Jeremy Sweeney
- National: N/A
- State: N/A in DE
I'm Riding For
Iris Williams
Two weeks ago, my world changed forever when my dad lost his battle and passed away from cancer. Words cannot fully describe the weight of this loss, but the pain of losing him has ignited a fire inside me to fight back. He was a pillar of strength for our family, and watching him face this disease with dignity showed me what true courage looks like. I am dedicating every single mile of this challenge, and every drop of sweat on these roads, entirely to his memory. Dad, you are no longer suffering, but your strength lives on through me. This ride is for you.
My Story
My Purpose: Riding Through Grief, Fighting for FamilyThis September, I am stepping far out of my comfort zone to take on the Great Cycle Challenge. While I spent my teenage years riding BMX, hitting extreme jumps, and navigating off-road mountain bike trails, I have been out of the saddle for a very long time. I am returning to cycling now—even while managing a painful herniated disc—because cancer has hit my family mercilessly, and I refuse to stand on the sidelines.
My motivation for this challenge strikes at the very core of my life:
In Memory of My Father Iris Williams: Just two weeks ago, my dad lost his battle and passed away from cancer. The pain of this loss is fresh, heavy, and completely life-altering. I am riding to honor his memory.
In Honor of My Mother Barbara Singleton: My mom is a true warrior. She has been courageously battling cancer for the last 14 years, showing me every single day what it means to fight.
For My Son Julian: My young son lives with hydrocephalus, fighting his own daily health battles with incredible resilience.
Witnessing the people I love face these immense challenges has driven me to channel my grief, love, and energy into a mission that can save lives. I am hitting the paved roads between Harrington, Milford, and South Dover to log every mile I can. Pushing through my own physical back pain is nothing compared to what my family has endured.
I am riding to raise critical funds for childhood cancer research so that future generations and their families are spared from this terrible disease. Every dollar raised gives these kids a fighting chance at a healthier, cancer-free future.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, your prayers, and your donations. Let's crush cancer together.
My Challenge
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3.7 mi ride - Monday, August 17, 2026
Logged this ride 12 hours ago -
Finding My Balance Again: My First Ride in 20 Years
17 Aug 2026Two decades. That is how long it has been since I regularly rode a bicycle. Today, I finally dusted off the saddle, strapped on a helmet, and headed out for an outdoor cycling session. I did not just go for one quick spin—I broke the day into three distinct chapters, totaling 8.8 miles.Here is how my journey back to two wheels went down.
Chapter 1: The Commute and Awakening (7:28 AM)
Distance: 2.19 miles
Time: 16 minutes, 45 seconds
Energy burned: 134 kcal
Stepping onto the bike at 7:28 AM felt strange. My legs remembered the motion, but my balance felt shaky. This first short leg was all about testing the waters, finding a rhythm, and shaking off 20 years of rust. By the time I finished, my legs were awake and ready for more.
Chapter 2: The Brief Transition (7:47 AM)
Distance: 2.18 miles
Time: 12 minutes, 29 seconds
Energy burned: 129 kcal
Just a few minutes later, I was back at it. This stretch felt slightly faster and more confident. The wind on my face brought back a rush of childhood memories. Cycling has a unique way of making you feel completely free, even when you are working hard.
Chapter 3: The Main Event (8:15 AM)
Distance: 4.43 miles
Time: 58 minutes, 29 seconds
Energy burned: 451 kcal
This was the true test. I pushed through a much longer, sustained ride to see what my stamina could handle. It was challenging, and my muscles definitely felt the burn, but crossing that final mile marker felt like a massive victory.
The Final Numbers
By the end of the morning, my fitness tracker showed some proud stats for a comeback day:
Total Distance: 8.80 miles
Total Calories: 714 kcal
Average Speed: 7.6 mph
Average Heart Rate: 114 bpm
Final Thoughts
If you have been thinking about revisiting an old passion or sport you abandoned years ago, this is your sign to do it. Your pace does not matter. The distance does not matter. What matters is taking that first step or in my case, that first pedal stroke. My legs are sore, but my mind is clear, and I am already looking forward to the next ride.
Posted 13 hours ago -
8.8 mi ride - first ride - Monday, August 17, 2026
From Carpenter bridge Rd
Logged this ride 13 hours ago