhotoJoe. I thought it was a great thing that we all did the village that day but most of all, I think I missed the ENORMOUS victory accomplished on PJ's part. I'm actualy sorry that I was lacking enough oxygen in my brain after the climb to realize what a feat he had accomplished that day.

Back in August PJ sent me a PM thanking me for posting videos and such. I had never had any contact with PJ before that. He described his condition with cancer and as converstaion went on, he had mentioned his desire to one day do GMR. OK, I thought the shack would be great and he did it. But that was not good enough for a guy the could counquer cancer, now he wanted to do the village!

Another one of my friends had been battling cancer the sametime PJ had his battle. Our good friend Boyd of 16 cycling years thought he had conquered cancer as well. I was pretty happy thinking tha he would someday be back on the bike with us after he emailed me with the good new, he was free and ready for his summer vacation cruise to Europe. Gina and I were just so happy that he was well and we would see him again on the bike. Couple of months went by and we hadn't seen him yet so I emailed the guy with some funny material. Wow, a week went by and no response, vey unlike Boyd so we hoped everything was ok. A week later, I got an email from his wife saying he had passes. WHAT! So Sad, we lossed a VERY good friend.

Brings me to our other friend Mad_One (Robert), a SoCal poster. Another cancer patient who was not allowed to ride any longer according to Doc's orders. But he would return some day he said. We waited and waited for 2 years but never did he remount. But we kept in touch and I always wished him the best. We aren't really sure what happened other than he was killed in a car accident a few months back. From what we understand, he was driving home from treatment (why?), passed to and slammed into a tree. Thrity something years old, way too young!


So then this brings me back to PhotoJoe and his grand journey and gigantic goal to do GMR. Now that I have thought about it for a few days, just WOW!!

He conquered the shack, then the village. Something even not so many healthy riders have done or are even willing to try! Not sure whyI didn't think about it that day but the things we talked about WHILE he was going through his treatment, like he says in the video, he was watching my videos during that time, I didn't think to do a PhotoJoe special SURVIVE AND CONQUER interview.

Well with the loss of our two good friends, I must say that I am so happy to hear of PJ's continued good health other than a minor obstacle here and there compared to what he has already conquered. Publicly I want to wish him well and apologize for not paying attention to the monumetal achievement he met that day, not only on the bike, but in heart and life!

Keep on Keepin' on PJ!

Shellyrides

You are a inspiration Photo Joe !

TrojanHorse

You know, it's also interesting to note that he only got a road bike in July - perhaps you recall the incessant "3 more weeks" type threads he started.

It's just nice riding with a guy who doesn't point out that he's beaten cancer every 10 seconds or so.

But in all seriousness, well done PJ. I think perhaps you should reward yourself with a Helix. Ha ha.

chefisaac

He is the man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

volosong

Wow! What a story. Good on ya, PJ.

Next time I complain about anything, slap me upside the head and remind me how fortunate in life I have been.

JonnyHK 

The Man?

Can you all not see those two pink water bottles?

TrojanHorse

They were, em, light red.

volosong

The color of "cancer awareness". Quite appropriate. Also, pink is perfectly fine for men who are secure in their manhood.

lsberrios1 

Definitely a brave and strong man. I follow him on strava and that last 44 mile ride was incredible! Infinite kudos to you JOE!

PhotoJoe 

Wow. Um....I'm not sure what to say. Thank you.

I don't remember what I posted and what I didn't, but while I spent the 75 days in the hospital, I did spend a lot of time watching Beanz videos along with obsessing over what bike to buy. My option was Beanz videos or Days of Our Lives. Thank you, but I'll take the Beanz vidz. I was just getting back on my old RockHopper when I was diagnosed. I was losing weight and feeling really good. So, the videos really helped keep me focused, pass the time and live vicariously through those who got to be outside.

Beanz and I did talk about GMR, and I credit him for giving be the bug to climb it...and the encouragement to make it. Sunday was a huge emotional victory for me, and it's been a long time coming. Thank you!

I am unique. My cancer was unique. Very few have ever gone through EXACTLY what I did. However, I am by no means unique in having a challenge of some sort. I mean, take a look at Commute Commando. Dude almost dies on the bike, and he's out there beating it and coming back! My goal is to encourage others with challenges, no matter what they are, to get up and beat them. That is it. I loved that I got to with a GREAT group of people, too! I meant to give CC a shoutout in the recap video, and just plain forgot. So, CC, here it is. Missed you on the ride and YOU are 'da man. Thanks for being the encouragement that you are!

I only talk about it every 20 seconds, so don't exaggerate! And I wear the "Break Away from Cancer" jersey so if I forget to talk about it, I'm covered! BTW, a followup to our conversation at the Lodge, Sunday was a 10 bottle day for me. Have I ever mentioned that I had 14 cycles of chemo? And do you know what "Helix" means when translated to "marriage speak"? It means "divorce"!!!

NO! Just because someone has a battle to fight, it doesn't minimize anyone else's battle, no matter what it is!

OK, that's the third comment I've gotten about Pink bottles in the past few weeks. They're outa here!

PhotoJoe 

Thank you, Volosong! I appreciate the backup!

psalm

If I may add one thing, not only did PJ come back and conquer the mountain after battling cancer, he did it without one hamstring.

I remember the threads about wanting to ride GMR, and I remember telling my wife about it, and that I wanted to ride with you. I'm glad I did, and with everyone else as well. It was a pleasure riding with you, and sorry I didn't make the village ride, but I'll be there for the ski lifts ride that has yet to be planned.

Oh and can I add I love your sense of humor. To go through what you have gone through and still be able to laugh, and make me laugh is truly an inspiration.

Okay enough butt kissing!

PhotoJoe 

THANK YOU!!!! That's the most appropriate thing I've heard all day!

Ski lifts.....yah, I'm in. Just need to get in a little better shape I think! Maybe next season.

Chitown_Mike

Incredible PJ!

I am hoping to one day do the GMR, just need to find mountains in Illinois to climb to train on

PhotoJoe 

We are very fortunate to have some great climbing in any direction we look around here. And, we have a great group of people who get to ride together. Any C/A members that are going to find themselves in the LA area have to let us know. We'll try to setup a C/A ride.

BionicChris

It's always good to see somebody recovering from cancer and returning to kick butt, sometimes better than before! I am not a prolific poster on here, but I have spoken with PJ a few times before and seen his threads - it has been great reading the improvements.

Keep it up!

OiS

Well done PJ. I have had a number of people close to me that have had a brush with cancer, so I know how tough that can be to deal with. I wish you all the best and pray that you have it whipped for good!

If you ever find yourself travelling through Singapore, you'll have to give me a shout.

Cheers.