This weekend was Cleveland Clinic’s bike to cure event, VeloSano.

My mom and I both rode the 50-mile challenge. Talk about a GREAT event! From the race volunteers, to the food, to the course itself, this was a well run and thought out event. AND even better – 100% of the money raised went to cancer research at Cleveland Clinic.

The minimum fundraising requirement for the 50-mile challenge was $1,000 each. So with my mom and I both riding we had to raise $2,000. Even before signing up, her and I were both a little concerned if we would be able to raise that kind of money, but after much though about it we decided to just go for it. If we had to pay the remaining balance ourselves then we at least knew it was going to a great cause.

SO after four months of fundraising – we went into VeloSano weekend with $1,638 raised for cancer research. I am completely shocked by how much we were able to raise! Yes we will still have to pay the remainder ourselves, but that is still a ton of money and my heart is full after so many friends and family members stepped forward to donate to our cause. We are so incredibly grateful and blown away by the amount of support we received! To show our support, we asked donors (if they wanted) to share the names or initials of loved ones affected by cancer and we rode with the names on our bikes as a reminder to why we were out there.

The weekend took off on Friday night at the VeloSano kick-off party. It was located at Mall B downtown. This event did such a great job at getting everyone excited for the next day’s festivities.They had all you can eat and drink (of the adult variety too) and it was catered by the amazing Zack Bruell Events (but seriously BEST FOOD EVER)! They also had a mini expo with tons of great vendors giving away all sorts of things and doing demos and games. There were also two large tents to sit under and listen to an amazing band and eat and just enjoy yourself. The weather was so insanely perfect too.

VeloSano offered bike racking on Friday night so we wouldn’t have to worry about getting our bikes downtown early on Saturday. This was such a great idea and we were glad at 7AM on Saturday when we didn’t need to worry about loading and hauling our bikes around.

Some of the doctors and staff came up on stage where the band was playing and talked about the event. They also played inspiring patient stories on two large screens facing the audience. It was so humbling and inspiring to know that the money we raised was going to help patients with cancer.

It was an amazing experience and more than a few times throughout the night I made note of how excited and thankful I was to be a part of it.

Also included in our registration was an awesome swag bag full of great stuff. A bike light, a water bottle, tons of free samples, a great VeloSano jersey and much more!

On Saturday the 50-mile ride took off at 8:30AM. We got down there around 7:30 and had time to get our bikes, eat a bagel, take some pictures and then line up. We were so excited! The race started and we winded through downtown Cleveland for a good few miles. This part was so fun as a lot of people were out and about cheering and my mom and I just road along chatting.

The ride itself went fairly fast and although there were a few good hills, I found it to be a decent and fun course. The weather was beautiful and sunny, pushing 85 degrees. I had no complaints and barely noticed it (I do well in the heat).

My Garmin tracked the course at 52 miles, which is fine, but I was a little bummed to be done. I still wanted to ride! After the ride we had more amazing food and enjoyed a few beers in the sun. Talk about a great day!

Already I am sad it’s over and already I am thinking about doing it next year again. The only thing is the fundraising. It’s A LOT. I know it goes to a great cause, I just don’t like hounding people for donations. We were SO lucky that so many people stepped up and did donate after a few Facebook posts and emails. If you haven’t donated yet and want to, we are still fundraising the rest of our $2,000 until October 1. Please donate here.

Overall I would give VeloSano an A+. The event was outstanding on every level of support and it all went for a great cause.

This weekend I have the Cleveland Triathlon – my FIRST Olympic distance! I am nervous about the swim, but I’ve read that since we are swimming in the harbor, it’s usually pretty calm. I think it will be a great event and it’s all located downtown, plus the weather is supposed to be nice. The biggest thing I have to remember going into Sunday’s race is CONFIDENCE. I know I can complete every single leg of the race and there’s no time pressure considering I’ve never done this distance before. When I get too caught up in racing and competition and nerves I have to remind myself that triathlons are supposed to be fun. I like doing this. It forces you out of your comfort zone and makes you feel alive. Why wouldn’t I want to experience that?!

Life is GOOD. Plus I road my bike to work today so by 6:30PM I will have gotten in just over 30 miles. Seems like a pretty good little Thursday to me. Oh and 37 days until we get married 🙂