Day 4…This is for you Shane Callaghan!

For those that feel compelled to donate to the pediatric cancer research…


Shane…Today was a lighter mileage day at 68 miles and significantly less elevation (3,813’) than we faced the first three days, but we didn’t want to take it easy since you didn’t have it easy. We climbed ~ 1,000’ in the first 7 miles and then we HAMMERED the sections that were safe enough to go all out!

It was the minimum we could do to honor you today! Your four year battle with osteosarcoma and the fact that the doctors took drastic measures to extend your life by amputating your left leg it a testament to your unwavering courage!!! Today’s ride was very painful and we all burned a bunch of “matches” in your honor.

For those that don’t understand what it means to burn a match… Simply put, to burn a match is just a way of saying that you did a hard effort. This may be up a climb or at the end of a time trial when you have pushed yourself to the limit. Think of it like this - at the start of a ride you have a match box full of matches and today we emptied that matchbox for you 🙏🏼


A little more about Shane and Osteosarcoma…

https://youtu.be/mokvfREO87M?si=CmL6IEibQ55qLxUj

Shane Callaghan died on October 22, 2019 surrounded by the love of his family Shane bravely fought osteosarcoma for four years. Shane was a smart, compassionate and a funny young man who liked playing baseball and basketball, riding his bike and spending time with his family and friends. He also love fishing football, and gaming, especially PlayStation.

Despite his own challenges, and dealing with pediatric cancer, he cared deeply about others, affected by the disease and worked hard to make their lives better. He remained active until the end, raising funds for research and increasing awareness about childhood cancer. He was especially proud to know that a new organization Shane’s Anglers was being developed to introduce cancer patients to the joys of fishing 🎣

Osteosarcoma is not a common cancer. Each year, about 1,000 new cases of osteosarcoma are diagnosed in the United States. About half of these are in children and teens. Most osteosarcomas occur in children, teens, and young adults between the ages of 10 and 30. Osteosarcoma cancer mainly affects children and young adults under the age of 25 and has a survival rate of 65%.

Unfortunately, Shane was on the opposite end of that survival rate, but he left in incredible legacy…

Tomorrow we get up and do it all again…honoring another child with cancer. After today tomorrow’s gonna be even harder with over 110 miles of riding and 7000 feet of elevation. Saddle up!!!!!

















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