I have committed to riding 100 miles to end lung disease. 

 

I never met my maternal grandfather at least not anytime I can remember. I have heard stories of this funny and smart man. A man too smart for the job he had, but who sacrificed his talents to make sure that his family would be taken care of.

 

 

He struggled with smoking his whole life and eventually it took his life. I will never get my grandfather back, but I can do my part to help end the suffering that lung disease causes countless people around the world. 

 

I know myself the power of addiction to cigarettes and nicotine. For 10 years of my life I smoke a pack or more a day carrying on a habit pattern that my grandfather and my father both struggled with. It wasn't easy to quit but I am proud to say that I haven't smoke a cigarette in two years.

 

Though I have quit smoking I know that I am lucky to have had the support to quit. Even though my chances of lung disease are lessening every day it's still something I am at risk for. I also know many people who are still struggling with this powerful addiction. Though I can't get people to quit if they don't want to I want to find a way to help those who are still stuck.

 

In addition I feel bad about all that money I handed to the big cigarette companies. I have vowed to make amends for all my unskillful action and I hope that this ride will go part of the way to balancing the scale of my unskillful use of tobacco products. 

 

Whether or not you have ever been a smoke please consider donating to my ride and to my bike maintenance fund.