Riding with Lance Armstrong at Ride for the Roses

 Stunningly beautiful Texas day -- here is a picture before the ride with Lance (more to come)

Yes it's true (we've pinched ourselves repeatedly) Rhonda (my lovely wife) and I are off this weekend to participate in the Ride for the Roses LIVESTRONG cycling event in Austin Texas. We are guests of the 24 Hours of Booty Team and its founder, my good friend Spencer Lueders. And YES we are going to meet Lance ~ in fact if all goes as planned I will have the honor of riding with Lance on Saturday (check back here for pictures and giddy commentary)

So why post about this, well first we are obviously bursting with excitement but more importantly I think it shows that if you dedicate yourself to something good and work tirelessly good things do happen. Rhonda loves cycling and it is her way to give back to the Charlotte community that has given her so much! As for me it has been a dream of mine to meet Lance ever since I bought a bike and started MojoRiding in 2005. Since that time Rhonda, me and our team (mostly) have raised over $250,000 for local Charlotte charities including $130,000 for the official LIVESTRONG event the 24 Hours of Booty which takes place each summer in Charlotte.

In Austin Rhonda and I will be riding (and wearing buttons) in memory of our cousins Dale and Janie and so many others we have come to know in our fight against cancer. We will hold a special place for local heroes Brandon Elam, Hope Stout and our new friend Ellie Potvin ~ young people who have and continue to battle cancer courageously. (please check out their websites - remarkable families who are giving back in Charlotte).

I will carry the thoughts of many, many more people (some of you reading this) whom I have come to know through my passion Buttons of Hope ~ you are all with me.

So wish us luck and please take some time to read more about the people who are making a difference at the links above or through the great stories here Behind the Button. Godspeed and makehope!