I’ve been putting off writing this post. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because saying it out loud makes it real. So here goes. I’m not doing the Empire State Ride this year. I’m deferring my spot to 2027.
If you’ve been following along, you already know my knee has put me through the wringer. And this decision, as hard as it is, comes straight from that story.
What the Empire State Ride Means to Me
Let me paint the picture for anyone who hasn’t heard of it. The Empire State Ride starts in Staten Island and winds its way all the way up to Niagara Falls. That’s roughly 600 miles over seven days. Seven days of pedaling through some of the most beautiful scenery New York has to offer, all to raise money and awareness for cancer research through the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
It’s the kind of challenge that lights me up. Big miles, a real cause, and that feeling of doing something that matters. I trained for it. I dreamed about it. And I raised nearly $4,000 thanks to so many of you who believed in me.
That last part is what makes this so tough to write.
Then My Knee Had Other Plans
Here’s where things got complicated. As many of you know, I have a MISHA implanted in my knee. For anyone new here, the MISHA is a hinge-like device that sits in the tibia and patella. It was supposed to take pressure off my joint and buy me some more active years.
The problem? It just hasn’t worked the way we hoped. And the bigger problem for this ride specifically is where it sits. The MISHA is very close to the skin. I can actually feel it.
On a recent ride, I felt it rubbing the entire time. Not a sharp pain exactly, but that constant, nagging discomfort that you can’t ignore. Now imagine that for seven days straight, hour after hour in the saddle.
The Advice I Didn’t Want to Hear
When I talked this through with my doctor, he was honest with me. He told me that because the MISHA sits so close to the skin, seven full days of constant rubbing during the ride could make my suffering significantly worse. Not “you might be a little sore” worse. Genuinely worse.
I sat with that for a while. I really did. Part of me wanted to push through anyway, because that’s who I am. But deep down, I knew he was right. Riding 600 miles on a knee that’s already struggling wouldn’t be brave. It would be reckless.
Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t showing up. It’s knowing when to step back.
Grateful for the Grace to Defer
Here’s the silver lining, and it’s a big one. The Roswell Foundation was incredibly gracious about all of this. They understood my situation and allowed me to defer my participation to 2027. That kindness meant more to me than I can put into words.
So this isn’t goodbye to the Empire State Ride. It’s “see you soon.” I’m not walking away from this dream. I’m simply giving my body the time it needs so I can come back stronger and finish what I started.
To Everyone Who Supported Me
If you donated, cheered me on, or sent me a note of encouragement, please know your support isn’t lost. It’s just early. I’m holding onto every bit of it for 2027, when I plan to cross that finish line at Niagara Falls the way I always pictured.
Am I disappointed? Of course. But I’m also hopeful. I’m choosing my health today so I can chase the miles tomorrow.
I’ll see you on the road in 2027. I’ll be ready.