University of Memphis junior Christen Roland received a postcardin January from Team in Training, a division of the Leukemia andLymphoma Society, advertising an opportunity to receive trainingfor an endurance sporting event while helping raise money for bloodcancer research.
After the exercise science major went to an informationalmeeting where organizers learned of her cycling background, she wasasked to coach a team for America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride, a"century" (100-mile) ride around Lake Tahoe, located on the borderof Nevada and California.
"It's tough to train for 100 miles," Roland said, "especially ifyou're not already an athlete."
Roland and her team, which includes three U of M students, willraise more than $22,000 by June, when they'll bike 100 miles tohelp fund the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's research and patientcare.
Roland, who is also a group fitness instructor at the StudentHealth and Recreation Center, didn't know anyone with blood cancerbefore she signed on to the event. But quickly, the training becamepersonal.
A couple of days after sending letters to her family asking fordonations, Roland learned her uncle had just been diagnosed withleukemia.
"It was just a God experience, without a doubt," she said.
Every year, more than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed withleukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, and more than 50,000 of them willlose their lives as a result.
Though Roland says her five-member team has no athletes, shesays they're strong and confident they'll complete the ride.
"Without a doubt, we're going to make it," Roland said. "I havea great team."
Roland and her team have been training since January, when theteam practiced on stationary bikes while the weather was cold. Butas weather has improved, they've hit the streets. They will havealready completed a 100-mile ride before they leave for LakeTahoe.
"The hardest thing for our team to endure will be the climate,"Roland said.
Lake Tahoe is located more than 6,000 feet above sea level,where air is much thinner than in Memphis, which rests at just over450 feet above sea level.
But before Roland and her team can tackle Lake Tahoe's climate,they have another hurdle to clear.
"The biggest kicker is definitely going to be fundraising,"Roland said.
Participants are each required to raise $3,700. Of that, 75percent will go toward blood-cancer research. The remainder willcover all aspects of the participants' trip, except meals.
To help with the fundraising, the team is holding a garage saleSaturday and Sunday at the home of team member Kevin Bohannon, at4494 Leatherwood in East Memphis.
Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation, may contactBohannon at 496-1790 or Jennifer Hubert at 647-3064 to arrange tohave their donations picked up.
Although there are only nine weeks until the Lake Tahoe ride,Roland says it's not too late to become a part of theexperience.
"There is still time to train, for someone who is fit," shesaid.
For those who maybe be intimidated by the ride's length or morethan 2,000 feet of elevation change, Roland said there are reststops every 10 miles.
"It's really for anybody," Roland said.
Those interested in joining Roland's team should call her at553-0620 or e-mail her at stepmasterfunk@hotmail.com.
