I Ride For: Rodger

I am in Salt Lake City for our middle son, Cole’s, wedding. We wanted to come early to acclimate so of course I brought a bike. Visited here a dozen times since he moved here and have always wanted to ride all the way from Salt Lake City to where he lives in Park City. I tried today. The map said the road went through, but at 15 miles and 2,900’ the pavement ended. (Probably a good thing. I did not really know how I was going to get back to my hotel. Ha!)

As I rode up hill for those first 2 hours I thought a lot about Rodger. He does not bike, but he has an old jeep that he loves to drive with the top and doors off. I bet this ride up the canyon would have been a great drive. (Except for those darn cyclists.) There were water falls, shade most of the way, and toward the top the Aspen trees became super thick. But unlike me, in a jeep he could bring lots of snacks.

Rodger, I know you will feel that I should have done this flag for someone with “worse” cancer. In the olden days (prior to January 17, 2023) I might have agreed. But in the last 18 months I have come to realize that the WORRY about cancer at every blood test and every time there is a weird cough and any unique pain anywhere is almost as bad as the actual cancer. It is fantastic that your cancer was caught early and that treatment was light compared to others. I do not know one other cancer warrior who would not say cancer sucks no matter how early it was detected or how easy the treatment. As the LiveSTRONG motto used to say, “Cancer may leave your body, but in never leaves your life.”

I was honored to do this flag for my friend and coach, Rodger. I could not think of a more perfect place to take the picture.

SHINE!
The Road Rider