Ride To Conquer Cancer - Jim's Story, and His Tips for New Riders
As a competitive cyclist in the 70s, Jim Finkel rode alongside some of the best cyclists in the world. He didn’t know it at the time, but his constant challenges to go faster, work harder, go longer distances, and fuel his body with proper nutrition got him in shape for the greatest challenge of his life – cancer.
And, in a way, cycling saved his life.
“Towards the end of 2012 I was having trouble breathing, either on or off the bike,” says the 61-year-old mechanical engineer. “I was unable to clear my nostrils as I rode, and when over-the-counter medications and antibiotics didn’t work, we knew it was time to take the next step toward a proper diagnosis.”
After scopes and scans revealed a tumor in his nasal cavity, Jim began an 18-month journey to treat cancer that involved two surgeries, and radiation therapy. But he barely took a break from his bike.
“When it was warm enough to ride outside, I immediately started to kick up my mileage while not pushing too hard,” says Jim. “Once I’d started radiation therapy, I was back up to doing at least four hours a week of saddle time on a bike.”
“Keeping my weight up during treatment was a challenge, but cycling actually helped. Though my sense of taste was dulled, I was used to getting calories back in to my body. I knew I had to eat and carefully match my calories in to calories burned, so I held weight throughout the process.”
Jim has joined the Abramson Cancer Center’s Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 150-mile ride that benefits cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.
“I can’t say enough about the Abramson Cancer Center,” says Jim. “My surgeon Dr. O’Malley, my oncologist, Dr. Chip Staddon at Penn Medicine at Radnor, and Dr. Geoffrey Geiger at both the Valley Forge and the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine always put me as a person in front of me as a patient. I want my story to give others hope.”
You don’t have to be a competitive cyclist to join the ride, however. In fact, Jim shares these tips for those people riding the event who may not be seasoned cyclists.
At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.
The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.
Before the ride, you will have access to:
During the ride, participants will have access to:
And, in a way, cycling saved his life.
“Towards the end of 2012 I was having trouble breathing, either on or off the bike,” says the 61-year-old mechanical engineer. “I was unable to clear my nostrils as I rode, and when over-the-counter medications and antibiotics didn’t work, we knew it was time to take the next step toward a proper diagnosis.”After scopes and scans revealed a tumor in his nasal cavity, Jim began an 18-month journey to treat cancer that involved two surgeries, and radiation therapy. But he barely took a break from his bike.
“When it was warm enough to ride outside, I immediately started to kick up my mileage while not pushing too hard,” says Jim. “Once I’d started radiation therapy, I was back up to doing at least four hours a week of saddle time on a bike.”
“Keeping my weight up during treatment was a challenge, but cycling actually helped. Though my sense of taste was dulled, I was used to getting calories back in to my body. I knew I had to eat and carefully match my calories in to calories burned, so I held weight throughout the process.”
Jim has joined the Abramson Cancer Center’s Ride to Conquer Cancer, a 150-mile ride that benefits cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center.
“I can’t say enough about the Abramson Cancer Center,” says Jim. “My surgeon Dr. O’Malley, my oncologist, Dr. Chip Staddon at Penn Medicine at Radnor, and Dr. Geoffrey Geiger at both the Valley Forge and the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine always put me as a person in front of me as a patient. I want my story to give others hope.”
You don’t have to be a competitive cyclist to join the ride, however. In fact, Jim shares these tips for those people riding the event who may not be seasoned cyclists.
- Get slick tires: Even if you are riding a mountain bike, swapping out the heavy tread for slick, thinner tires will help you maintain speed with less effort.
- Inflate your tires to their recommended levels: Again, this will be less work to ride.
- Proper fit: Regardless of the bike you ride, make sure it fits you. Take it to a bike shop and have a professional adjust your bike to you.
- Drink enough water: Jim loses about three pounds an hour during a ride. Make sure you rehydrate throughout the ride and at rest stops.
- Helmet: Always wear one!
- Know when to shift: It will make your riding easier.
- Get proper attire: Cycling shorts aren’t just nice, but necessary. Gloves can also act as a comfort measure; as well as protection should you fall off your bike.
The Ride to Conquer Cancer©
Join Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center (ACC) on October 11 to 12, 2014 in the Ride to Conquer Cancer© (RTCC)—an unforgettable and epic bike ride through Pennsylvania’s picturesque scenery -towards one life-changing destination: to cure cancer. The ride isn't just for cyclists, it's for anyone who wants to see a cure for cancer.At two-days and 150+ miles the RTCC will be a physical challenge—and an emotional and inspirational weekend—that will give you a chance to join forces with our physicians, patients, and families to leave everything on the bike course and raise serious funds and awareness in the ACC’s fight to cure cancer.
The funds raised through the ride will be put to use immediately, powering the ACC's vision to eradicate cancer as a cause of human disease and suffering through precision medicine, novel research, next-generation therapies, and compassionate care.
JOIN TODAY!
This event will be remarkable and will bring together communities of cancer survivors, cyclists, and their supporters with a common goal to conquer this disease. Join the ride in October by registering today at www.ridetovictory.org or by calling (844) 777-7433.Before the ride, you will have access to:
- Expert coaching
- Training rides in your area
- Personal web page for fundraising
- Helpful manual
- 2014 ride commemorative item
During the ride, participants will have access to:
- Event-day ride jersey
- Support along the route
- Catered meals
- Entertainment at camp
- Massage and medical care
Categories:
Ride to Conquer Cancer,
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