The Tour de Max is a bicyle ride in memory of a lady named Max Seales Yonker. I didn't know Max, but she sounds like she was one heck of a woman. Max passed away from cancer in May of 2005. The tour and the Max Seales Yonker Foundation was established by her friends and family to keep her memory alive and to raise funds for various cancer fighting organizations. Funds raised by MSYF provide grants to organizations like the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The Tour de Max is an extremely challenging ride than tours the Santa Cruz Mountains. The metric century is one of the toughest organized charity rides that I have ever ridden. As I struggled over the unforgiving climbs known to locals at Page Mill Rd and Tunitas Creek among others, I seriously questioned if I had the fitness to turn the crank just one more revolution. These moments gave pause and the gratitude that I am able, no matter what speed or at what fitness, to use my body athletically.
As the ride progressed and the fatigue accumulated in my body, I thought many times about friends and family I have lost to cancer. I thought about Xterra champion, Jamie Whitmore, who is currently in her own brutal race against cancer. I know Jamie would give anything to be on her bike, willing her legs to churn the cranks and he heart to beat as fast as it can pump.
The next time you walk, ride a bike, do a cartwheel, toss a frisbee, run around the block or pick up your child or pet, be grateful for what you CAN do. Then think about getting out and supporting some charity events, like a walk, run or bike ride. It is good for you and unfortuneately, chances are, someone you know will someday need help from an organization like those supported by the Max Seales Yonkers Foundation.
The Tour de Max is an extremely challenging ride than tours the Santa Cruz Mountains. The metric century is one of the toughest organized charity rides that I have ever ridden. As I struggled over the unforgiving climbs known to locals at Page Mill Rd and Tunitas Creek among others, I seriously questioned if I had the fitness to turn the crank just one more revolution. These moments gave pause and the gratitude that I am able, no matter what speed or at what fitness, to use my body athletically.
As the ride progressed and the fatigue accumulated in my body, I thought many times about friends and family I have lost to cancer. I thought about Xterra champion, Jamie Whitmore, who is currently in her own brutal race against cancer. I know Jamie would give anything to be on her bike, willing her legs to churn the cranks and he heart to beat as fast as it can pump.
The next time you walk, ride a bike, do a cartwheel, toss a frisbee, run around the block or pick up your child or pet, be grateful for what you CAN do. Then think about getting out and supporting some charity events, like a walk, run or bike ride. It is good for you and unfortuneately, chances are, someone you know will someday need help from an organization like those supported by the Max Seales Yonkers Foundation.
