Barbara Greenlee of Bothell, Washington, is the latest winner of the Liv/giant bike design contest, which the Giant USA-owned women's bike brand runs with the Young Survival Coalition.
Young Survival Coalition is a global organization dedicated to issues young women confront in dealing with breast cancer. Liv/giant supports two YSC fundraising rides each year: the three-day YSC Tour de Pink East Coast bike ride, and the Tour de Pink West Coast event. As part of that effort Liv/giant donates several bikes to breast cancer survivors who ride their first Tour de Pink event.
This year's design contest winner, Greenlee, received a 2012 Avail Inspire bike last year through the survivor program. This year she submiited a design.
"When we saw Barbara's design, we were immediately drawn to it," says Elysa Walk, Giant USA's general manager. "She imagined the beauty of cherry blossoms on a white bicycle canvas. It was such a great expression of life and inspiration."
"Young Survival Coalition really helped me get through treatment," Greenlee said. "I received the diagnosis at age 40. My doctor said the cancer had likely been growing for about 10 years. YSC had the resources and connections to help me through each obstacle I faced along the way."
The design features cherry blossoms, which have been applied to a Shimano 105-equipped Avail 1. A limited number of 2013 Avail Inspires (ARP/SRP $1,400) are available at select Liv/giant retailers across the U.S. Matching cherry blossom-themed accessories including a jersey, water bottle, and socks are also available. Liv/giant donates 10 percent of the retail price of each item to YSC.
"The inspiration for my design came from riding in TdP, my YSC sisters, and also where I was at in my breast cancer journey," Greenlee said. "Riding TdP was something that I never would have attempted before cancer. I felt like I had something to prove. YSC helped me do just that. The Japanese cherry blossom is a daily reminder that life is short and sweet, to exist in the present moment, and to celebrate the gift of life."
