Bikepacking for Cancer
Fighting cancer one stroke at a time
Thankfully in the last few years, my confidence as a cyclist has grown and these days I often ride on my own. Now in my late 40s, I’m not as full of the self-loathing I felt in my 20s or as uncomfortable in my skin as I was in my cancer-filled 30s. In fact , these days, I’m proud to say I finally like myself.
So in the interest of putting this newfound self-confidence to the test, I’m going to spend this Memorial Day Weekend bikepacking alone.
My plan is two fold: successfully complete my first solo adventure, while also raising money for cancer care on #Nantucket. This 65-mile off-road ride will involve 2 days of biking and one overnight in the wilderness and comes on the heels of the viral “Man or Bear” debate @Laurakillingbeck recently wrote so eloquently about on Bikepacking.com, posing the question: should I be more worried about large animals in the dark or a run in with a potentially dangerous human? Needless to say, my mother flat out objects to my vacation plan.
In addition to presenting some emotional challenges, this ride is not likely to be physically easy. Before it’s over, I have to cover lot of miles and a lot of elevation on a fully loaded, 47lb mountain bike - all by myself. I’ve never done more than a few hours of riding alone, let alone 2 days and a night in the woods.
In addition to presenting some emotional challenges, this ride is not likely to be physically easy. Before it’s over, I have to cover lot of miles and a lot of elevation on a fully loaded, 47lb mountain bike - all by myself. I’ve never done more than a few hours of riding alone, let alone 2 days and a night in the woods.
What I have done though is spend many hours in a hospital room with a needle up my arm hoping desperately for another shot at a full life.
So when the plan makes me nervous, I tell myself that riding a bike for a couple of days and sharing Zs with the wildlife can’t possibly be worse than chemotherapy. I remind myself that this discomfort is where resilience, growth and fortitude live. In fact, this kind of challenge is a privilege.
The route I'm following was developed for and named after Matt Drake, who at the time of its inception, was fighting terminal cancer. When I read Matt’s story, I knew it would be extra special to ride this route not only in honor of all our Nantucket cancer warriors, but him as well.
Please support my SAA cancer charity campaign!
This is my 12th year participating in Nantucket’s Swim Across America Event and raising money for local cancer care. I hope you will support my adventure by making a donation here: 🔗 http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/goto/caitlinandsteve
Thanks in advance. See you in a few days. 🚵♀️🏕️🤙🏻
