Most GW Law people who bike to school do it to save money or get in a bit of exercise before classes. Professor Steve Schooner bikes to school to cure cancer.

He is participating in an event called the LiveSTRONG Challenge, one of several epic bike rides taking place around the country. The Challenge directly benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which according to their website "unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer." Focusing on cancer prevention, access to screening and case, research and quality of life for cancer survivors, the foundation has raised more than $250 million since 1997.

The event itself is designed to raise money and support through donations for riders. Professor Schooner is participating in the "flagship ride" in Austin, Texas on October 24-25th. Bike rides range from 10 to 90 miles. He notes: "[W]e're going for the full 90 miles. There's also a 5k run/walk the day before.  I plan to do that too with my family."

While many bicycling enthusiasts would find the event physically challenging and rewarding, for Professor Schooner it's personal. A cancer survivor himself, Professor Schooner is no stranger to the disease. His mother and sister battled breast cancer and now Professor Schooner rides in LiveSTRONG to support his father, who is fighting pancreatic cancer. Professor Schooner explained why he chose LiveSTRONG over other fundraising projects: "When my mother was dying (of cancer) a few years back, my sister and I participated in the Avon Breast Cancer walk in D.C. We raised a lot of money, and we found the experience uniquely fulfilling.  This time - with my dad's illness - I chose this event because I love to bicycle, I'm an unapologetic Lance Armstrong fan (I think he's been a wonderfully successful champion for the cause), I like the work of the Foundation does, and the timing was perfect."

He has devoted countless hours to training for the event. "I try to bike to and from school at least a couple of times each week, and, particularly in the (early) morning, I've been systematically adding in some extra miles. I spend some time on stationary bikes and an elliptical trainer too.  Long rides are for weekends, and, whenever possible, these are group rides."

Though time-consuming, the event has inspired Professor Schooner to find new ways to push his limits. "I haven't biked high mileage for years, so I'm still getting used to my limits.  My newest toy is a heart rate monitor, which I find hugely entertaining.  I've also been experimenting with some of the new (or should I say "modern-era") energy bars, electrolyte drinks, and recovery products.  I used to scoff at "chemicals," but I'm pretty impressed."

Professor Schooner credits the support of his family in helping him juggle his priorities and train for this event. "There never seems to be enough time for long (multi-hour) bike rides with teaching, keeping up with professional activities, family, etc.  So we do the best we can, and I'm immensely grateful that my wife (the "other" Professor Schooner) is willing to pick up that much more than her "fair share" of the slack when necessary."

When asked about his fundraising goal, Professor Schooner said: "I'm hoping to raise at least $20,000, although the sky is the limit.  It's truly remarkable how much some folks raise." A local bike shop, Spokes, Etc., donated a new bicycle that Professor Schooner is raffling off through his website - http://mysite.verizon.net/vzevtprj/. Between August 28th and September 25th, participants have the chance to win a Trek 7100 bike along with either a $100 gift certificate to Spokes, Etc. and a bike lock, or bike shipping for winners who do not live in the D.C. Metropolitan area. Professor Schooner is also offering consolation prizes including a number of gift certificates to area stores such as Starbucks, Au Bon Pain, Bertucci's, Subway, and Baja Fresh. Professor Schooner encouraged those interested in participating in the raffle to visit his website for more details.

Community members who are interested in supporting Professor Schooner can also make donations through his LiveSTRONG website located at http://austin09.livestrong.org/ss. Net proceeds from the Challenge directly benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation.