Monday, June 29, 2009

Liam's Ride with Lance Armstrong-Link to LIAMLIVESTRONG Video Clip




The last few of days have been incredible, but before I say more, let me tell you that today we met Lance Armstrong. It was not like a “hello, how are you” kind of meeting. It was an introduction that took place in the Alps, on the bike, and during the last kilometer of a very hard climb. Incredibly, Lance actually took the time to slow it down a bit, and we were able to ride over the top of the Col de la Colombiere with him. Liam will always remember this day -- Liam and Lance two fellow riders sharing their love of cycling on a perfect summer’s day in the mountains of France.



Lance is an incredible athlete and human being. I had never met Lance before today, but have always admired his athletic accomplishments, and his important work in the fight against cancer. Lance’s return to cycling is he saying to the world, “come on guys we can’t sit back on our heels. There is a lot more work to be done, now!” As an acupuncturist, working in the western medical system, I see many cancer patients for palliative care for complications from their disease and side effects of their treatments. People (individuals, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters) die everyday from this disease. The status quo is not acceptable. Much more needs to be done. Lance Armstrong and his foundation provide both inspiration and material support for this effort.

One of the goals for the Father/Son Tour is to bring awareness to the important work that needs to be done in the battle against cancer. We also want to bring attention to a proactive approach to health. Exercise and healthy food needs to replace some of the video games and junk food that are all too common in today’s lifestyle. Our hope is that some kids, or even whole families, will see our blog, and that it will encourage them to get more active together. What Liam is doing, in France, is extreme for a kid his age, but it all started with a passion, and some quality father/son rides that just, over time, started to grow longer.

I have to say that a lot of our inspiration came from watching Lance in July on the same roads that we met him on today.

Allez! Lance. Live strong!

15 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your story! I'll be following and enjoying your view of the Tour along with you. Liam is awesome! Ride!

    jayjay

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  2. Awesome story! I loved the video and, you are right, Liam will never forget this one!

    One note- could you please adjust his helmet? Gotta cover the forehead. Not safe this way...

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  3. Men....... I think that that should be a dream came true.... Both things: sharing that lifestyle with your son, an also having the opportunity to pedal for some time with Lance.... I'm a triathlete, i love bike riding, and I was lucky enough to have my father riding with me a couple of times when i was a kid..... It's great!!!

    Good luck for your journey, don't stop!!!

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  4. Great day for all of us, and a wonderful installment on the blog. Dad/Grmp Billy

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  5. What a great day for you and Liam; also a wonderful installment to the Blog. Keep up the good writing, and Liam, keep it under 30 mph on the downhills. Love, Dad/Grmp Billy

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  6. The video of Liam riding with Lance made my day, and made the days of many of my co-workers as well. What thrill!

    It's an awesome thing you two are doing. What a bonding experience! And the memories will last a lifetime.

    And I have to second the suggestion to get Liam a helmet that fits. He may as well not even be wearing one.

    God Bless!

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  7. I saw the video on livestrong.com, fantastic!
    Good luck and have fun the next weeks.

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  8. I am so proud of you, Liam. How wonderful that one of your BIG dreams came true. Your ride with Lance is watched over and over. Your brothers love it and have big, proud smiles on their faces as they watch. What a lucky young man you are to have parents who understand your need to do this type of activity. Have you fixed your helmet???? I love you to infinity and beyond. Hugs GaGa/Gugi (lol)

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  9. Awesome! you guys ROCK! Liam, keep working hard, having fun and staying fit...it will pay off later in life no matter what you do.

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  10. I think Liam needs a polka dot jersey!

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  11. I saw the Video on Lance's Twitter site - and just wanted to say what a great story of a totally chance meeting.Well Done to Liam - he also should be an inspiration to many - Just like his Idol !

    Best Wishes from England !

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  12. Fantastic!

    Good luck and please adjust your son's helmet so that it will help protect him.

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  13. Wow! You really rode with LANCE ARMSTRONG! I wonder how it felt like to ride with him!

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  14. Excellent ! Nice vids too... What bike is Liam riding (28" wheels ?), couldn't find it on Trek's website...

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