Ride for Research 2002

Success!!!!

On Sunday, May 19th, I took part in The Brain Tumor Society's Ride for Research 2002. My goal for the ride was to raise $1,000 for The Brain Tumor Society. Due to the generosity of several site readers, I managed to surpass my goal by 50%! I raised $1,500 and half of that amount came from readers of this site.

I want to express my very sincere appreciation to all of the site readers, friends, family, and co-workers who donated to this event. You should be very proud knowing your contributions will fund research, provide support, information, and educational programs to patients, families, and professionals dealing with brain tumors.

The ride was a wonderful experience for me. I had the opportunity to ride with several who are living with brain tumors, and listen to the stories of those who have lost loved ones. They are a truly admiral group of people who are very appreciative of your support.

During the ride, I decided that I would do the ride again next year. As I was riding, I was thinking how nice it would be to put together a team next year. Team VFTT. It sounds like a great idea to me - kind of a Gathering of Northeast Hikers on wheels. It would be another opportunity for us to meet/see each other and collectively we could make a huge contribution to The Brain Tumor Society. Please consider joining me on the ride next year - it will be a very rewarding experience for you.

Below are some pictures of the Ride for Research 2002.

The banner under the big tent.

It was a little chilly during registration, but it quickly shaped up to be a beautiful day.

I haven't done any road biking in a looong time, so I had to dust off my 1984 Bridgestone 300 just for the event. I think this bike has more miles on it than my Jeep....

A shot of me under the Start/Finish balloon arch. My number was 56. You get a low number when you last name starts with "A".

Getting a little camera time crossing the start line. The ride began in Waltham and rode through Concord, Lincoln and Weston before returning to Waltham.

The post ride food tent was overflowing! Watermellon, bananas, apples, chips, crackers, cookies, PB&J, spring water, flavored water, lemonade, pasta salad...you name it, they had it. The sponsors and volunteers were awesome.

But we know what makes Darren smile...a post ride pint!

Thanks again to everyone who contributed! Together, we have helped make a difference. I hope to ride with some of you next year!

- Darren Almeida