TheSamba.com :: View topic - Erich Kircher needs your thoughts and prayers

Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:41 am

Thanks Bill, I have been overwhelmed with the response so far, and really have only "announced" this fundraiser to the VW community (have some other friends and family ponds to "fish" still).

Erich's wife Wendy forwarded the link to her friends and family and many donated generous amounts, testament (no surprise) to their love of Erich and intention to keep his memory alive and do something positive for cancer research.

I am trying to think of a unique way that Erich can "ride along" with me. At least his picture on my bike or with me somehow.... hmm, maybe a Volkswagen part attached to my bike somewhere??? K manifold handle bars??? (I will be riding a borrowed bike, so I might be limited....).

Suggestions ??????????

Anyway, lots of time still to plan, and train. The event is the last weekend in July. I intend to "adjust" my goal now.

All of my chemo is behind me hopefully, I have a CT scan scheduled for Thurs morning this week and hopefully will show an "all clear" for now. I feel great, have been back on the racquetball courts twice a week for a month now and struggling to loose some of that winter..... uh, hibernation fat....

My personal event page is at

http://hob24.convio.net/goto/johnhenry

Thu Jul 16, 2009 7:01 am

I leave one week from today for the Booty Ride event. Thought I would post here one more time to try to scrape up any donations I could. Again, my personal web page for the event is at:

http://hob24.convio.net/goto/johnhenry

While I haven't been on the roads here in New England on a bike (have been in my split though!) I have been training on the exercise bikes at my health club. I will continue to hit the machines every day until the day before I leave. I'll try to post some details and pics here after the event.

Thanks again for any help you can provide to this worthy cause.....

Fri Jul 24, 2009 9:52 pm

Well I did 42 miles tonight between 7 and 11:30pm. I was on a hybrid mountain/road bike. I am pretty happy with that, that last lap was pretty grueling. I have never ridden a bike more than a mile at a time (probably) before. I raised over $3000 for cancer research, thanks to all who donated. I am wearing an "In memory of" tag on the back of my jersey with Erich's name on it.

I was also interviewed briefly by a local TV station, see CN2.com, and the piece about the 24 hour Booty ride. Not sure how long it will be up there for...

I also (if you can believe this!), have my little digital video camera on the handle bars and will put together a montage video and probably upload some pics.

I am going to try to do 58 miles tomorrow and make my goal of 100 miles. But it is going to be over 90 degrees and humid. I'll post tomorrow night after the event ends at 7pm, and dinner at a Mexican restaurant and good margarita or two!!!

Fri Jul 24, 2009 11:04 pm

John, I admire you so much for all you are doing for cancer survivors and cancer research. I am happy that you are remembering Erich in such a great way. I hope that all goes well tomorrow for you, enjoy the margarita(s)! You have more than earned them! I can't wait to see the video montage too. I will be thinking of you and hoping that it is not too humid tomorrow. Looking forward to your next post / update.
Wendy & Karsten

Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:24 pm

Well, didn't get my finish line goal of 100 miles today....

I made it 100.5 miles! (33.5 times around a 3 mile loop). Wow, what day. And at least right now I am not THAT sore (let's see about tomorrow). I am very happy with my progress and accomplishment. I have never ridden a bike more than 1-2 miles before, I was on borrowed bikes, wearing borrowed shoes and a borrowed helmet... but I did buy my own shorts :wink: . The guys in my sisters bike club were pretty impressed. It was a great time, but I have no illusions about becoming a "cyclist". I can check the "Century" box. I'm done...

And I rode a mountain bike hybrid bike the first 54 miles, then switched to a Trek 1000 road bike. Big difference, especially on the inclines.

My brother in law made me the jersey you see in the pics. You'll either get it or you won't. Lots of people at the event did. I also got to meet Joey (scvws) today on a long break. Was nice to sit and chat VWs, and not have to listen to cycle-talk....! Joey even drove his '57 bus down. Erich would have liked that...

Anyway, to those who donated, I will send an e-mail this week with all the details, some links to pics and videos. And thanks again for your support. This WILL make a difference!!!

Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:31 pm

Hey John,

I wondered all afternoon if you made your 100 mile goal. Great job! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me on your break. I have to disagree with you though, I can see you making cycling a major part of your workout routine. :lol: Seriously though, you did a great thing raising so much money for a very important cause. =D>

Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:31 am

WTG John! My personal best on a bike dates back to my elementary school days which was about 3 miles round trip. I can't imagine 100 miles, maybe in 100 days... : :lol:

Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:01 am

Must have been the DZNuts. Yeah. Google that. :shock:

Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:50 am

Congrats John, what an accomplishment!

Sun Aug 02, 2009 1:36 pm

Congrats John

well done my friend ! I hope to ride my bike again in a few weeks!
The chemo therapy is finished now ! I still need 10 sessions radio therapy, So aug 15 is the date I'm looking for to start recovering from the treatments ! Now I'm happy they started the treatment after the HO weekend , In this condition I was not able to join the show, thats for sure !
Best regards,

Guido :wink:

PS I hope you enjoyed the Belgian beers after the bike race :wink:

Mon Aug 03, 2009 9:39 pm

GOOD JOB JOHN!

Wed Aug 12, 2009 6:30 am

A video I made from footage and pics of the event, and yes, that little digital video camera....

Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:24 pm

It was nice seeing Erich's family at the Treffen this Sunday, but it was also very sad. I really miss him. :(