Just How do Earth Hour and Prostate Cancer Prevention Come Together?
Earth Hour began seven years go in Sidney, Australia and is about preserving the earth’s environment. Over 7,000 cities and towns around the globe have now created annual Earth Hour events that take place on March 29th.
There are many different types of cancer but research has shown that environmental factors often play a key role in the gene mutations associated with cancer. As of the end of 2013, there were more than 12 million Americans living with cancer.
So, there’s the environmental connection between Earth Hour and preventing prostate cancer, but what’s the connection to my bicycle ride around the world?
The PCAP Around the World Cycling Challenge
Lack of exercise and poor nutrition contribute significantly to a third of all cancers, including prostate cancer. After my diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer in 2003, I decided to create my personal prostate cancer battle plan to reduce the possibility of recurrence as much as possible.
The key exercise element in my program was bicycling. I got back on my bicycle and began riding again. After the first year I decided I needed a goal for focus, so I Googled the distance around the world at the equator – 24,906.1 miles – and that became my goal.
It took me 10 years, 10 months and 27 days to cover the distance. I rode the final 17 miles on the velodrome at the Velo Sports Center at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, just south of Los Angeles, on March 29th, 2014. [Click on the image below to view the last 68 seconds of my 24,906.1 mile journey!]
The velodrome ride was an absolute blast and a great finish to my journey. And I now sport my very cool looking Prostate Cancer Awareness Project (PCAP) Around the World Jersey.
Special Thank You’s
I’d like to give a big ‘shout out’ to Adam Duvendek, the Velo Sports Center executive director, for organizing the event, and two of my board members, Scott Peterson and Melissa Lanfre, for being present at the event and presenting my jersey.
When Will You Earn Your Around the World Jersey?
Our Around the World Cycling Challenge is open to everyone. It’s free to enter and the miles you ride will be some of the most enjoyable you will every spend.
By the way, I’m 38 miles into my second trip around the world.
Will You Ride with Me?
Just click the big red button below to get information on how to join the ride . . .
Who do you know that should be riding with us?