​As we reach the end of June, we’ve hit 1,000 miles. That’s a quarter way to our goal – keeping us on pace. You can get full mileage detail on our hub. We’ve been doing some beautiful riding in Solvang, CA, and the Greater Madison area of late.
 
Update on Max
 
I’d like to share an update on Max. Following surgery in May, he has experienced an infection near the operated area. This has led to a number of additional and unplanned trips to Seattle – and a slow uncomfortable recovery process. 
 
Max and family keep a good attitude – he joked with me recently that he is understanding what an off the scale “pain in the ass” it is, in reference to his colorectal cancer. Jokes aside, there remains the possibly of radiation/hyperbaric treatment in the near future. That means additional trips to Seattle for treatment – and all of these trips adding to transportation and logistical challenges. 
 
Blessings to Max, as he is also the first to always say that he hopes his story helps bring awareness to challenges faced by rural cancer patients and their families, and he is proud that this story has helped raise funding for many other families in need through Kathy’s House. These multiple long trips to receive treatment and care are the very types of challenges and costs that accompany many rural families seeking treatment. 
 
He continues to be strong and courageous – and strong and courageous for his family, even in the face of recent challenges. He inspires us on this ride.
 
Reflection on Mom
 
It’s the 4thof July. My brother and I will soon be doing some riding together in 
Northern Wisconsin – riding I look forward to and riding that conjures good memories. We used to bring our bikes up there as kids and would all ride together down the lake road as a family. Later as I got into road cycling as an adult, mom and I took rides down that same ride. 
 
We’d go up north just after the 4th.  As little kids on the 4thof July before going up north, Mom and Dad helped us put streamers on our bikes – and we’d participated in a bike 4thof July parade. It was a special time, a special activity – a way I’ll always remember the 4thand my dear Mom.
 
The last time we were all up north at the cabin together was July 2017. It would only be weeks later I learned Mom was stage 4 – and life forever changed. But up north was a special time. Mom had an ability to live in the present, following God on a path of peace. Not anxious, not fearful even of death, she always had time for morning devotion and mediation, time to walk, bike, listen to the birds, sit by the water. During the day up there – though not always feeling well, she always had time to play with the grand kids.  I remember how she played with them on the blanket by the water, and on the sand at the beach. I have a picture of Ella napping on “Grammy” after one busy morning. I remember Mom up there always smiling. Those were beautiful moments.
 
At the end of her life a few months later, the outward signs became much more apparent as the disease progressed in her body. She had constant nausea and stomach sickness, bodily pain, and fatigue to name a few. I can only imagine how much pain she was in. Throughout her battle with cancer she put on a brave face – 
Being the amazing Mom she was and protecting us from pain. 
 
But in the end you could see it. It was so very hard, sad, and agonizing to watch. If you’ve experienced it, you know it just breaks your heart. And yet even then, she would put on a smile, she’d be grateful with a few minutes with her grandkids, to sit and listen to music together, to read together, pray together. Just to be in the moment. Just to be together.  It was a difficult time, but those were beautiful moments. 
 
As this 4thof July arrives, let’s enjoy time together, with family, with friends. Every moment is a blessing.  Even in the midst of great challenge, there’s love and joy to be found. That’s one of many gifts of a loving mother to her children – thank you Mom. 
 
Blessings to you all and your families this holiday. 
 
- Chris & Mike 

​Sometimes the ride it bumpy. Weather conditions, rough trails or roads, gear issues. That’s true in life, too. Sometimes it's bumpy. But rather than see it only as bad, there is an opportunity to be grateful in all circumstances, too. I was reminded of this on a recent ride. 
 
My good friend and ride-supporter Kevin and I road out from Madison to Cambridge and back on a 50-mile loop. A casual spring ride that ended in 25 miles of steady rain – and my left crank came loose and off as a component on my crank set came ajar and off. This is truly rare! But I had the tools to fix it to make it back. And truth of the matter is, while you have to roll more cautiously when wet, there is a mystic and peaceful beauty in riding in such conditions. It was a beautiful ride with a good friend!

​Meanwhile, Mike is pedaling away in Los Angeles.  He’s found a challenging hill ride he enjoys in his area.  But making time to ride is a challenge. He’s in the midst of a very busy work period all while moving into a new house. But he’s committed and he is able to enjoy the rides, able to manage through the busyness of the moment, able to find time on the road. He's grateful for his job, a new place to live, and opportunity to bike.

​Different challenges, different circumstances, different opportunities to be grateful. 
 
Kathy’s House is so very grateful for the fact that your donations now will support 67 nights for families to stay! There is no shortage in need for families looking for lodging, in fact, demand at Kathy’s House far exceeds available space. But 67 nights is a huge blessing and reason to be grateful. We were featured on TMJ4 – NBC news in Milwaukee on Mother’s Day. In case you missed it, hear from one family at Kathy’s House and just how grateful they are: TMJ4 Mother's Day Milers
 
Max and his family are grateful for financial relief as the family faces additional challenges following his latest surgery.  Since, he has had to return to the hospital yet again and now likely faces radiation this summer.  
 
Our Mom embodied this approach of gratitude even in challenging situations as much as anyone I’ve know – a great example to us all. In this fight against cancer as we stand with Max and rural families at Kathy’s House, we are grateful for the unified support from all of you. Grateful to with you collectively make a little difference, one family, one night’s stay, one mile, one ride at a time.
 
Many blessings to you all – Chris & Mike