Anyone who had spoken to Steve in the past three years or so had probably heard about the "Reach the Beach" fundraising ride for the American Lung Society and his good friend, Brian Reynolds. Brian had fought lung cancer for fifteen years, and the disease had taken one lung by the time he and Steve met. Brian got around with the aid of an oxygen bottle, yet managed to ride in this fundraiser over 100 miles each year, aided in later years by helpers who would ride alongside and push on the uphill bits. Steve was one of those helpers and would often speak of Brian's courage and inspiration. When Brian died near the winter solstice in December of 2007, Steve was devastated, and a brochure for the 2009 Reach the Beach ride was the top paper on Steve's desk when he went into the hospital.
Brian's obituary is online, as is information on this year's Reach the Beach event, which shall include many of Steve's mates from Team Beer. Those who may wish to honor Steve are encouraged to consider riding or supporting an RTB rider this year or next, in memory of Steve and his good friend, Brian.
This year's Reach the Beach takes place next Saturday, May 16, 2009.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete