AdventureCORPS Presents the Death Valley Century and Double Century, Oct 25, 2008 / _A253099
Approching Scotty's Castle: Photos by Chris Kostman
"Chris and Crew, Thank you for the great organization this last weekend. I had a fantastic time and enjoyed the ride. While watching the 200 milers come in on Saturday I was telling Steve Teal (finish line volunteer) why I was there. In July 2007 I was diagnosed with renal cancer and had a kidney removed the next month. While in the hospital my wife told me to pick a goal to work towards and give me some motivation to get healthy. I had been to Death Valley the Fall before hiking and had read about your events, so I picked the century ride. I worked all this summer getting prepared along with a good friend, Brian Peres. I talked my hiking and climbing partner of 35 years, Brian Baxter, to come down from Seattle for the ride, too. I had a lot of emotion invested in this ride. There were times I was crying from the release of having reached my goal, but mostly I was grinning and having the time of my life. I feel I can finally put my cancer behind me and get on with my life. - Jerry Nelson (Riding behind my friend Brian Peres)
