Greetings! I’ve signed up for this charity fundraiser for the Cancer Center at the University of California Irvine for a fourth consecutive year. And with donors' help, I hope to achieve the status of VIP fundraiser for the fourth year.

This true story is my inspiration for this year’s ride: On a ride on Feb 22 of this year, I was wearing my UCI-ACC jersey from 2024’s event and was stopped at a light when a car rolled up next to me. Seeing the jersey, the driver asked “Do you raise money for cancer research?” I replied “Yes”. Him: “I have cancer.” Me: “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Him: “Don’t be. I’m 9 months into radiation treatment, and in 3 months I’ll be cured. I’m a lucky man. And it’s thanks to people like you who help raise money.” Then the light turned green, and he waved and drove away. I’m not even sure whether he heard me respond “Good luck, and God bless.”

This fellow didn’t know – or care - whether I raised ten dollars or ten million dollars, but he absolutely turbocharged my energy level for the rest of that ride. I wanted to sign up for the 2025 event right then and there! And I'd like to make this pledge: this year I will match every dollar that is contributed to my ride, by all contacted donors and any of their referrals. So give generously if you’re so inclined, and get that match. Let’s make this our biggest year ever.

Many thanks again to all who contributed to this event in previous years. For any who would like to help again this time around, I’d sure welcome and appreciate your support. Please, once again no pressure to donate. May cancer forever stay far away from you and your families, and may tailwinds always be at your back.