Help a struggling cyclist be Strong

[qeaou]

Dear Avid Cyclists,
First of all, don't treat this thread as a joke or anything like that,
it was not easy to put it together and it is serious.

A close cyclist friend (who I respectfully have to treat as anonymous in this forum)
Has been diagnosed early this year with stage 4 pancreatic cancer,
(I just learnt about this 2 months ago, and since supported him.
He has always been an avid cyclist and a contender in races,
(he always called himself the criterium master) - he has also participated as a B grade pro cyclist for 4 years (1994-1998)

Anyway, chemo did not show improvements, this type of cancer is spreading rapidly and at this point is a matter of managing rather than cure.
I started talking cycling with him and focused on the great and good things,
We stayed away from topics such as his treatment, career and just focused on the "hopefulls",
He was very enthusiastic since we started talking again, and his wife told me he started cycling again,
despite low energy levels.

I know there is not much we can do about his treatment, but I know there is something we can do about having him motivated and smiling.

I have engaged myself and riders I know, as well as a few bike shops and some contacts on local teams to do one thing (little response so far)
shoot as many pictures with a sign "Rob Be Strong!" so that I can send those to him or compile something.
I have engaged myself in going to all major scenic rides before the end of this year (hopefully we are not too late)
and always shooting a photo with the sign.

All in all, sorry for coming forward with this huge thing out of the blue,
but I don't think we have much time, and I just want to do something good.

If I could ask you guys to read this post and consider, perhaps joining in, I am sure this would make a World of difference.
I have started slowly with two photos, which are crap so far (but it is hard to take a photo of yourself with a phone)
(i have tried to engage social media, but it just simply does not work with people who do not love cycling, such as us)
If you have any questions about this just send me an personal message.

The only thing I would kindly ask, if you are up for it,
is too shoot photos during your rides with the sign.
(I always try to attach my first sign, but this is just a start, I think we can do much better, and am working hard to accomplish this)

Again, if this thread is out of place, or not relevant, I am sure admins will remove it,
but this is real,
and I am sure we can do something good - at least keep the guy smiling!

[ldrcycles]

I reckon it's a really nice idea, and i'm doing a ride tomorrow through some great scenery which should lend itself to a pic or 2. Good on you mate.

[Dan]

I think Wal and I can rustle up one or two tomorrow on the Redlands. Great idea and the kind of thing friends do for one another.

[RonK]

Where will the pictures be posted? Perhaps right here, where he can see them? I'm touring NZ in a few weeks, and no doubt will have some very scenic photo opportunities.

[greyhoundtom]

This is certainly a very worthy cause.

The first idea that popped into my head was a rear photo of a bunch ride all displaying a “Rob be Strong” sign on the back of their jerseys.

It would only need to be printed on an A4 sheet just to obtain the photo.

Unfortunately I’m not in a position to organise this ......................any bunch riders that would like to take this on?

Tom

[foo on patrol]

Nothing to be sorry in posting this up. It's what mates do isn't it, being there for support when needed.

I spent yesterday with one of my best mates that has prostate cancer that has spread to his shoulders and head and it was a hell of a boost for him.

Foo

[Dan]

Wal showing support on the Redlands this morning.

[Wal42]

I have Dan holding up the same sign on the start of my video's, once I've uploaded it to you tube, I'll post a link.

It'll take a few hours for all of the video's to upload but here's the first one with the sign right at the start, I hope he takes just a little motivation from it.


http://youtu.be/LgK-ny2v3H0

[qeaou]

Wal showing support on the Redlands this morning.

Absolutely speechless!!

Thanks, you did a great thing.

[qeaou]

I have Dan holding up the same sign on the start of my video's, once I've uploaded it to you tube, I'll post a link.

It'll take a few hours for all of the video's to upload but here's the first one with the sign right at the start, I hope he takes just a little motivation from it.


http://youtu.be/LgK-ny2v3H0

This is amazing!
Thats so much for taking the time and effort to create this great video

[qeaou]

This is certainly a very worthy cause.

The first idea that popped into my head was a rear photo of a bunch ride all displaying a “Rob be Strong” sign on the back of their jerseys.

It would only need to be printed on an A4 sheet just to obtain the photo.

Unfortunately I’m not in a position to organise this ......................any bunch riders that would like to take this on?

Tom

I will try to figure something out to organise,
will keep in touch, in the meantime,

Thanks to all for great feedback and support.
This is really a great thing to see.

If you are having any issues with submitting your photos,
I am working on a solution to be able to upload, will keep you posted,
the temporare site was set up at www.robbestrong.com - I just need to create a way to be able to upload and comment,
coming very soon

[qeaou]

For any facebook users,
http://www.facebook.com/RobBeStrong

Uploaded a couple of recent photos already.
Thank you all for great support and a great cause,
this WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

[ldrcycles]

My effort for today, the top of Obi Obi near Mapleton, Qld.

[birdbrain]

Sorry to hear about your good mate Rob.

[oldnewby]

took this today before my morning ride.

[qeaou]

Sorry to hear about your good mate Rob.

Thanks very much for the kind words mate,
we have to appreciate the life we have and the strength we have in our legs to do what we do.

[qeaou]

took this today before my morning ride.

This is really great,
Thank you very much for the support, you really did something extraordinary,
supporting a friend and fellow cyclist in need you don't even know personally,
respect!

[oldnewby]

no worries qeaou, i understand that a small gesture from someone like me can mean a hell of a lot to someone else. hope he's managing ok, and he continues to get support from fellow cyclists.

[qeaou]

no worries qeaou, i understand that a small gesture from someone like me can mean a hell of a lot to someone else. hope he's managing ok, and he continues to get support from fellow cyclists.

Thanks.
The big day is 21 Oct, where he finds out the results of the next round of treatment.
I am working hard to compile everything before then, and regardless or the result continue the effort.

[ColinOldnCranky]

For Rob - And I hope that every other odd cyclists will do the same.

[ColinOldnCranky]

...and why stop there?

[DW260]

Very thoughtful and very respectful. Good on you.

[ldrcycles]

Good work colin, laughter is the best medicine after all .

[qeaou]

...and why stop there?

THIS IS EPIC!

Much Respect!

[qeaou]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zoAHyuJQmw