Tom Schultz
- National: 23rd
- State: 2nd in IL
- My Team: 2nd
I'm Riding For
Pat & Tim G & Tim C, and in honor of Scott
Three of my longtime friends, who left us too early, will be along with me this year - in my thoughts and with my music playing loudly. And riding in honor of Scott, who battled cancer in 2022.
My Story
I am back.
This September, I am taking part again - my eighth year - in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer!
Kids should be living life, not fighting for it.
This year again, I am on Team Kahleesi. Kahleesi is now five and was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma when she was only 9 months old. She is currently in remission.
Who am I riding for this year? In the past few years, riding along with me were two longtime friends, who passed away too early. We lost Pat M. in 2020 and then Tim C. in 2021.We lost another great friend, Tim G., in 2023. They will all be along with me.
I will also be riding in honor of another kid again this year, our son Scott. Scott started battling Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma in June 2022. He remains cancer free.
With your support over the past GCC seven years, we were able to raise close to $39k. THANK YOU!
My GCC goals for this year – continue raising awareness, funds, and prayers, while hoping this body allows me to ride a few miles. Miles? My goal for this year is 71 - matching my latest trip around the sun.
Your support will change lives.
This is not just an event - it is a movement to end childhood cancer.
Onward!
Tom
My Legacy
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300 mi RiddenRaised2017
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203 mi RiddenRaised2018
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223 mi Ridden$2,328 Raised2019
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206 mi Ridden$5,163 Raised2020
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202 mi Ridden$7,500 Raised2021
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201 mi Ridden$9,076 Raised2022
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124 mi Ridden$11,844 Raised2023
My Challenge
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Big Laugh? Big Smile!
30 Sep 2024If you told me back in 2017 that I would participate in a challenge for 8 years to log over 1600 miles on a bike while raising over $50,000, I would have laughed hard.
As the month of September concludes, we are nearing the end of the 2024 Great Cycle Challenge. And thanks to you, instead of a laugh, I have a big smile!
As I complete my eighth year in taking part in this challenge, I reflect on how we have raised awareness, prayers, and funds to fight kids’ cancer while allowing me to “get on my bike and ride.” I am blessed to have so many wonderful and amazing friends, family, and supporters! Yes, over $50k in eight years.
Current totals for the overall 2024 challenge – 20,938 people joined the movement, raising $7.3m to fight kids’ cancer and pedaling almost 1.9 million miles.
For me in 2024, keep the number “71” in mind.
I turned 71 yesterday.
With a miles goal of 71, I doubled that this year.
I am so proud and honored to share that 71 sponsors joined me this year. Together we raised $12,215.
For the ranking of donations across the nation, our numbers show: 22nd across all the participants, 8th in the 66–75-year-old age group and 2nd in the state of IL
I hope you understand how much I appreciate your support of this cause and me.
Will I do this again next year? We can sort that out later.
Onward!
Posted 16 days ago -
13.3 mi ride - A nice Saturday morning to be out & about - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Logged this ride 18 days ago - View on Strava -
Sometimes you never know how you will get there
25 Sep 2024Yes, another update from me. I will keep this short.
Earlier this year, when I used my prior goal setting method of 1 more dollar and 1 more sponsor than the prior year, I wasn’t sure I would ever get there.
Waking up this morning, the board shows we have 68 sponsors donating $11,864. That is 2 more sponsors and $24 more dollars than we did in 2023. WOW! And a few of you have donated more than once to support this cause.
68 sponsors! I am humbled by all your support.
I wanted to highlight 3 sponsors.
Many of you know the friends we have lost in the last 4 years, who are riding along with me – Pat Milbourne, Tim Cigrang and Tim Gillespie. I am honored by 3 of my friends in the donor lineup again this year – Jan, Donna and Karen – the spouses of our dear friends.
Onward!
Posted 21 days ago -
Week #3 done but the challenge continues.....
23 Sep 2024We are into the last week of the Great Cycle Challenge for 2024. This is that time where friends and family are probably tired of my GCC posts. As the kids with cancer and their families never give up, I will keep at it until the month is up. Thanks for putting up with me.
The bike did find the trails 2 times this week, as other fun stuff like kayaks and golf and beer trails and kids came up. The miles keep adding up, as do the sponsors and donations.
Keep thinking about these kids!
Posted 23 days ago -
8.9 mi ride - Have a few minutes? Ride a few miles. - Friday, September 20, 2024
Logged this ride 26 days ago - View on Strava -
11.3 mi ride - Out before Viv’s Bday party - Saturday, September 14, 2024
Logged this ride 32 days ago - View on Strava -
Week #2 done …… and the beat goes on……
14 Sep 2024It has been a busy week for all.
The 21k participants involved in this total challenge have donations of $6.4 million, with 882k miles pedaled across the USA. It was a great Match Day for the GCC, with $3.3 million raised on Tuesday.
And me? My goals for the year were the same as in the past – add one more sponsor and one more dollar than I did the year before. In 2023, I had 66 sponsors, who raised $11,844.
So far in 2024, our 61 sponsors have achieved $10,674. THANK YOU! Take a moment to pat yourself on the back.
My miles? My goal of 71 miles is related to the age I will be at the end of the month. The bike has logged 121 miles, and I will keep riding.
Feel free to share my info with others to raise awareness, funds, and prayers.
The picture attached? Our niece Caite made this flag for us last year. It is proudly displayed near our front door.
Thanks for being on my team and helping these kids and this cause.
Posted 32 days ago -
8.8 mi ride - Wandering with Sue - Friday, September 13, 2024
Logged this ride 33 days ago - View on Strava -
Mid-Week #2: two updates
11 Sep 20241. I had shared the idea of Match Day, which occurred on Tuesday 9/10. Never could I have imagined the results.
Overall, for the entire Great Cycle Challenge group of over 20,000 participants, the dollar total went up by $3.3m, with $1.5m of matching funds added to the $1.8m raised from individual donors.
How about for us? 15 sponsors added their names to my list, who donated $2200. And matching funds from the Cancer Research Fund totaled $1850. Or a total in 1 day of $4050. And now 61 sponsors are on the roster for us, with total contributions over $10,000. This involvement by all of you shows us remarkably high on all the leaderboards you might see out there.
I cannot express strongly enough my appreciation for this level of participation.
THANK YOU!
2. Open disclosure – I did double dip during this month. No, not a Seinfeld bit.
Besides Cancer awareness during the month of September, it is also Heart month. So, I signed up to do 100-mile bike fundraiser for the American Heart Association. I completed 100 miles on Tuesday morning. Yes, sharing miles.
It is appropriate that my focus on bike riding over the years helped me with the Heart challenge. As many of you know, my heart issues that arose in January 2023 had a great outcome, primarily related to the exercise over the years on the bike.
Posted 35 days ago -
4.0 mi ride - Added morning ride to home - Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Logged this ride 36 days ago -
9.1 mi ride - Great morning to achieve the Heart Challenge goal. - Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Logged this ride 36 days ago - View on Strava -
15.0 mi ride - Out and about, joined by Jeff S - Monday, September 9, 2024
Logged this ride 37 days ago - View on Strava -
Week 1 complete
7 Sep 2024It has been a busy week.
On Sunday, we participated again in Bike the Drive, an event we really enjoy. We were joined again this year by Kasey, Eric, Ava and Noah. It was a beautiful morning.
We were also informed that GCC Match Day will happen on Tuesday 9/10 for any online donations done on that day. If you know someone interested in donating, let them know about the match on Tuesday 9/10.
I am happy to report that now seven days into the month of September, I accomplished my goal of 71 miles this morning. This week had 5 days of riding, one day of "rest" and one day of watching little kids.
I started out this morning in the 40s (not my age, the temp). And the music was playing loudly this morning as I thought of so many things. I stopped by to visit my friend Tim, who passed away in 2021. He biked and golfed and did so many things with our family.
Oh yeah – and the answer to the question on your mind – YES, I will keep riding during September.
There are now over 20,000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.
From my last note, eight more sponsors have joined our team, with a total of 44 now riding along with me.
Thanks for joining me on this ride!
Posted 39 days ago -
13.2 mi ride - Cool morning but completed first part of GCC goal - Saturday, September 7, 2024
Logged this ride 39 days ago - View on Strava -
12.4 mi ride - And return to Algonquin - Friday, September 6, 2024
Logged this ride 40 days ago - View on Strava -
11.6 mi ride - Down to Riverboat - Friday, September 6, 2024
Logged this ride 40 days ago - View on Strava -
8.1 mi ride - Thursday: golf, cut grass, yard work, and quick ride for my Great Cycle Challenge before the... - Thursday, September 5, 2024
Logged this ride 40 days ago - View on Strava -
11.6 mi ride - Exploring the newly opened Longmeadow Parkway, along with our favorite river trail - Monday, September 2, 2024
Logged this ride 44 days ago - View on Strava -
7.7 mi ride - Bike the Drive 2 South - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Logged this ride 45 days ago - View on Strava -
8.5 mi ride - Bike the Drive 1 North - Sunday, September 1, 2024
Logged this ride 45 days ago - View on Strava -
Yikes – my turn!
29 Aug 2024All of you have done your part of the challenge by supporting me and donating to this cause.
With September almost here, it is time for me to start collecting my miles. There are over 18, 000 riders across the nation registered for this challenge.
There are now 36 sponsors on my list and riding along with me.
Current leaderboard info across all categories shows me/we are doing very well thanks to your help.
A little bit of trivia – of the top four fundraisers in Illinois, three are ex Motorolans.
When I first joined this challenge in 2017, my primary goal was to ride my bike more, along with raising awareness and donating a few dollars from Sue and me. I am proudly able to report that together over these seven plus years, we have now raised close to $45k. And still counting.
Another information note for you.
August 21st was Tribute Day for the Great Cycle Challenge. This was a day to remember those we've lost, honor those who are fighting to survive and celebrate the efforts of those who are riding in September. For 8 hours on a billboard in Times Square, pictures were displayed of those riding and those we are riding for. We were proud to have our pictures shown as part of that tribute.
Words cannot express how thankful and honored I am that you have supported this cause.
Posted 47 days ago -
$5,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just hit $5,000 to fight kids' cancer! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 57 days ago -
August already?
4 Aug 2024August is here and I am back for my monthly update.
In the last month, 5 more sponsors joined our team, adding over $500. We now have 28 sponsors for a total of $4560. Amazing! And the beat goes on……
Sue and I participated in another fundraising event last night - a late-night ride starting at 10:00 pm, going through the trails and streets of Crystal Lake. Fun to be together doing it.
I wanted to take some time here to give more background on how we got here.
OUR WHY
In 1979, 13-year-old Katie Hageboeck, from Minnesota, was nearing the end of her 16-month battle with leukemia. Before she died, Katie asked that the money she’d been saving for a 10-speed bicycle be donated to a little-known fund at the University of Minnesota called Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). With that seed of support from Katie and her family, CCRF has grown to contribute over $200 million in funding of nationwide research, education and quality of life programs for children with cancer.
Katie never got the chance to ride her new bike, so now we ride to realize her dream of a world without childhood cancer. Since the first Great Cycle Challenge event in 2015, our community of riders from all 50 states has ridden a total of 33,817,103 miles, and together we’ve raised $72,646,876 in support of research to develop better treatments and carry-on Katie’s legacy.
THANK YOU for being part of it.
Posted 73 days ago -
2 months before the miles count
27 Jun 2024The official registration for this year’s challenge starts now.
As you know, I got a head start.
With your support, we now have 23 sponsors and donations totaling over $4100.
I thought I would share some information here on what we fund.
Innovative and promising research
We fund research at institutions nationwide, focusing on projects that allow researchers to prove their idea, then reach for even larger grants. Federal funding sources often don’t fund projects until much later in the process.
Enhance healing and care for families
We understand that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the whole family. That’s why we fund programs that help families find joy and support during and after cancer treatment, from peer support groups to camps to programs for caregivers and siblings.
Educate the world about childhood cancer
Through stories of families fighting cancer and researchers who won’t stop looking for answers, we educate the world about what we can do to create a world without childhood cancer.
Posted 111 days ago -
Hello Summer!
2 Jun 2024I’m back with my monthly update. The weather has allowed our bikes to find the trails more in May.
More in May? We added 4 more sponsors in May. Our totals are now showing 22 donors, contributing $4100. Although still early in the process, we still rank high on the leaderboards. Thanks!
Want to help raise awareness, resources and prayers? Feel free to share our information with your family and friends, through talk, text, email, social media.
Get out and enjoy this time of the year.
“Beginnings are endings. It is often said that every ending contains a new beginning, but the beginnings flow everywhere you look, and endings too. Every moment is a new chance to begin again, to do better, to do things differently.”
Posted 136 days ago -
2 weeks = 2 years
28 Apr 2024Although it was only 2 weeks ago that I put out my announcement note that I would be riding again this year, I am happy to share that we now have eighteen donors on my list for a total of almost $3300. Amazing. Although still early in the challenge, these numbers place me second nationally, second in the state, and …... first in the 66–75-year-old category.
Some historical perspective. In my first 2 years, 2017-2018, of participating in this Great Cycle Challenge, I raised about $2700. Now in 2024, we have raised more than that in just 2 weeks.
Thanks for checking out my update and adding your names to my list. Keep the kids in your thoughts.
Posted 171 days ago -
$2,500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved SUPERHERO LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 175 days ago -
$2,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $2,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved LEGEND LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 181 days ago -
$1,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $1,000 to fight kids' cancer and achieved WARRIOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 184 days ago -
$500 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $500 to fight kids' cancer and achieved GUARDIAN LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 187 days ago -
$250 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $250 to fight kids' cancer and achieved PROTECTOR LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 187 days ago -
$100 raised to fight kids' cancer!
I just raised $100 to fight kids' cancer and achieved DEFENDER LEVEL in the challenge! Thank you so much for your support.
Posted 187 days ago
My Sponsors
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Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation
“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$1,851.61Received this donation 35 days ago
Tom
“Thanks for the group of supporters who made this Match Day possible and yield great results for all.”
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Anonymous
“To say I’m proud of you is an understatement. But, it’s beyond that, it’s immense respect for you doing this with what I’m pretty sure is the attitude that this is just what you do. Ride safe!!!”
$517.50Received this donation 36 days ago
Tom
“Dear Anonymous, Wow! Thank you so much! Although I might guess who you are based upon you being an early riser, I hope I find out some day to give you a proper thanks. This is a very generous donation in support of this cause and me, and of course, the kids. And your kind words did bring a tear to my eyes. Onward!”
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Anonymous
“For the Kids!”
$517.50Received this donation 184 days ago
Tom
“Dear Anonymous (MD), wow - thanks for your very generous donation in support of this cause and me, and of course, the kids. I am honored and humbled to have you on my sponsor list.”
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In memory of Tim Cigrang
“Thank you for always including Tim on your rides. This donation is in recognition of Tim. Have a safe ride.”
$362.25Received this donation 21 days ago
Tom
“Donna, thanks for bringing a tear to my eye this morning. Another donation from you this year and a very generous one with this one to meet my $ goal. Although I would rather have Tim on his bike next to me, he is riding with me, including as I roll through Windridge.”
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Mary Dempsey
“Go Tom Go!”
$310.50Received this donation 174 days ago
Tom
“Demps, thanks for your very generous donation to this cause and joining my list of sponsors again this year. We ride for those young ones who can't ride now but will in the future. It is friends like you who make this all possible. Your support of me for this challenge and all the support of us over all these years is so much appreciated.”
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Tip & BoYoung
““Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein Best of luck. Keep moving, brother.”
$310.50Received this donation 171 days ago
Tom
“BoYoung & Tip, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. And I am very appreciated of your support of me for this, and support of all of us through so many items. And the quote - it ended up in my "book". Onward!”
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Jan Milbourne
“Tom, It is so wonderful you participate in such a great cause. Thank you for keeping Pat’s memory by your side on the ride. Jan”
$274.28Received this donation 36 days ago
Tom
“Jan, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Never a doubt about keeping Pat's memory all around us. And thanks for doing this on Match Day!”
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Karen Gillespie
“Thank you for all you do! Have a great ride this year!”
$274.28Received this donation 56 days ago
Tom
“Karen, thanks so much for your generous donation in support of this cause, the kids and me. I am honored to have the Gillespie family on my list of sponsors again this year. Tim will be with me along the way again. And how nice to see your donation on Tribute Day.”
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Kristin and John Muntean
“We are so honored to be able to support you again this year for the Great Cycle Challenge. Your support for finding a cure a children's cancer is a cause close to our hears. Go Tom!!!!!”
$274.28Received this donation 21 days ago
Tom
“Kristin & John, how wonderful to see your generous donation. And great to have your names on my list of sponsors again this year. We all do whatever we can to help others. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids, and this cause.”
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Viv & Alex Schultz
“Go Papa! We love you!”
$274.28Received this donation 57 days ago
Tom
“Viv & Alex, thanks for the donation from both of you to help these kids. It is so great to have you join my list again this year in support of me, the kids and this cause. And thanks for the picture of us on my page. Make sure Mom and Dad know you did this. Papa”
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Ann Simms
$258.75Received this donation 175 days ago
Tom
“Ann, with the systems error, I added your comments here: Tom, I'm grateful every year when I see that you're continuing to support this wonderful cause and allowing us to participate with you through our contributions. What an amazing legacy you've built! Ann, thanks so much for very generous donation. Year after year, you show your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. I am so honored to still be teaming with you through all these years.”
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CJS
“May the wind be slight and your seat un-chafed.”
$258.75Received this donation 170 days ago
Tom
“Bill & MC, thanks for the generous donation. I am honored to have you on my list again in support of this cause and the kids and families impacted by cancer. Hope the wind and my seat cooperate, along with the music slightly louder as I wander the trail behind your house. Maybe you can join me for a ride.”
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Kimberly and Randy Syme
“You’ve got this Tom! Such a big heart!”
$258.75Received this donation 36 days ago
Tom
“Kim & Randy, thank you so much for your support and generosity for me, the kids and this cause. How great to have your name on my list again this year. And thanks for joining us for Match Day. Yep, the heart is still going.”
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Marc Weisenburger
“Happy to participate and we are thankful for you efforts to pay forward.”
$258.75Received this donation 140 days ago
Tom
“Marc, thank you for your generous donation in supporting me, this cause, and the kids again this year. Happy to be back in the lineup with you. And you know well about paying it forward. Friends like you make all this possible. See you soon Pudge!”
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Mark Valentine
“Best of luck on year #8!”
$258.75Received this donation 154 days ago
Tom
“Chris and Mark, Thanks so much for your generous donation in support of the kids, this cause and me. My year 8 and you have been on my list for most of those. Friends like you make all this possible.”
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Anonymous
“Well done, Tom. Glad to support you!”
$258.75Received this donation 179 days ago
Tom
“Dear Anonymous (K), thanks for your generous donation and joining my lineup again this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends. Also, thanks for your ongoing support in all areas. Onward”
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Field Fastener
$250Received this donation 23 days ago
Tom
“Thanks for matching Bill and Sue's Haave's donation.”
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Sue & Bill Haave
$250Received this donation 23 days ago
Tom
“Sue & Wilbur, thank you so much for your generosity and ongoing support year after year. Happy to have friends like you that make this all possible. And thanks for coordinating the matching gift. I really appreciate your support of me, the kids and this cause.”
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Mark Valentine
$230.81Received this donation 46 days ago
Tom
“Chris & Mark, thanks for your 2nd generous donation for this year. It is helping out a great cause, as we also remember our good friends Pat and Tim and Tim. Onward!”
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Mike Shanahan
“Best of luck with year# 8 Tom. May your journey be smooth and ride like the wind (hopefully at your back) my friend. Doughboy”
$207Received this donation 181 days ago
Tom
“Doughboy, thank you for joining my list of sponsors again this year with your very generous donation. Always want a smooth and safe ride. The wind? If it is in my face, the music goes louder.”