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Miami Dolphins Cycling Challenge 2011 Honors Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich

By Kevin Nogle
Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich (left) poses with The Phinsider's own Ohiofinfan4life. (Photo courtesy of Griffin Van Nest)
Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich (left) poses with The Phinsider's own Ohiofinfan4life. (Photo courtesy of Griffin Van Nest)

The Miami Dolphins are holding their Second Annual Dolphins Cycling Challenge For those of you who don't know, the DCC is a two-day, tri-county bicycle ride/fundraiser to fight cancer.

Cancer is a disease that affects all of us - in my case I've seen my Dad beat the disease, my Grandmother beat it, and my Grandfather is currently fighting.  Even if it's not a direct member of your family, or a friend of yours, it's hit your Dolphins family.  Last April, the Dolphins lost their voice.  

Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, a member of the 1972 Perfect Season, and easily the most recognizable Miami Dolphins radio voice in the team's history, succumbed to bile duct cancer after a 2-year fight.

Miami quarterback Chad Henne, a Michigan alum like Mandich, probably summer it up best, "[Mad Dog] was like family to my wife and me.  He was a great mentor and friend.  He has been and will always be an idol to me."

This year's DCC has an even bigger connection to all of us here at The Phinsider.  One of our own is heading out, electing to do the two-day, 170 mile ride option.  Which one of us around here is just crazy enough to elect the longest ride option, especially when he admits, Recently, since being home I really haven't [been] spending to much time in the saddle."

Why, it's Ohiofinfan4life.

If you are able to, and would like to, donate to this cause, Ohio can use your assistance.  For selecting the 170 mile ride, he has agreed to raise a minimum of $750.  You can find Ohio's page here, or head over to the DCC website and search for Griffin Van Nest.

Any little bit we can give will not only help Ohio, but will assist the Dolphins, and will help find a cure to a disease that claims 1,500 Americans every day.  

The DCC will take place November 5-6.  There are multiple distance levels (ranging from 30 miles, to the two-day 170 miler), with rides taking place in Miami-Dade County (start point at Sun Life Stadium), Broward County (starting in Huizenga Plaza), and Palm Beach County (CityPlace).  

All the money raised during the ride will support the Miami Dolphins Foundation and the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

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