Dear Friends and Family,
As many of you know, the Tour de Pier brings hundreds of stationary cycling bikes to the iconic Manhattan Beach Strand to create awareness and raise funds for three outstanding cancer charities: Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the Cancer Support Community South Bay and the Uncle Kory Foundation.
This year, I will be riding with a purpose that is deeply personal to me. I will be riding in honor of Nick Cote — a remarkable human being, a gifted professional tennis instructor, and someone who truly embodies what it means to live with heart and purpose. Nick is currently facing stage 4 pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis that would shake anyone to their core. But if you know Nick, you know that he is anything but ordinary. On the court, Nick has always been more than a coach. He teaches far beyond technique — he teaches patience, resilience, and belief. Off the court, those same qualities define him even more. He is one of the most positive, kind, and uplifting people I have ever known. Even in the face of unimaginable challenges, Nick continues to radiate gratitude, faith, and strength. Nick is also deeply spiritual — a person who doesn’t just talk about life’s lessons, but lives them every single day. He has a way of reminding those around him what truly matters: connection, compassion, and showing up for others with an open heart. Year after year, he has dedicated his time to charitable work in Guatemala, giving back to communities in need and making a lasting impact far beyond immediate circle. To say that Nick inspires me would be an understatement. He is a teacher in every sense of the word — not just in tennis, but in life. That’s why I’m riding. I’m riding to honor his strength. I’m riding to support the fight against pancreatic cancer. And I’m riding to help fund research and treatments that can bring hope to families facing this disease. If you feel moved by Nick’s story or want to contribute towards cancer research, I ask you to consider making a donation to support this cause. Or if you'd like, you can join me for a day of fun at the beach, a great ride, remembering those we have lost and celebrating those who are currently battling this disease by reserving a bike and riding with Team Cote. Any contribution — no matter the size — helps bring us closer to better treatments, better outcomes, and ultimately, a cure. More than anything, this ride is about people like Nick — the ones who remind us how to live, how to love, and how to keep going even when the road is incredibly hard.
Together we can make a huge difference so that no one faces cancer alone. Let's ride in place, fight cancer with love and move charity forward!
With gratitude,
Lisa
