WHERE DID THE NAME "PINK GRAVEL" COME FROM?
To get straight to the point, PINK GRAVEL is my (Amy) cancer brain child. It came to me during a trail walk just after my second chemo treatment in February 2020. Months prior, I was riding gravel 25 + miles at a time; and now, this short walk was kicking my butt. I was so frustrated about how much effort it took just to walk a couple miles. I discussed this with my Oncologist who told me that I would be fatigued and that a walk around the block would be a reasonable goal. He said I shouldn't be so hard on myself. Like many others, I put a lot of pressure on myself and expect a lot of myself. So I didn't want to accept my physical weakness then or ever. I cried as I struggled with a short incline on the trail. Eventually I began to think about how all of this crap would make other activities suffer. Just how long it would take to get "back to normal"? Would I forever be affected by breast cancer and these treatments? Through my tears, I managed a laugh about how my world was now "pink washed". I had never really been a fan of the color pink. Ugh. Now biking will be such a chore to just get back to where I was prior to cancer. My gravel miles will be dashed in pink. Pink miles on pink gravel . . . Hummm . . . PINK GRAVEL.
To get straight to the point, PINK GRAVEL is my (Amy) cancer brain child. It came to me during a trail walk just after my second chemo treatment in February 2020. Months prior, I was riding gravel 25 + miles at a time; and now, this short walk was kicking my butt. I was so frustrated about how much effort it took just to walk a couple miles. I discussed this with my Oncologist who told me that I would be fatigued and that a walk around the block would be a reasonable goal. He said I shouldn't be so hard on myself. Like many others, I put a lot of pressure on myself and expect a lot of myself. So I didn't want to accept my physical weakness then or ever. I cried as I struggled with a short incline on the trail. Eventually I began to think about how all of this crap would make other activities suffer. Just how long it would take to get "back to normal"? Would I forever be affected by breast cancer and these treatments? Through my tears, I managed a laugh about how my world was now "pink washed". I had never really been a fan of the color pink. Ugh. Now biking will be such a chore to just get back to where I was prior to cancer. My gravel miles will be dashed in pink. Pink miles on pink gravel . . . Hummm . . . PINK GRAVEL.
WHAT IS THE PINK GRAVEL's PURPOSE? Pink Gravel exists to encourage other breast cancer patients and survivors to reconnect with their previous active lifestyles. It is hard to accept the new way your body reacts to things you used to do without much thought or effort. I am here to tell you that it IS EASY to not do nothing; but to complete a physical task feels good and is good for the brain too. Nothing says it has to be something grand, "go small" and reward yourself with several small victories. Pre-cancer me looked forward to the next gravel event. But since I am on a riding sabbatical, I do as much as I can to attend other events and support riders and share stories. I have met so many people that are like me that are trying to get back in the saddle after cancer. That is where the PINK GRAVEL FUND comes in. Much of what Pink Gravel does is to raise awareness of the toll treatment takes on the body, promote Pink Gravel, AND collect money for the Pink Gravel Fund. The Pink Gravel Fund is an extension of the services Pink Gravel provides, only the support is in the form of grants available to those of you who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or is survivor who just need a bit of assistance to return to being active. Life does not stop just because you have cancer.
Cancer (and life in general) is not just physically hard; it is a mental game. We all have to do our best to take control of the mind game. In some cases, all we need is a positive activity or distraction. For me, I couldn't ride, but I could support and still have fun. That is what Pink Gravel and the Pink Gravel Fund is for. . . to support and still have fun.
Cancer (and life in general) is not just physically hard; it is a mental game. We all have to do our best to take control of the mind game. In some cases, all we need is a positive activity or distraction. For me, I couldn't ride, but I could support and still have fun. That is what Pink Gravel and the Pink Gravel Fund is for. . . to support and still have fun.
OTHER FAQS AND NEWS:
- THE PINK GRAVEL FUND - Jon and Amy took the contributions for their work at events and the sale of branded merch to open this donor advised fund with the Emporia Community Foundation (ECF). The ECF is a 501c3 organization. Donations made through the ECF to The Pink Gravel Fund are used to support breast cancer patients, survivors, and awareness/education. The Pink Gravel Fund offers grant opportunities for individuals dealing with the effects of breast cancer . Visit the Pink Gravel Fund page on this website to learn more and how to support or apply for a grant.
- The Pink Gravel Crew - Assists and /or provides S.A.G (support and gear) for a variety of grassroots gravel biking events in Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. If not helping, we ride! If possible, we do both! The Pink Gravel crew also teams up with other organizations to provide activities or learning opportunities for others.
- Just A Chill Ride-50K - Pink Gravel encourages a laid back, positive atmosphere when assisting events or planning our own such as this FREE event held the first Saturday of October. Registration for the JACR 2024 opens February 4, 2024 and can be found on BikeReg. 2024 will mark the 6th year for this event.
- Pink Gravel Ambassadors - these are individuals and/or teams competing in various events under the Pink Gravel brand. Some are sponsored and some volunteer to attend events and wear Pink Gravel apparel. Pink Gravel is proud to have the support of the single speed sisters, Trisha & Tayla, and the geared phenom, Rebecca, who can be found sporting the Pink Gravel cycling jersey at various gravel race events in 2024.
- Pink Gravel Campsites - Four RV/Camper sites with water and electric hookups located in Dwight, Kansas. Available by reservation and for short term camping only.
- The Event Center - A venue located near the Pink Gravel Campsites on Block 31 in Dwight, Kansas. This building now hosts Pink Gravel events such as the Just A Chill Ride - 50k held each October. The Event Center is also available for rent by families, businesses, clubs and organizations.
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