Aarons Message: can you commit just one rider!

It was May 2018 when Aaron and I met for the first time over a salad and 2 bottles of rosé for lunch.?

It was so inspiring and energising, literally he encouraged me to believe: everything is possible if you want it …?

He loved the idea of The NWC and suggested he join with friends from the US for the event in September: there were 10 cyclists who rode crazy like it was a race …?

In preparation for the 2019 event Aaron shared this thoughtful message:?

It has been said that a bicycle is a time travel machine... that putting in the miles up gruelling mountains and thru sparkling valleys can keep you young on both the inside and the outside.

It certainly is a camaraderie machine, bringing together those looking to squeeze the most out of life in roaring pelotons and reflective quiet side by side spins.

And a bike can be a machine for education and for change.

This is what brought me to undertake the Nicola Werner Challenge on a spectacularly beautiful fall day in September 2018.

I have done cancer charity rides more times than I can count, from Lance Armstrong's Ride for the Roses, to six times up Alpe D'Huez to four times up Mont Ventoux both in the same day. But the Nicola Werner Challenge was different as it was the first one I did as a patient.??

I was diagnosed with a rare and to date incurable eye cancer in August 2016 and began living my life in three month increments thereafter.? I was determined to not just do the Nicole Werner as if it might be my last chance to ride the roads I love so much but I was also determined to share the experience and spread the message with my closest friends. In the end nine of us made the trip across the ocean specifically to ride this wonderful event.??

The region is replete with history and the courses have something appropriate for any level of rider. Support is top notch as well with mechanical coverage, and photographers abound to catch that special smile (or grimace of exertion). Rest stops include not just fresh espresso but the most creative cuisine outside of downtown Paris. Oh yeah, plus there's Paris before and after...for teambuilding and "carbo-loading" and that needs no further explanation.

Most importantly every pedal stroke is in recognition of and solidarity with cancer warriors, survivors, and those we miss so terribly.? Even if you are unable to join for the ride I urge you to donate funds, purchase some swag, or send as much positive karma as you can afford. The littlest bit makes a difference, as the organisation is extremely lean and staffed with volunteers. The money raised goes directly to the researchers on the frontlines of curing a disease that will inevitably touch each one of us.

And back to the time machine...? If you were unfortunate enough to be directly impacted by cancer, what would you do to go back to its cause and take evasive action? How much would you pay to do things differently if you could understand the path that led you to the diagnosis?? For my case I would do and pay almost anything but there is no known cause and no known vaccine.

There is a vaccine however for HPV which is a leading cause of cervical and other associated cancers. And today's young men and women can avoid this future cancer with a simple inexpensive vaccine. That is the mission of the Nicola Werner Challenge. Want to make a difference in someone's future? All it takes is education... and you can be a part of it.

As I mentioned for 2018 I was able to bring 9 riders and my goal for 2019 is 14 inshallah.

Can you commit to just one rider???

I hope to see you on the starting line. All my best,

Aaron

Aaron brought 15 cyclists in 2019 and it was big fun hosting this highly motivated and positive team.?

Due to Covid the team couldn’t join Ed N°5 in Paris and decided to go on an informal ride in Rhode Island; Shannah and Jonathan organised in 2021 an official NWC ride with 60 participants surrounding Aaron; the spirit was amazing and the contribution to our fundraising efforts blew it out of the park!

Aaron shared endless energy whether on the bike or in the personal conversation; he couldn’t beat cancer and passed away this April.

I personally and the entire NWC family will miss a truly inspirational, admirable friend.

As Aaron said: bring just one more rider with you to this year's NWC on September 10!

See you in the Forêt Sauvage!

Moritz