Foreword by Mike Fraysse, Founder of America's Cycling Team (ACT)In my own experiences, I have found that there is nothing as rewarding as taking on a challenge and seeing your team through. Gisel's story is a fine example of how with enough hard work and commitment, no goal is insurmountable. The lessons we learn along the way are priceless.-Marv Levy, Coach, Buffalo Bills (1986-97)NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2001)This book inspired me through its description of a physical and emotional venture. As an athlete and competitor, I can appreciate the difficulties that he faced in his undertaking. As a son whose mother, like Bill's, was a patient at Roswell Park, I especially admire his dedication to supporting Roswell and the many families it helps in our community.-Baby Joe Mesi, Undefeated HeavyweightNot only bicycle enthusiasts, but anyone with an interest in journeys of self-discovery will enjoy Bill Gisel's engrossing narrative of preparing for and finally completing the ride of a lifetime-a six-day, 500-mile bike trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage, Alaska, to raise funds for AIDS vaccine research.By weaving together a series of captivating anecdotes full of colorful characters, bicycle mishaps, and both poignant and exhilarating moments, Gisel allows the reader to participate in the highs and lows of this unique experience. His description of discovering the world of bicycling will resonate with experienced riders and will tempt many other casual riders to haul their old bikes out of the garage.The Ride is also a refreshing story of commitment, friendship, and the desire of a few individuals to help make a difference in a war against a ravaging disease. For those plagued by the too much to do, too little time syndrome, it is also a reminder that, no matter how busy, we can all commit to an important cause.More Praise for The Ride:The Ride is a wonderful adventure book that tells an important story in a poignant and self-effacing way. Bill Gisel's narrative of his biking trip in Alaska made me feel that I was along for the ride and left me hoping he would take us out again soon for another adventure in humanity.-Robert E. Rich Jr., President, Rich Products CorporationWhen Bill Gisel agrees to a lifelong friend's challenge of a five-hundred-mile bike ride across Alaska to raise money for AIDS research, fear fills him. Though he's a savvy businessman at the head of a $2 billion-a-year company, Gisel realizes he's a babe-in-the-woods when it comes to cycling and training for endurance sports. Told in a relaxed letter-to-a-friend style, Gisel's story unfolds to show how a bike ride can broaden your world.-Alan Coté, Contributing Writer, BicyclingWilliam G. Gisel Jr. (Buffalo, NY) is the Chief Operating Officer of Rich Products Corporation.Royalties from this book benefit cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute