Pictures...aka, Proof They Biked!

Post ride awesome.


Presenting 16k to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.



It's all for Catie.

A great shot of cyclists in action.

Beautiful.

At the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

About to ride!

Chris Brewer pumping up the team.

Cycling is a family thing.

The power of determination.

Absolutely a family thing.

Victory.

All Things Beautiful

You won't feel sorry for me. But really, you should. I know there are jobs harder and more complicated than mine, but today, right now, I can't think of one.

The Viva Catie II: From Tennessee to Texas bike ride conquered the streets of Austin, Texas, rounding the corner to East 6th, and with great nobility finished the last leg of this journey to clapping hands and weeping hearts.

And I, with the inadequacies of all that I love about the English language, I have to attempt to share this moment with you. In all honesty, the only word that even begins to let you you into this triumphant and humble moment of victory: beautiful.

It was beautiful.

So much about living life in this broken world involves breathing in and walking through things that are ugly. But then a journey like this begins, and it's possible that all things that hold beauty and grace shine lighter than the darkness.

The day began as each day of this journey began: a carb-filled breakfast, last minute filling of water bottles, loading of bikes, and group prayer. Today held a bit of a change. Cyclists from the Lance Armstrong Foundation joined the Viva Catie team for the ride into Austin. What a sight to behold! They set off and were soon cresting a hill. From the cars, we had a perfect shot of all 54 feet pedaling in unity. And that's when it first hit:

This sight is beautiful.

Almost 45 miles marked the route from last night's place of rest (Bastrop) to the new Lance Armstrong Foundation Headquarters. These miles would be hard for many of our cyclists who were used to biking 20-30 mile legs of this trip. We didn't know who would make it all the way into the Foundation, or who would raise a humble hand and enter Austin buckled-in. They had come this far; we prayed their strength would rise with the day.

One of the neatest things I've learned on this trip has been the biking lingo: SAG, flight lead, and car up were not in my vocabulary 10 days ago. In route today, you could hear the cyclists call out to each other the dangers of the road ahead. With one patient eye, an entire team can be saved. Hearing them call "car up", "debris", and other words of caution, words designed to protect those who make up the path you too travel, caused my heart to thumb with that word again:

Beauty.

And then they came. They came with great strength down 6th, turning left, and easing the pain of a 1200 mile journey with the fruits of great victory. They labored hard. Some days they labored with the intensity of giants, others they labored in less physical ways, but the toll was there. As the great celebration of a well-battled journey went on, you could see in each cyclist's eyes the pride in having run well the race.

There is was again. Beauty in all it's many forms. One of the best song lines is about Grace. Bono reminds us that Grace makes beauty out of ugly things. Death is ugly. Broken lives and broken hearts are ugly. Dreams unfulfilled are ugly. But he's right, Grace makes beautiful those many horrible things.

Catie's death was ugly. The suffering, the absent pain, the present agony, all these things were ugly. But today, handing over $15K to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in honor of Catie, that was beauty. Living out loud her request to have 100% of people working on finding a cure for this ugly disease, that was beauty. Painful days of 105 degree Texas heat was ugly.

But today? Today was simply beautiful.

If This Were Just A Bike Ride

It isn't always what it appears to be. You pick the "it".

Viva Catie II gathered tonight in Bastrop, Texas after the final day of all-day biking. Circling together to talk about the things of wonder tomorrow will bring, each member of this team shared their reasons for being a part of this journey.

If this were just a bike ride, sleep would have been more essential than finding rest in each other's promises of hope.

Each group biked a long leg of today's trip. We had two bikers pulled due to the extreme heat. We had experienced bikers struggling to ride up what I am fairly sure were small mountains. We met with conditions that stretched the human spirit to the point of almost collapse.

If this were just a bike ride, ending the day early, and putting bikes on cars and riders in seats, would have been seen as the failure of an attainable goal.

Leadership happens when you least expect it. We've seen bikers push each other to ride - challenging each other to find the point of victory in each struggle. We've laid witness to the very physical and spiritual concept of carrying anothers burdens.

If this were just a bike ride, cyclists would be shot on demand for entering into another biker's sacred riding space.

But this isn't just a bike ride. It isn't. The biking is the physical manifestation of what we can't really explain or touch. This ride is about things so much bigger, so much wider, so much more intent than words can describe.

In the morning, several cyclists from the Lance Armstrong Foundation will join the Viva Catie team and bike into Austin, Texas. I imagine words will yet again fail me.

This bike ride that is so much more will be over tomorrow. Six days that changed lives and the world.

If this were just a bike ride, well, this would be a waste of time.

Approaching the Heat of Day 5

It's the last day of the long rides and boy are the cyclists feeling it. I was informed today the correct term is not riders. My apologies and promise it won't happen again. Unless I forget. The third team is on the road now. Each group is pushing to their stopping point.

Adding to the heat, the cyclists (see, I will create a new habit) are encountering strong head winds coming off the left shoulder. We're all seeing 20 mph gusts and that can't make riding fun.

Prayers for endurance, prayers for strength, prayers for humility, these are all needed.

You'll hear from us again in Bastrop. We'll be riding in there strong.

What All of This Is Really About

I meant to post this morning when we crossed into Texas, but I was too busy looking for State Road 26. So remember where you were at 2:09 CST and celebrate with us. We crossed into Texas!!!!!!!!

(we now return to the regularly-scheduled programming)

Life is precious. Living each day is sacred. No moment is off limits to radically change you.

We've had a long day. A hot day. A long, hot, and draining day. A few minor bike falls in 165 miles isn't too shabby. The team rode in the extreme heat of the day and rocked it out. Viva Catie added 3 more bikers, bringing the total to 20 souls who are changing the world while they pedal. As the people multiply, so do the blessings. Each person on this journey adds to the already spicy mix a wonderful new element of fun, hope, and grace.

Everything is bigger in Texas. And this includes the temperature. Tomorrow is set to be 106 degrees. We'll be making game-time decisions all day about pulling riders off the road. Please continue to pray for the health and safety of our riders. We're forcing fluids and keeping a very close watch on everyone. For the moms out there, everyone is a-okay.

A small but important part of this ride is the thing that happens when you least expect it- 27 people become 1. You don't always get to see it when it occurs. Sometimes a group shows up at the destination as a complete unit and sometimes as individual pieces that never form anything coherent. It was an honor to watch these people form one breathing, growing, and quickly-moving unit. I can't point to a time on the clock as to when, but I knew the moment we pulled into the hotel in Cleveland, Texas that we were all one.

Being one means we rejoice over success and we weep over heartache. Today two members of the Viva Catie team lost a close family friend (you know those people, they aren't related to you by blood but they should have been) in a plane crash. I've heard today what a wonderful man Bret Smith was and the Viva Catie team is lifting up those who knew and loved him.

It is no secret this trip is not only a fundraising venture, but a way to honor Catie Summers. The bikes hit the pavement to continue to live and to celebrate life the way Catie did. Part of life is showing up to each day, yes, but the other part is to speak for those who no longer add their voice to the harmony of creation. Speaking for those doesn't always mean using words. It is quite often a much-needed and well-timed hug or kind word. It's saying "I love you." It's living each day out loud, with as much passion as your human body can muster. It's standing in silent wonder at the compassion found in the human spirit.

Simply, it is finding the numinous part of every person you encounter, of every minute you live, of every task you are blessed to perform. It's finding that element of your life and thanking the Almighty for the breath you take in and the steps you find yourself taking.

Viva Catie.

Life is precious. Living each day is sacred. No moment is off limits to radically change you.

Unsigned Roads

Today brought a bit of a different perspective for me as I played navigator all day. Used to topping out at my directional abilities with "hey, turn left-ish at the 3rd or 4th tree," finding my inner Magellan was a bit of a challenge. Luckily (thanks be to God) we are all tucked away safe and sound in Opelousas, Louisiana for the night.

The gang road about 160 miles on some long, hard, un-even, Louisiana backroads. This was the first of the very hard days and all four teams did very well. The ride is set up in a very methodical and logical way (reminds me of one part of the LSAT exam): four teams, four SAG vehicles, one lead vehicle, and four different drop off/pick up points. Being off the Natchez Trace means not only a lack of a biker-friendly road, but the inability to spread out across the parkway. Starting today, and until we ride triumphantly into Austin, all the vehicles stay together. Think a conga-line on four wheels, with walkie-talkies, and way more fun.

Indeed, this method of traveling does mean we travel at a slower clip than the last two days. A much slower clip. But it means something wonderful - we get to travel together and watch each group ride. The groups are loosely broken into comfortable speeds for the bikers, ie the fastest biker won't bike with the less experienced biker (If I were biking, I'd still be in Nashville peddling, so there's not really any group to which I'd belong). Many of these roads today were full of hills, potholes, and came at the end of long legs of travel.

I shouldn't have been surprised - the Viva Catie team never ceases to pull together for each other. As the novice bikers rounded the last mile of their first 20 mile journey today, I turned and saw three carloads of bikers hanging out of windows (all in complete safety. promise), cheering Dagger Group onto their stopping point.

Playing my assistant navigator role, I was looking for the unsigned road that turned off of another unsigned road. Worried wouldn't begin to describe the mood- I couldn't lead them astray. The thing was, the bikers didn't know. Didn't have a clue.

Could have been the walkie-talkies were out of range, but I'm willing to bet they were too busy cheering the trying-to-be-peloton along to notice.

Let how much it all matters pry me off dead center.

What an amazing day. Four groups on the last 160 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway rode with strength, wisdom, and a whole lot of fun. I wish I could fit you all into a satchel and carry you with me. You'd love it. If laughter is good for the soul, this trip is good for the entire spiritual journey.

Four teams, 17 bikers, and 160 miles. For my team alone, (I've learned every measurement needs some perspective) 18 peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches. They rode well today, the riders not the sandwiches, and the reward was sweet- some much needed pool time followed by amazing Cajun cuisine. If I didn't hate the bugs here so much, I might have to move to Natchez, Mississippi and learn to bake French Etouffee.

Let how much it all matters pry me off dead center.

Said here before many times, but these bikers are amazing. At tonight's team meeting, two team members shared the times in their journeys they truly began to show up for life. Every minute the Viva Catie team rides, I have the incredible blessing to watch each of them show up for life.They are motivated by a power greater than themselves, driven to accomplish a mighty goal (1/3 of the way completed), and determined to live fully each minute of the life they are given.

For the past few months, part of a prayer has lingered. I've pondered it in my heart and asked the Lord to show me what exactly this prayer looks like in real life.

Turns out, asking the Lord to let how much it all matters pry me off dead center looks a lot like this-

Good night from Natchez, Mississippi. Tomorrow will be a hard, long, and hot ride. We're ready and riding for Catie.

Pics from Day 2 (and a few from Day 1)

Two of the teams riding today

Group photo from the start of the ride



SAG (vehicle support) drivers, navigators,
water-bottle fillers, sandwich makers, and
wonderful spirits



Another group shot from yesterday

A Good Signal is Hard to Come By!

While we've got a good signal on this stretch of the Natchez Trace, I thought I'd let you know how wonderfully the day is going. Viva Catie is rocking and rolling!!!

Several teams are on the road right now and are pushing past their mile posts.

For a slight wind, beautiful morning, and healthy riders, we are all very thankful.

Today is the 10th Annual Day of Prayer for Cancer. As Danny Magrans reminded us when we set off, we are all effected by this disease. As you think of us today, stop a moment and think of those you know, and those you won't ever meet, who carry this cross.

Day 1 Pictures

These guys rode 100 miles yesterday!



End of Day 1 on the way to dinner.




The men with the plan.

More pics to come. We're getting ready to head out for the day.

Andrew Thaddeus Bonaventure Kosciusko

I've perhaps pronounced his name several hundred ways since entering into the Mississippi city that is one of his many namesakes. A great travesty it would be if while visiting with us tonight, you didn't learn a little about the man with the title- Supreme Commander of the National Armed Force of Poland. But I fear mutiny, so the history lesson will have to wait.


230 miles.


The Viva Catie team biked 230 miles today. That's five trips to Nashville. On a bike.

Group A (pictured left) biked 100 miles today. Through rain, heat, police officers, and a two-lane road, these four riders truly set the pace for the day. The other three groups were challenged to ride 40, 90, and 20 miles. Several groups ignored the posted mileage for their leg and rode on.

There are certain times in one's life where words don't quite cut it. Today, watching 17 men and women pedal down the Natchez Trace Parkway toward a cause greater than self, I found myself unable to place definition to what I witnessed. I wanted to tell them how incredibly proud I am, to tell them how much faith I have in the future because of them, to tell them how each mile they bike they are truly changing the world. But all I could do was face them with tears in my eyes, clapping as they finished each leg, and offer them my prayers of gratitude and safety.

On the last leg of today's journey we encountered the type of hard summer rain that makes you want to sell your possessions, buy a tin-roofed house in the country, and take up hobbies of old. SAG support had to force the riders off the road and into the cars. The bikers would not relinquish their task without a fight. They know too well the battle fought against this horrible disease called cancer, and they know the toll on it takes on the living. Overcoming each obstacle, climbing each hill, they in some small way offer their energy to those who face much larger mountains.

We've had a successful Day 1. Day 2 begins the last of the easy days. We're gearing the riders up for the extreme heat that is to come in the bowels of Louisiana and Texas. Thank goodness it's a dry heat.

No?

More pictures are to come tomorrow morning. We're 1/6th of the way to Austin. Thank you for your support along the way. Please know it means a great deal to all of us.

Good night from Kosciusko, Mississippi. I've got to think the Commander would be proud of the mighty thing passing through his city tonight.

And We're Off!!!!

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ashley Elizabeth Graham (931) 801-5554
vivacatieii@gmail.com

VIVA CATIE II BIKE RIDE BEGINS:
Group To Bike 1200 Miles in Honor of Fallen Classmate



COLUMBIA, Tennessee, June 4, 2009 -- Embarking on a six-day journey to Austin, Texas, 17 students, teachers, classmates, and friends of Catie Summers logged the first mile of the Viva Catie II Bike Ride.

"To accomplish something this momentous, to set out on a journey with a goal this big, this will change you, change your life" spoke group leader Danny Magrans as the team began on the Natchez Trace. Raising money for the Catie Summers Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the bikers will ride through Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Magrans challenged group participants, "I pray you remember the cause of and the purpose of why we have all come together."

Part of the HOPE Club of Clarksville High School, Viva Catie II team members are riding in memory of their classmate, Catie Summers, a 16 year old beloved student and friend who lost her battle with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of childhood bone cancer, in December 2007. Viva Catie rides to honor Catie's poignant fight by accomplishing this great physical journey in her memory

Day one began with rain showers that changed the ride plan, but would not alter the resilient spirit of Viva Catie II. Magrans encouraged the riders to make memories and focus on the goal ahead: Austin, Texas and a cure for cancer.

While We Wait

The rain in coming down in bits and spurts, and the team is waiting on the roads to dry more before putting pedals to the road. While we wait, I thought a bit of housekeeping would be in order. Since you and I are going to be spending the next few days together, and because I'm southern and it's just proper, I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Ashley Elizabeth Graham (yes a double first name, and yes of those Clarksville Grahams) and I'll be your cruise director. Feel free to leave your comments, questions, or your blessings.

Onto why you are here- updates on Viva Catie II. While you can follow us here, feel free to follow us on twitter (@vivacatie).

Spirits are up, energy is high, and Viva Catie is ready to ride!

The Countdown Begins

Suitcases are being packed.

Water bottles filled.

Cars gassed up.

Bicycle racks loaded.

Indeed, Viva Catie is about to begin. This afternoon, the Viva Catie team will depart from Clarksville and head to Columbia to gear down for the night. Tomorrow morning, 0600, the clock will begin. Six days later, as my grandmother would say "Lord-willing and if the creek don't rise", the team will ride into Austin, Texas.

I've asked many of the riders to tell me why they ride and I will be sharing those with you along the way, but I am struck by how many of them tell me they ride to overcome the impossible, to shatter both personal and perceived expectations, to leave their mark on this world just like the one Catie left.

Logistics are being handled in great detail, and the impossible is being planned. I would venture to guess, however, that not many of us are prepared for the way this ride will change us. Watching, living life this loudly, participating in the overcoming of the impossible must leave its mark.

Thank you for coming along with us.

Thank you for cheering Viva Catie II onto the impossible.