My name is Charles Kergaravat and on October 4, 2008 I will embark upon my solo cycling journey across France with the goal of raising both funds and awareness for cancer research. The inspiration for my endeavor, Velo for Cure, came to me after being negatively impacted by the downsizing on Wall Street during the recent market turmoil. My hope is to parlay a personal setback into an opportunity to do something positive for others and support a cause that warrants all of our efforts.

That I have chosen France as my destination is both intuitive and personal. As a native New Yorker with roots in western France, I would return to the region every summer with my family and have fond memories of accompanying my parents to watch local cycling races like la Mi-Aout Bretonne and la Ronde Finisterienne. Specifically, my family hails from Brittany, a region where cycling is paramount and where Bernard Hinault is a household name. My father, an avid amateur cyclist for the past 35 years, is a four-time winner of the New York City to Montauk race and at 62, is still eclipsing competitors half his age. With just two weeks of training under my belt I am hardly an elite cyclist, but even as a novice I am determined to make an impact, no matter how modest my efforts in the overall scheme of things.

Despite advances in research and treatment, cancer statistics remain sobering. More than 12 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year and eight million will die from the disease. And by 2010, cancer will be the leading cause of death worldwide. In response to these odds, I hope that you will join me in my efforts to combat this disease by donating to Velo for Cure. All donations will be made directly to Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

If you would like to contact me during journey, please email me at tybidan@yahoo.com