Armstrong speaks at Ride for the Roses

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Livestrong Foundation's Ride for the Roses weekend comes to an end today with a ride for cyclists starting downtown.

Cyclists will be riding 18, 65 or 100 miles, based on their experience, in support of cancer survivors. Before the start, Lance Armstrong spoke to cyclists.

He said, "Obviously, it's been an interesting, and as I said the other night, at times, very difficult few weeks.  People ask me a lot, 'how are you doing?'  And I tell them, 'I've been better.  But I've also been worse.'"

He also thanked riders for their support, "4,300 riders, the largest ride in Austin's history, so thank you all so much.  Live strong, be safe."

A post-event party at the Palmer Event Center will be open to the public. The party will feature local food vendors, activities for kids, classes from Black Swan Yoga and a day of free live music. Emily Wolfe, The Black & White Years, Saints of Valory and Tennis will all be on stage starting at noon.

Oct. 17 Armstrong, the founder of the foundation, stepped down as Livestrong chairman. 

The announcement came after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's report against the cyclist. USADA has banned Armstrong from the sport for life and has ordered that his Tour de France titles be stripped. Eleven teammates were included in the report and helped build a case against Armstrong.

Many sponsors have also dropped Armstrong. Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Trek bicycles and Honey Stinger have all chosen not to continue with previous sponsorships.

Despite all the controversy around the foundation's founder, the Ride for the Roses weekend is focusing on celebrating 15 years of serving and empowering people affected by cancer.

Friday the Livestrong gala brought Hollywood stars to Austin. Sean Penn, Robin Williams, Norah Jones and Ben Stiller were just a few of the names at the event. The gala was also Armstrong's first time to speak publicly following the USADA report and stepping down as chairman.

Despite Nike dropping Armstrong, Saturday the charity partnered with the sports apparel giant to sponsor a presentation during the University of Texas football game against Baylor. Students wore Livestrong t-shirts created especially for the game by Nike.