2012 Team LIVESTRONG Challenge Series

**Scott** · 12-01-11, 12:21 PM

Dates and details for the 2012 Team LIVESTRONG Challenge series were posted today on the LIVESTRONG website.

Davis, California, June 24, 2012
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 19-19
Austin, Texas, October 21

I registered for Philly this morning!

**Paul54** · 12-01-11, 04:10 PM

I have registered for Philly as well. This will be my 5th Philly Challenge, plus the one in San Jose, California in 2008 makes it 6 overall. There are few greater feelings than being among thousands of people who have been affected by cancer and that are fighting back. I have met many wonderful friends at the Challenges and expect to meet many more in August. If you can attend any, you should. Run/walk, bike, or volunteer. You will never forget it.

**millerjnm** · 12-01-11, 04:38 PM

I will be registering this week for Philly. I had planned on going to Austin as well, but I saw they only have the bike ride this year. Never been on a road bike before......I may have to pick it up so I can participate in Austin!!

**Jay68442** · 12-01-11, 07:05 PM

Oh boy its that time again. I will be there for sure this year. Not sure what route yet, I'm thinking 75 or 100.

**Already Bald** · 12-02-11, 03:25 PM

Thanks for this thread, Scott.
I must have deleted the email from LiveSTRONG.

I hope to build a strong team this year, and see many of you at the finish!

**Fed** · 12-02-11, 04:00 PM

I am still weighing my options here. That said, I will be participating in the LIVESTRONG Austin Half-Marathon in February of 2012. Julie Westcott and Henrike Hirsch, both fellow 2008 LIVESTRONG Summit delegates, will also be running.

**Aegletes** · 12-02-11, 04:32 PM

I'll have to figure out if Sean and I will be able to manage going in 2012. We've gone every year since 2008 but we also want to pack a couple of foreign trips into the short time he's off in the summer. One of them may include hiking up a certain mountain in Wales.

We'll see.

**Already Bald** · 12-23-11, 01:03 PM

Is anyone planning the run and the ride?

**Jay68442** · 12-30-11, 11:20 AM

Is there going to be a Team Lovestrong this year?

**Scott** · 12-30-11, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Already Bald

Is anyone planning the run and the ride?

I've done the walk and ride for the last two years, but I'm planning just to ride in 2012.

**Scott** · 12-30-11, 11:22 AM

Remember that registration is discounted to just $35 to ride, run, or walk in Davis or Philly through the end of 2011, a small incentive to register before the new year begins!

http://www.livestrong.org/challenge

**Already Bald** · 12-31-11, 07:42 AM

I got my team up and going, the $35 incentive helped.
You have until midnight tonight to save on participation fees!

This is an awesome way to celebrate the new year- a goal over 8 months out! We would love to see some rookie members sign up for the Challenge!

I'm hoping to see more join today.

Happy New Year!

**JPM** · 01-01-12, 06:43 PM

My New Year's resolution is to get in shape and participate in the ride in Philly. The "experienced" distance is a bit out of my league, but I'm hopeful that the intermediate distance isn't too ambitious. Is there an official TC-Cancer.com team? Anyway, hope to meet a bunch of you there in August!

JPM

**Scott** · 01-01-12, 07:29 PM

Looking forward to meeting you in Philly! For the last few years, forum members have formed the LOVEstrong team. If that doesn't continue in 2012, you're certainly welcome on the Cyclists Combating Cancer team or Joe's Already Balders.

**Aegletes** · 01-30-12, 11:56 AM

I just finished signing up for this year's Philadelphia Challenge. I hope you have room for one more on the CCC team, Scott.

It was looking a little iffy for me this year because of other things but I'm really glad I'm going to this, my fifth consecutive Philly Challenge since my second TC. It would have felt just wrong not to go. I'll be keeping it to just a run this time, as opposed to running and ride like last time, but I'm going to shoot for the 10K.

Just one question: I noticed that the site has changed, with different software being used for the fundraising side of things. But I haven't seen much information on the site yet other than hotels. No information on schedule, courses (for those riding), etc. Or am I missing something?

Alex

**JPM** · 01-30-12, 01:15 PM

I exchanged a number of e-mails with an event organizer about the bike courses. The routes have yet to be determined, but they will offer only three bike courses this year, with the three distances probably being around 20, 55, and 100 miles.

JPM

**Aegletes** · 01-30-12, 02:01 PM

Interesting. I noticed they didn't offer the chance to request a chip for the runners when registering this time. Not that it's a race or anything but it's always nice to know how you place. Oh well.

**Scott** · 01-30-12, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by Aegletes

I hope you have room for one more on the CCC team, Scott.

Of course! Great to see your name join the roster today!

Originally Posted by Aegletes

Just one question: I noticed that the site has changed, with different software being used for the fundraising side of things. But I haven't seen much information on the site yet other than hotels. No information on schedule, courses (for those riding), etc. Or am I missing something?

Stay tuned. All the details about the event will be added to the website in the months ahead.

**Already Bald** · 01-31-12, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by JPM

I exchanged a number of e-mails with an event organizer about the bike courses. The routes have yet to be determined, but they will offer only three bike courses this year, with the three distances probably being around 20, 55, and 100 miles.

JPM

Yikes! Guess I have to step up my game!

**Scott** · 01-31-12, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Aegletes

No information on schedule...

The schedule is posted now:
http://www.livestrong.org/Take-Actio...hilly/Schedule

**Jay68442** · 01-31-12, 10:14 PM

I just booked my room. Arriving sat morning returning monday

**Scott** · 02-13-12, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by Jay68442

I just booked my room.

I thought about trying somewhere new but figured it's best to follow tradition and stay where I know I'll be with friends. I'm booked again at the DoubleTree!

**Jay68442** · 02-13-12, 10:15 PM

I was kind of thinking the same way Scott but decided to go with what I know. As you pointed out "I know I'll be with friends". Can't wait to see everyone in Philly.

**Aegletes** · 02-14-12, 01:42 PM

Which nights are you guys staying? I'm thinking of staying Friday night only, unless I get enough contributions to qualify for the dinner again. I was also thinking about staying someplace other than the Double Tree but it has indeed become traditional and is very convenient to the Turnpike. Who knows? Maybe this year we'll see another lobby flood.

**Jay68442** · 02-14-12, 01:44 PM

I'm staying sat and sun nights. Arriving very early sat morning

**Already Bald** · 02-15-12, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by JPM

with the three distances probably being around 20, 55, and 100 miles.

Does anyone know if this has been confirmed for Philly?

**Scott** · 03-17-12, 02:09 PM

Philly routes are posted: 20, 45, and 100 miles.

http://livestrong.org/Take-Action/Te...se-information

**Scott** · 03-17-12, 02:19 PM

On March 28, I'll give away a new-in-the-box, special edition Team LIVESTRONG Nike+ SportBand. This was a 2011 fundraising incentive that I would love to pass on to someone else who will use it well!

Every $5 donated to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to sponsor my ride in Philly this year counts as one entry: http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/scottjoy

**Aegletes** · 03-20-12, 06:53 AM

That's a great fundraising inducement, Scott, one that will inspire me to do something similar with some of my LIVESTRONG gear.

Incidentally, I'll be checking into the Double Tree on Friday and spending some of that afternoon at the Village. So I'll keep an eye out for anyone who wants to go out to dinner that night. Hopefully, we won't have to navigate flood waters like we did last year.

**Scott** · 04-21-12, 01:17 PM

As announced in this video, to celebrate the foundation's fifteenth anniversary:

There is no minimum fundraising requirement for the Austin ride this year, to encourage a big turnout.
The ride will start and end right in town at the Palmer Events Center! No early morning transportation challenges!

All the details about the October 19-21 weekend are here.

**JPM** · 04-28-12, 11:48 AM

For those of you who have stayed at the Doubletree in the past and did the ride, where did you keep your bike? Do they allow you to keep your bike in the hotel room?

JPM

**Scott** · 04-29-12, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by JPM

Do they allow you to keep your bike in the hotel room?

Yes, you can bring your bike into your hotel room. Just don't try riding it through the lobby!

**Scott** · 04-29-12, 06:39 PM

My donor incentive for this month is a men's medium Team LIVESTRONG cycling jersey, never worn. It will go to the person making the highest donation during the month of April, currently $100. Tomorrow is the last day!

**Scott** · 06-07-12, 07:37 PM

Course maps and cue sheets are posted for Philly. Officially, there's no 70-mile route, but there's still a "time cut loop" that has the same effect.

http://www.livestrong.org/Take-Actio...se-information

**Jay68442** · 06-07-12, 10:20 PM

No 70 is not really a problem Scott, you're doing the 100.

**Aegletes** · 06-08-12, 06:28 AM

I noticed the 5K/10K course link is broken. Oh well. I guess I'll find out what it's like when I run it.

**Aegletes** · 06-08-12, 12:08 PM

It looks like the link has been fixed. 5K/10K run information is available here.

**Scott** · 07-04-12, 12:18 PM

Anyone else interested in joining us at the Team LIVESTRONG Challenge Philly, just six weekends away? You can bicycle 20, 45, or 100 miles, run or walk 5K or 10K, volunteer, even just visit!

Click here for all the details, and if you have any questions, fire away!

**Scott** · 08-07-12, 09:16 PM

I put in a good week, about 120 miles, including 79 on Sunday. Philly has a lot more climbing than my local routes, but I'll give it my best shot!

I can hardly wait to head to the Challenge a week from Friday. Will we see more forum members there?

If you live in or can get to the Philadelphia area, more volunteers are still needed throughout the weekend. Visit http://bit.ly/volunteerphilly to browse all the openings and sign up to help.

**Kev332** · 08-08-12, 11:18 AM

Scott, I will see you there. I'd like to meet up prior to the start of the ride. Let me know what your plan is.

**JPM** · 08-08-12, 12:05 PM

Alex, LIVESTRONG just posted your message again on its Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

I'll be participating in my first LIVESTRONG Challenge next weekend. Hope to meet a bunch of you then!

JPM

**Already Bald** · 08-08-12, 12:43 PM

Hi All!
I'm really looking forward to meeting as many of my forum family as I can over the 2012 Philly LiveSTRONG Weekend!

If you live anywhere the area, try to come out- It is fun times. Everyone is welcome to see an Army of Cancer Warriors Rally Together!

If you can participate, Great! Join a team or start your own!
If you can donate- please consider donating to a cyclist that has yet to raise the required minimum of $ 250.
I've had people come and go off of my team over the years, and the sometimes ones that do not return are the folks that are forced to pay out of pocket on the day of in order to get their jersey bib. LAF is strict on the $250 Minimum, and I don't blame them- but it troubles me that folks bail on the cause in the coming years because of the personal expense of their underachieving fundraising efforts. We want then to come back!

So, I ask that you spread the wealth! Donate to a stranger! The strength of the organization is counted in its numbers- The money will come- and all goes to the same cancer fighting pot!

Look for my LOGO, see attached- and See you on Sunday!
Joe

**Aegletes** · 08-08-12, 12:57 PM

Thanks for mentioning that, JPM. I put that up at the Village at last year's event without really thinking and, within a few hours, the photo was posted on their site and was getting tons of comments. I never imagined LIVESTRONG would repost it. What a way to be out in the open with one's survivor status.

What event are you doing? I'll be running in the 10K. Just look for the tall pale bald guy in a red tank top. I'm easy to spot.

Alex

**JPM** · 08-08-12, 10:21 PM

I've signed up for the 45 mile ride but might drop down to the 20 mile course, depending on how I feel during the ride. I'm new at this, not in shape, and haven't trained much, but I did ride 13 miles a couple days ago without expending too much effort. I'm planning on doing a longer ride this weekend -- perhaps 25-30 miles -- to gauge where I am. My goal is to complete the ride -- whatever the mileage -- without requiring medical attention or throwing up. A lofty goal, indeed.

John

**Kev332** · 08-09-12, 12:22 PM

John,

I bet once you are there, and get to the turn around spot for the 20 miler, you'll want to keep going and do the 45 miler. There is a lot of energy in the air there. And when you ride with that many people, the miles tick away pretty quickly. And just a reminder, they do have vans that can take you back to college if you are not feeling well etc.

See you guys next week!

Kevin

**Scott** · 08-09-12, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by JPM

My goal is to complete the ride -- whatever the mileage -- without requiring medical attention or throwing up.

Enjoy the ride, whatever the distance. It's a great experience. See you there, John!

**Aegletes** · 08-10-12, 06:46 AM

Let me just add, John, that a couple of years ago I did my first ride (the 45 mile) after having had a bike for less than a year. I was surprised by how doable it really was, something I attributed to two things: the rest stops stocked with food and drink to keep my energy up and the many other riders out there you get to talk to. In fact, don't rush the ride so you'll have a chance to meet other people, hear their stories, and make some new friends. And, with any luck, you'll have better weather than we did the last two years.

Alex

**JPM** · 08-12-12, 08:52 AM

Just finished a 20-mile ride in somewhat hilly terrain in 1.5 hours without too much difficulty or any mishaps (unlike the other day, when I forgot I was clipped in and took a very slow and embarrassing fall at the end of my ride). Still getting used to wearing bike shoes.... Looks like I'll give the 45 a try next weekend.

On a sonewhat related note, does anyone know what kids activities are typically at the LIVESTRONG Village or nearby? My daughters are likely to get extremely bored while I'm on the course. Just trying to figure out something for them to do or somewhere to go in the likely event that they get cranky.

I can't wait until next weekend!

John

**Aegletes** · 08-12-12, 01:55 PM

I recall there being what's called a kids zone in the main quad of the college campus at past events and it looks like this Challenge will have it again (http://www.livestrong.org/pdfs/2-2/P.../PHL-Venue-Map). I just can't remember what specific activities or play were on offer.

**Kev332** · 08-13-12, 10:19 AM

John,

Last year they had a few bouncy house type things in the kids area. I'm not sure what they will have this year. They usually have a band playing at some point too. Oh, and last year there was an ice cream truck =)

Kevin