Dear Friends,

This will be my fourth LiveStrong Challenge in late October this year.  For all you who have continued to give, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope I will be honored with new contributors this year.  The last three rides have all carried different themes as you are aware.  For this year, I want to look back and say “that was an easy ride.”  Believe me, that was not what I would say in the past.  This year my riding has gone to a different level; I just need to be more consistent in my training. 
 
Regardless of all the noise we often hear about Lance Armstrong, LiveStrong is a dedicated organization supporting a wonderful and necessary cause.  Again, I will ride in honor of my mother (Ruth), sister-in-law (Joan), the mother of my sons (Marilyn, who is a survivor) and all your friends and family who have dealt with this dreaded disease, cancer.  It seems like no one has not been touched by it at some level and I am passionate about diminishing it in my lifetime.  I will train well and ride well for all who support me, so that I will honor your friends and family touched by this disease.
 
More than 10 million Americans are currently living with, through or beyond cancer, and more than 1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone.
 
I am going to ride my bike 60 or 90 miles and have a personal goal of raising at least $10,000 (I have personally made the first contribution and am currently at 53% of my goal) for the LiveStrong Foundation which was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist, Lance Armstrong, to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.  
Please remember donations of any size do count and are appreciated.  
I know I can do this with the support of friends like you. Would you please consider making a donation?
 
You can donate online at http://austin2011.livestrong.org/jimwiederhold or print a form from there and mail a check directly to LiveStrong.
 
Thank you in advance for your time and generosity. I’ll keep you updated on my fundraising and training progress as I prepare for the event.
 
Jim