Apparently I chose a splendid weekend to visit family in Northern California. As I was driving back to Georgetown on GrantLine Road from visiting some friends near Wilton, I was suddenly greeted by a handful of cops on motorcycles adorned with flashing lights and sirens. I was immediately escorted off GrantLine as the Amgen Tour of California bike race was approaching. Being that I have never personally witnessed a bike race firsthand, and the thought of catching a peek at the ever-so-inspirational Lance Armstrong, I decided to pull off on the side of the road to cheer the athletes on. All along GrantLine Road crowds started to congregate in anticipation of viewing a small piece of history along the otherwise lonely two-lane highway. Sponsored by Amgen, the Tour of California race is a fundraiser for BreakAway From Cancer. The foundation, founded in 2005, is designed to increase awareness of the important resources available for cancer patients such as: prevention, education, patient care, advocacy, and financial support. "For more than 26 years, Amgen has tapped the power of pioneering science to fight serious illnesses," says Stuart Arbuckle, vice president and general manager, Amgen Oncology. "Amgen’s staff members from around the world come to work every day motivated by the chance to make a dramatic difference in the lives of people suffering from cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Amgen is passionate about helping people who are battling cancer, and Breakaway from Cancer is one of the ways that Amgen is fighting cancer on multiple fronts." So, why do all the crowds line up along desolate highways just to catch a fleeting glimpse of these athletes in action? Could it be for the thrill of the ride, or maybe to simply see one of the sport’s leading front runners who has now achieved star quality? Perhaps it’s more than that...perhaps these cyclists provide their audience with a sort of inspiration; a feeling of motivation that nothing can defeat them...not even cancer. Our friend Lance can certainly attest to that. Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: www.breakawayfromcancer.com, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com, livestrong.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG
