After Her Mom Passed Away from Lung Cancer, This Cyclist Is Devoted to Riding for a Cure
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Name: Lizzie Baker, M.D.
Age: 42
Hometown: Harpswell, Maine
Occupation: Pediatric hospitalist (pediatric critical care medicine)
Time Cycling: Lifetime cyclist, road cycling 17 years
Reason for Cycling: I cycle for my mom who passed away from stage IV lung cancer, and those affected by the disease.
Cycling has always given me a sense of freedom and excitement. At a young age, being able to travel safely in my neighborhood felt liberating. I gained a sense of independence at 8 years old being able to cycle to activities, like swim team practice at a local club.
Today as a physician, I recognize the value of a consistent cardiovascular effort and muscle development offered from cycling. Also, being able to travel long distances and enjoy gorgeous scenery is fulfilling and refreshing. Cyclists represent an incredibly supportive community to me, and the events I have participated in and the camaraderie I have developed through cycling is priceless.
Much of my cycling experience has been leisurely, however, I participate in two big charity rides every year: the Dempsey Challenge in September and the Trek Across Maine that supports the American Lung Association in June. While these are not competitive events, they are the major annual fundraisers for their respective organizations.
The Dempsey Challenge supports the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing in Lewiston, Maine, an organization dear to my heart as my mother battled terminal lung cancer for seven years. Dempsey Challenge rides range from 10 miles to a two-day 130-mile experience. This year we will expand into a run/ride duathlon with a run of four to five miles, followed by a 25-mile bike ride.
I have ridden in the Dempsey Challenge every year since 2015. I simply signed up as a local rider and interested pediatrician. However, within one month, my mother was diagnosed with terminal (stage IV) lung cancer quite unexpectedly. I then decided to participate in the longest available ride with the Dempsey Center, the 130 miles in two days.
I have served as a cycling ambassador, cycling training coordinator, event ambassador, and philanthropist for the Dempsey Challenge. As the cycling training coordinator, I wrote a plan for novice riders to prepare for a 50-mile ride. We held weekly Facebook and Instagram live videos that discussed cycling safety, nutrition, hydration, stretching, gear preparation, minor bike maintenance, and offered suggestions for training rides and cross-training workouts.
I have continued to ride with the Dempsey Challenge for the past eight years and that led me to and provided confidence for me to participate in the wonderful event that is the Trek Across Maine.
I started riding Trek Across Maine in 2018. This ride is important to me both in relation to my mother’s cancer diagnosis, but also as I am an athlete with asthma and a pediatrician supporting many children with lung disease. The Trek Across Maine is a three-day, 180-mile ride that is the American Lung Association’s largest annual fundraiser, generally attracting more than 1,000 riders from across the country.
This this past June, I gave the keynote speech at the “Spirit of the Trek” celebration at St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine where I spoke about the ways in which I have spent this year creating and honoring my mother’s legacy. I then asked riders to share stories and begin thinking about their own legacies as they rode together on Sunday, our final Trek day this year.
My mother fought her cancer and I stood by her in solidarity for seven years. She passed in May 2022 after an enduring and valiant battle. We are the success story of modern research as my mom participated in six clinical trials and lived a fulfilled and largely unaffected life during the course of her treatment.
This year, I represented the American Lung Association in Washington, D.C. as a LUNG FORCE Hero advocating to congress for additional research funding and patient financial support on behalf of my mother and our success story. I learned how influential personal stories can be in promoting advocacy for health issues and felt so honored to take on this role on behalf of my family and my state.
I currently try to ride outdoors at least one to two times per week, usually about 35 to 45 miles each ride. I ride my Peloton or Wahoo trainer in inclement weather. I cross train and weight lift often during the week, as well. I would like to join more local group rides as they re-emerge in the wake of COVID. I also just purchased a camper van and am interested in the prospect of planning cycling camping trips to increase my exposure to new venues and terrain.
Cycling has added a sense of community and empowerment in my life. I adore the practice of individual rides, group rides, and charity events. Cycling has also helped me develop a sense of confidence and strength that is different from other sports. It serves as a means of transport, leisure, connection, as well as phenomenal strength and endurance training.
My participation in the Dempsey Challenge and the Trek Across Maine cycling events promoted a sense of solidarity as my mom faced her battle with terminal lung cancer. My involvement continues to foster my mission of empowering others to live and fulfill their personal legacy.
These tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Preparation and practice build confidence and stronger riders
Road cycling requires practice to adapt to equipment, as well as the influence of traffic and varied weather and terrain conditions. Clipless pedals significantly improve rider efficiency, but require rehearsal and acclimatization. Route knowledge and assessment of topography lend to a more enjoyable and relaxed ride. Ride with more experienced riders who can provide tips and troubleshooting.
2. Fuel and hydrate properly
Start your ride preparation with a protein-packed meal and lots of water. Gauge your fuel, hydration, and electrolyte needs based on your anticipated distance and consider contingencies (maintenance issues, route alterations) if you need more fuel. Try various snacks and supplements on shorter rides to develop awareness of what works most efficiently for your body.
3. Learn basic bike maintenance
Every rider should learn some basic maintenance tasks, like checking and filling tire air pressure, keeping your bike clean, utilizing chain lubricant, basic tire maintenance, and flat/puncture repair.
4. Practice road safety
Helmets and clear eyewear are absolute essential gear items to utilize on every ride. Bright colors and safety lights increase visibility and safety. Learn hand signals and obey traffic rules. Communicate with fellow riders about hazards, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and anticipated turns and stops.
Lizzie’s Must-Have Gear
→ Specialized S-Works Evade 3 Mips Helmet: Investing in a high-quality, comfortable, and a well-fitting helmet is the most essential step in outfitting yourself as a cyclist. I love the lightweight nature of this helmet, its ventilation, adjustable fit, and the established safety reputation offered by Specialized.
→ Reflect Sports Hoo Ha Ride Glide: Protecting your nether regions is a vital part of ensuring a comfortable and sustainable ride. I love Hoo Ha, as it is formulated specifically for women and honors our delicate pH balance. This combination of a quality chamois cream and a comfortable short will optimize your performance as a rider.
→ Pickles: My favorite snack in any endurance event is a cold, whole dill pickle. Pickles and pickle juice offer salt and electrolytes to balance your hydration. I carry one or two in my pocket during events and celebrate the completion of large climbs with a pickle toast!
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