CNN PRODUCER NOTE     oysterponder says he is very supportive of the Livestrong Foundation despite being conflicted about Lance Armstrong, the man. He described his love of cycling: 'I have been cycling since childhood. Following my cancer (I have also had two open heart surgeries to replace my aortic valve) surgeries, chemo and radiation, I started riding again because it was a way to be lone with my thoughts. As I got back into shape, it proved to me that I could not only recover, but the 45 pounds I lost through the cancer actually gave me an advantage when climbing on the bike. It helped me become positive.'

He got involved with the Livestrong Foundation after his surgeon invited him on a bike ride in which he would get to ride with Armstrong. 'After that ride, I started using my riding speed and stamina to raise money for cancer and heart diseases every year, and still do.' He also described Lance as sometimes difficult to get along with, and said he tries to be nice to new riders. 'I am not certain if I can relate to Lance. I have never liked him, but I have learned many cycling lessons from him. While he trained, often on his own, he did things no one else did as far as preparing for the Tour ... bad weather riding, high cadence riding, insane speed descents, I learned from that, and while nowhere near his level, I got better and better as a rider. I also learned that Lance was a prick with many other riders, so I focused on helping other riders instead of being a jerk. New riders especially taught me that one day I was new to cycling and needed to learn. I have more fun on the bike by being inclusive. Lance needs this lesson!'

He is uncomfortable with the idea of doping. 'I do like to win, but I would be very unwilling to do it illegally. It was Lance's penchant for training and technique development that fooled me into thinking that he had something I wanted to emulate, even at my age. As a result, I often defended him when people accused him of enhancements like EPO or transfusing.' oysterponder's focus is primarily on the foundation rather than Armstrong. He always wears two Livestrong bracelets, one for each of the instances of his cancer. 'When people ask me about Lance, I try to leave him out of the conversation if I can discuss Livestrong in the answer. For me, the last year has been all about the foundation.'
- nsaidi, CNN iReport producer