6/4/2016
Day 4
Richard Sperling-Lung Cancer
I physically ride for my cousin Richard, which is why I chose to dedicate day one to him. Richard was an avid biker and I always hoped to be able to bike with as much endurance and passion as him one day. I hoped that I would get to ride with him, but unfortunately, Richard passed away in 2012 from a hard battle with lung cancer. The worst part is that he never smoked, so by the time that the doctors figured out that it was cancer, it was already too far along. I plan to honor my love for him by riding to Alaska and I hope that somewhere he is watching and will be so proud of my accomplishment. My family tells me that I am crazy for wanting to bike to Alaska, but I know that Richard would have wanted to hop on a bike and join me!
What I miss most about Richard is our weekend brunches with in Georgetown. There was this little restaurant in Georgetown that has the best croissants and a couple times a year, my mom, Richard and I would go and eat there for brunch. Then we would walk across the street right afterwards to the best ice cream and fudge place around, even though it was usually before noon still! We would often hang out at Richard’s apartment afterwards and talk. I miss Richard’s kindness and will power and I aim to carry that along with me through life.
Words from David Sperling, Richard’s brother: