Sushi/Silent Auction

Monday: It's 11:30 PM and Todd and I are raising a well deserved glass of beer in the Southwestern Yacht Club(SWYC) bar to celebrate an event that went off without a hitch. We took a moment to talk about what sparked this moment along with all the meetings, phone calls and preparation, and what happened tonight between 6 to 9 PM.

About 5 weeks ago at the end of a Sunday ride Todd Northup and I were talking about how our individual fund raising was going. We both had made some progress but realized that we needed something big in order to pick up the pace. Todd was planning an event but hadn't settled 100 percent on the date or other details. I had a friend, DDS Lan Tran, who had suggested a Sushi event at the SWYC. She has done these before and seen huge success.

We shared what was in our plans and I asked him if he would like to join in with me. Todd said he would think about it. A day later he called and said..."I'm in". He decided to 100 percent focus on our event and drop his other.

We first laid out some ground rules for this two man committee. Communication, we agreed, was key. If there was an idea, issue or thought, we would get it out on the table. Todd is a very level headed person which is kind of how I view myself. Leaving our feelings at the door we quickly found we could work the plan quickly starting with a 5 page outline of notes as our template.

Todd had already secured a handful of items, hotel stays, restaurant vouchers, etc. I had a few things with more on the way. We soon realized that we needed to centralize things. We housed all the items at my house and I was responsible for making up the 100 plus guest gift bags along with all the Silent Auction Gift Baskets. (all bags were donated by the way) Todd took on the display sheets. All in all we had over 30 grouped items so a lot of computer work and hand labor in putting that portion together.

Todd took on the layout of the web page/blog site. Not having a web domain saved us money. Todd designed the fliers and tickets and found a printer who produce them as a donation. I met with the Yacht Club General Manager along with Lan to secure a date and talk about some of the details. We had a follow up meeting withe the event coordinator and my job was to cut that down from $700. End result was $300 for the club.

We started to get the word out which at first seem slow. When it's 4 weeks to an event, people in general aren't looking that far forward. We had decided on a VIP ticket for $50 and Standard at $30. VIP would include unlimited beverages that we, not the club, would serve. Unfortunately that idea had to change when we learned that the club couldn't allow us to serve. Fortunately our sponsor, John Pabst, said he would cover the tab, up to a certain dollar amount, instead of purchasing cases of wine and beer. Another disaster alleviated for the tickets already sold.

Todd and I think alike and know that people need direction on projects. We had found 15 volunteers to help but what would they do? A week prior to the event we met at the club and had a training session on how to make sushi rolls (roll your own). We also had pictures of the room layout and answered questions. We had a dress code, wrote down expected arrive times to help, and everyone was assigned positions. Lan was instrumental on the demonstration process and food prep at this point which ensure we stepped around some land minds she had seen in previous events. An example was 4 stations instead of 1 for sushi instruction. This eliminated long lines waiting to learn the art of sushi which in the past had created a backup and very hungry people.

Todd and I were calling each other every few hours in the last weeks of preparation. This may sound like a lot but it kept our lines of communication wide open leaving no room for confusion. We could share thoughts and quickly make decisions. Little things that can be minor details, like the color of table top, become easy. Why argue over a color when there are bigger things to focus on?

Handling the money was an important detail but Todd and I knew exactly who should, our wives. Both Crystal, my wife and Britt, Todd's, stepped in with no problem. They manned the table for registration, took money, sold raffle tickets, took money, when silent auction tables closed, took money and handed out gift bags as people checked out.

Our MC, Gary who is the voice at the San Diego Velodrome, did a fantastic job of keep things moving. He interviewed some of the Challenged Athletes, talked about Silent Auction items and was very entertaining. Three hours flew by pretty fast with his help.

The food was great and in the end we had more fish than we needed. We had hoped and thought 100 plus people would attend. Better to have too much than too little. The volunteers and staff all received some very nice fish to take home.

Would I do it again, not tomorrow, but as a fund raiser in the future, you bet. We learned a lot, made some mistakes but the end result was over $6000 that will go to CAF. Bottom line is the fund raising and if you can have some fun at the same time it makes the whole process that much more enjoyable.

There are so many people to thank; those who made donations of their time, services and products, volunteers, the staff at the Yacht Club, Lan Tran for her idea to help with this event, CAF, and all the friends and family. We could not have done this alone and want to extend that message of appreciate. Thank You for your help and support.

Sat and Sun rides

Sunday: After yesterdays ride for some reason I was a bit tired today but part of that may have been to the lack of sleep. With our event coming up on Monday night my mind was racing thinking about the details. Todd and I have been calling each other more than what is normal for most men and our wives are starting to ask questions. So many little things need to be done.

The ride was supposed to be 77 miles but a few of us separated towards the end and got off course. I had tried to download the course to my Garmin 705 in the morning but I kept receiving errors. Not too much a problem. I can always find my way to the ocean.

Mari merged groups 1 and 2 again. I hung towards the front like normal but found that was a mistake. We had a split in Carlsbad which really turned into a group 1 ride. The pace was fast but up to this point flat. Once we hit the road again after our first SAG at 30 miles the pace really picked up with JJ on the front. I even heard Mike, one of our Ride Leaders, say that we were in for trouble now. That's when I decided I would drop off and connect to the group behind. Keven Davenport from the radio contest, also dropped back. Keyvon decided it was too much as well but he had ridden 105 miles and over 9000 feet the day before.

There was one small accident. Kevin lost focus for a moment and hit the back of a wheel. I was right behind him and it looked like he then jumped off his bike and wrapped his arms around a telephone pole giving it a hug. We were going about 15 MPH at that point and by the time I stopped and looked back he was up saying, "I'm OK" We checked him over and not a scratch on him. Looked worse than it was.

The last 10 miles I was beat. I hadn't been keeping up on my fluids and that is always a killer. I connected with Keyvon and Artic Mike. We shared some nice pacing back to Fletcher Cove. Now I had to finish preparations for the Sushi Silent Auction.

Saturday: It was kind of a sad and happy day for me. This was the last ride of the Trek Poway Century Training program before the Powey Century Ride next Sunday, Oct 5th. Brent and I decided to split the ride into two groups one riding 50 miles and the other 65. This would allow everyone to return at about the same time 12:30. It actually worked.

Colleen Olson was a huge help and brought all the food to the BBQ we had planned for after the ride. Mike Olson, the owner of Trek San Diego, was flipping burgers. It was great fun. Brent had made up some plaques for the ride guides and he passed out some nice comments. Brent is the unsung hero in all this. He works tirelessly to ensure its a great program every time.

It has been a fantastic program and we are fortunate to have a wonderful bunch of people to ride with here in San Diego. Next Sun is the Poway ride. Come on out and get some miles in.

An Opportunity

Friday: Last night we met the base of Torrey Pines with a small group of riders. John, our weekly Ride Leader, coached us on some techniques to improve our hill climbing capabilities. We started with a warm up, then a climb in the drops, then standing and sitting every 30 seconds and then...the sun went down. When vehicles have a hard time seeing a cyclists it becomes a safety factor and a few of us still had to ride back to where our car was parked several miles away.

Early this morning I took the opportunity to run down to the XX1090 radio station in Sorrento Valley. I wanted to get some pictures of Scott and BR with the Stewart Surfboard we had made up before it was auctioned off next Monday night at our Sushi 4 CAF event. By the way, we have 100 people signed up to attend and have decided to extend it to 130. All our VIP tickets are sold out.

I was able to get a quick photo opportunity with Scott and BR. After I hung out for a good 20 minutes listening to them work their magic on the radio. You would think that it's more chaotic but in reality the flow is very smooth as they talk about sports, interview people and cover the advertising of their sponsors.

Scott brought me on air to talk about our event and BR upped the bidding to $700 on the surfboard. It's a center piece of our event but I think the Rolls Royce picnic for two will bring in top dollar.

One of the next segments was Pies for Guys. Steve, from Mario's New York Pizzeria brought in some beautiful pizzas which we all had a slice of. The BBQ Chicken was out of this world. We're going to put his fliers in our gift bags that each guest receives. The value of items in the bag is over $35.

Tues...Wed...Elimination

Whats Up: All day yesterday I was fielding calls and emails from friends and relatives asking what happened. Many had tuned into XX1090 hoping to hear something and others just wanted to know...was I still in the contest.

Tuesday came and went this week and due to a the amazing game on Monday night and the Chargers win over the Jets (48-29) Scott & BR didn't have time to have the cyclists elimination on the program. I received a call from Kristine over at CAF the night before and my guess is Nina, Carl and Scott did as well, providing a heads up on what would happen the next morning.

Some people have asked why there is 6 people at the top of the blog when 4 are left in the contest. Scott Kaplan, far left, and Jim Carbaugh, winner from last years contest, is 2nd from the left.

I spent yesterday wrapping myself around work, my day job in the computer industry, and the Sushi Silent Auction we are planning for Sept 29th. Monday night we met with our volunteers at the Southwestern Yacht club and worked on the agenda for the event, trained our chefs and had some great Sushi by Lan Tran. Last night my wife invited some ladies over and we worked on creating baskets and stuffing guest gift bags for this event. (By the way, we have some very cool stuff) I never imaged how much time Todd and I would have to put into this.

I was waiting near the phone along with the other 3 people and listening to Scott & BR via the internet. They tried to call one of us but the number wasn't working. The number was disconnected or wrong. Talk about raising my heart rate. They tried to re-call the number. Still didn't work. They tried again....still nothing. End result they decided not to cut anyone. Now WHAT>>>>? Tune in next week to see what they decide.

Century Back to Back..

It's Sunday night and I really shouldn't be posting a Blog about the ride this past weekend but in reality my mind is racing with comments and thoughts so I better or I won't sleep to night.

Saturday- First off I feel bad about this . Normally Saturday's I help with the Trek Century Program as we get ready for the Tour de Poway Oct 5th. Prior to participating in the QMDC I discussed it with Trek and the General Manager, Brent Smith, to let him know I would still keep my commitment with their program. He and Mike Olson, the owner, where very understanding and supportive. This past weekend they road from Peete's off the 56 to Julian and back. That is an epic ride. I really wanted to be there but...I also had the QMDC. Next weekend is the final ride of about 60 miles as we taper for the century. Come on out if you have time. We have a BBQ after.

So this past Saturday we rode from San Diego, Fletcher Cove, to Redondo Beach. 100 miles...not a big deal however, the catch was another 100 miles the following day back to San Diego.

Prior to the start I brought out the surf board that we had made up by Bill Stewart up in San Clemente. We already have bids on the board up to $650. (Shown is a shot of myself and Todd Northup my partner in crime on this event) Check out our event at www.sushi4caf.blogspot.com. This is just one of many items.

We merged Group 1 and Group 2 together for this ride. It was a solid pace at first as we headed up the coast and then there was a flat and another flat and another flat all within the first 20 miles. This slowed it down some as all the groups passed us.

I think we took the lead again just after the park up near San Clemente. From there to Anaheim the roads were familiar. It was a perfect day for a ride, cool, a bit over cast and great company. A few of us were taking pulls on the front and the Ride Leaders where ensuring that we didn't get out line.

The SAG stop was out of this world with sandwiches, drinks and all the other essentials. For some reason at 59 miles real food just tastes so much better than a gue or a cycling bar. I think I had two. They were so good. Dan Plummer, Wheels on Wheels, has done a fantastic job in this program. It is top shelf support with a mechanic, food, drink and a vehicle ride if needed.

After Long Beach it was a new ride for me. We headed into a neighborhood that was near the docks. There were 3 over passes that I swear felt as if the road just lifted itself up as we headed over them. Todd Northup commented that it felt like the draw bridge was lift but it was due to the wind at the top.

Once we were within about 15 miles of Redondo we had a...climb. It wasn't steep but it was long. We stopped at the 7-11 to fill bottles at the base and we were glad we did. I drank both of mine by the time we got to the hotel.

We pushed up that hill and the next and the next. It was stair step effect to the top but when you have never ridden in an area you don't know how much to put out but since we were so close I think everyone put it all out there. Finally we topped out and had a great view of the ocean before dropping down to sea level.

Crystal met me at the hotel and I was so glad she could come up for the night. With her travel, my work, Trek and QMD we don't often have time to see each other. The view from our room was spectacular. I had pre-ordered a massage for both of us and more than glad I did. I almost feel asleep during mine.

We then met up with the gang in the lobby at 6:00 and walked over to the Cheese Cake Factory. It was a busy night for them. Crystal and I grabbed a small table outside and Todd joined us. The pasta I had hit the spot and we all shared a cheese cake with apple, caramel and other sugary stuff. I was a sleep by 8:30 PM.

Sunday, Sept 21st, 2008 - Today is a very special day...it's my birthday and I'm proud to say I'm 49 and not even half way there. I plan to live until I'm 110. Anything beyond that is grace.

I let Crystal sleep in, ate left over pasta in the room, went down to the lobby and hooked up with Todd and Mike for breakfast. Had additional food, went out to the parking lot and by 7:00 AM we were rolling to San Diego.

The pace was solid but the wind gods where against us. We were riding into a serious head wind but still averaging on the flats at least 22 MPH. Bryan took point a lot at first and pulled the team along. A few of us shared that position but not for long.

The hills are where I felt it the most. I could pull on the flats but was loosing power on the hills as the lactic acid built up in my thighs.

The group split at some point but we reconnect in the park where they had a sign up for my birthday. Mike Howard, a rider I hadn't met, was standing in the shade and said, "...who is Mike and is it his birthday."

By the time we made it to the other end of the marine base everyone, including the Ride Leaders, where feeling the miles. Pace was strong but not over the top. I plowed up a few hills but the burn was....so good?

Back to back 100 mile rides are an experience. Once you've wrapped your mind around it the next one's are easy. Great time and had a wonderful ride. I'm looking forward to our event ride.

Scott & BR...One of Four

Tuesday - It's become known as ELIMINATION day but today is very different from past weeks. The remaining 6 contestants, Carl, Brent, Nina, Scott, MoMo and myself, were invited into the XX1090 radio station at their new location, just off Mira Mesa blvd, to be on the Scott and BR Show . (if you want to see some amazing video of last years ride, check it out on their web page)

If you have never been in a radio studio then you are missing out on something. This was a high tech place. There is one wall with 6 HD TVs all running different sporting programs. (That would be distracting during the day at work) In the center of the room was a table with all these microphones hanging off it where Scott and BR work the show. They have computers in front of them and panels of buttons. I think you need a engineering degree to work there. Very impressive.

Jim Carbaugh met us at 6:00 AM in front of the building and one of the XX1090 staff, Mike, opened the doors and led us back to the radio room. Momo had baked up a coffee cake, I cooked up some rice crispy treats with chocolate chips and Nina brought some ice lattes for everyone to share. (Like we all really need sugar and caffeine at this point)

The air was electric with anticipation as we sat down in the studio. We started with intros to the staff before going on the air. It was great to finally meet BR in person who is a super nice guy and very easy going. Jim and Nina, Nina has immunity this week AGAIN, were seated in the safe zone which was a set of chairs under a sign that read, "Safe Zone".

Scott then went around the room on the air introducing us to the audience. Each of us had an opportunity talk for a few minutes and give a bit of our back ground. Brent had a great story about his rodeo days and all his injuries which BR was relating to.

Scott Kaplan announced that two people would be eliminated today. But the twist was that the judges had decided they were no longer the ones making that decision. To start things off a name would be pulled from a hat for one person to go to the safe zone. It was a tense moment and then I heard my name announced. Man...I felt a weight fall off my shoulders. I was moved to the safe Zone. OK I'm in it still.

Next was a contest using the pyramid game with the remaining 4 which is a regular part of the show. Normally this is done with Scott or BR giving clues however another turn was added and teams had to be selected. Team one: Momo and Brent Team two: Scott and Carl. One team member would give clues and the other give answers.

Momo and Brent went first and came out with 3 correct answers. Carl and Scott next with 4. But wait, there's another round and the combined total of both rounds wins. Momo and Brent lead off with 4 and Carl and Scott come back with 3. It's a tie...now what? Over Time!

Momo and Brent lead again and ended up with 3. Carl and Scott...5. They are declared the winners and stay in the contest.
So Momo and Brent are out of the game but I don't think we have seen the last of them. Brent has been fund raising and was part of the event we attended this past weekend. He's about mid way on his fund raising goal. Click on his name to donate to him: Brent. Momo I believe will continue to ride with us because she is just that type of person. She loves the people.

Crystal, my wife, took an AM radio with her to work to listen in. She called and left me a message of congratulations. I've also already seen a few emails this morning from friends and relatives with words of encouragement and support.

This is an amazing wave that I've caught and I'm going to ride it as long as it lasts. Speaking of waves, don't forget about our Sushi4CAF and Silent Auction event Sept 29th. We have a custom made Bill Stewart surfboard as one of our items. More cool stuff is being added daily. We are limiting the registration to 100 people and have already closed down our VIP list. Hope to see you there.

It's Because of Her....

I need to dedicate this blog to my wife Crystal. You see, this past Saturday, September 13th, was our anniversary of 22 years. How did we celebrate, well...we didn't but let me explain.

I got up Sat morning at 5:00 AM and started to get ready for the Trek ride of 85 miles up the coast. I made a card using a scanned copy of our marriage certificate and a picture from our wedding day. I kissed her good bye as she said happy anniversary. I left the card on the kitchen counter next to two roses, one red one orange, I had cut from the garden. I would be home a bit later in the day and she had volunteered to help out at the evening service for church. With that in mind we had agreed that we wouldn't have time to sip champagne that day.

Sunday I again got up at 5:00 AM to get ready for the CAF recovery ride up the coast for 40 miles. Crystal volunteers on Sunday as well for church so we wouldn't see each other until later in the morning. After cleaning up some things around the house, a shower, and taking items to the recycling center it would then be time to go to the The Six fund raising event being put on by Carl, Brent, Nina, who are part of and still in the radio contest, and Helen, Kimberly, and Romina.

See, that's' what I love about this woman who decided to give me a chance. She is always supportive, flexible, and understanding. We have a wonderful relationship which we attribute to communication.

Before I start any program, like the one I'm in now, we sit down and talk about what it will entail and how I/we plan to raise the funds. The Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge has been the biggest challenge to date and I/we are almost to the $10,000. I owe a great deal of that to Crystal.

We met in Germany while trying out for a talent show that was being coordinated for the local Army personnel. She was dancing solo and I was playing guitar and singing. I decide to ask her out even though she was an officer and I was enlisted. Her birthday was coming up and Crystal wasn't going to do anything special. In my family birthdays are an important day of the year so I took her out for a birthday dinner. As I leaned over in the car after our date for a kiss I received...a hand shake. OK, now I have to ask her out again. Eight months later, we we're married.

Crystal is unique in many ways but something that really stands out in her past is that she is a West Point grad. I was stationed at West Point while she was there but we never met in that setting. I saw some of what those cadets experience and it's not easy as a man. As a women...you don't even want to know. I have a huge amount of respect for her just for that.

When I had cancer I think that was the hardest part of our marriage but mostly for Crystal. She was frustrated and unsure of the outcome or how to help me battle with it. That was 15 years ago.

So today we plan to celebrate our anniversary at one of the many events being put on to raise funds for The Challenged Athletes Foundation. Is it appropriate...in our case yes. Our lives are about supporting each other and this is just one of many days in which it happens.

It started with a hand shake, went to a kiss and 22 years later we are in a deep, powerful, loving relationship. I love you Crystal and thank you for your support and understanding.

Elimination...

Tuesday: I was so excited this morning that I woke up at 3:30 AM and laid there in bed looking at the ceiling thinking about Elimination on the Scott & BR Show XX1090. At 4:00 AM I turned on the light in my office and decided to do some reading.

When the clock ticked over to 5:00 AM Crystal, my wife, got up and started to get ready for work. The dogs looked like they could use some park time so I loaded up the car. After a mile and half walk around the dog park and fun time with the ball I was back at home by 6:00 AM. On the way over I had the radio on and learned that Scott and BR are broadcasting in Vegas this morning.

I hurried up to my office and turned on the computer in order to listen via the internet. 6:15 AM...come on, come on, get to it. My mind starts racing and my heart is pumping. 6:35...next segment is announced by Scott...Cyclist Elimination. 6:40 they are back after commercials and have on the line Nina. Nina was the winner of the immunity pump. She talks a bit about her condition, the daily challenges with pain, and how much fun she is having in this program.

Then, they announce the person, Todd Northup, and my heart sinks and I yell nooooooooooooo. Todd is the other person working with me from the radio contest on the Sushi Cooking Silent Auction event. I didn't want to hear my own name announced but even worse was for it to be Todd. Scott had Todd waiting on the phone and I soon heard his voice. Tears, yes, I had tears.

Todd has become a really good friend is a short period of time. When a another friend, Lan Tran, suggested the Sushi Cooking event as a fund raiser I didn't even think about inviting someone from to team help. Then one weekend while chatting with Todd I felt moved to ask if he wanted to join in. Something inside me said...ask him. He smiled and said sure.

I could hear the disappointment in Todd's voice as he came on the line but he came back with a response that he was out of the contest but not out of the ride. He quickly mentioned that he has been fund raising and gave a plug for our event along with our web site; www.sushi4caf.blogspot.com. As he talked the energy that had been sucked out of me was returning and I found myself sitting up tall and saying yes, yes, yes.

It only took a few minutes but it seemed much longer. I had seen Todd less than 10 hours ago when he stopped by the house to pick up the fliers we had printed. As we sat in my kitchen talking I remember thinking how lucky I was to have met a guy like this, to ride with him and have his help with this sushi event.

As I started to craft this email at 7:00 AM my office phone rang and I knew it was Todd. We talked, shared and realized that it's not about winning this event, though that is important, but in the end it's about CAF. Was he disappointed, you bet, we all want to be the person who is left standing. But he said something really interesting, now he could focus totally on the fund raising and not have to worry about the contest aspects. Check out his blog.

Great job Todd...you are the man.

Bling and CAF Sun Ride...

Sunday: I was so looking forward to the ride today. Early last week I was having some problems with my right knee. The problem is that I've had 7 operations and the warranty has expired. I had seen the ortho before starting this program and he indicated a knee replacement was in order. However, we could put it off to the spring if I didn't go crazy with my riding. So I live with the pain, smile and ride. Most days it's OK.

I took a few days off this week, iced the knee and just rested it. By day 3, Sat, I was feeling pretty antsy and was itching for a ride. Our Sunday CAF ride was scheduled for a 75 mile course and some climbing. Perfect! I rolled with group two and had a great time.

Deeanna Steffen was so strong this week. She would get into her aerobars and just crank on the front. I would pass her on down hills and she would catch and pass me on the flats. The last 5 or so miles 3 of us; Todd, Dan and myself, jumped in behind and we flew home. That was fun.

Immunity today was a quiz about the Ride Leaders. Nina came out with the most correct answers. Good for her. This week they will eliminate one person and the following week two. We were told that all the remaining contestants would be invited to the radio station this Tuesday but due to some scheduling issues it will happen the following week instead.

The Sushi Cooking Silent Auction is coming along. We are limiting the number of people to 100 so if you plan to sign up get in now. $30 a person or we have VIP passes for $50 which include drinks and a special gift. It's filling up fast. There are so many items for the silent auction like the Bill Stewart Surfboard. And there is the cool motor cycle helmet donated by Stamps Nstuff. Nina who loves pink and bling was big eyed when I showed them to her this morning.

These are just a few of the items. We have hotel and weekend packages, jewelry, salons, dinners, gift cards, cycling items, Garmin GPS, and so much more. The Sushi dinner alone would run well over $50 a person not including drinks. (By the way we will have other food there for those who are not fond of raw fish)

What has surprised Todd Northup, my partner in this, and myself is the amount time it takes to plan and coordinate all the details. Between that, our riding, family and work we almost don't have time to sleep. But, it's worth it. We're having a ball.

2 for Elimination

Tuesday Morning Elimination: I got up early this morning to take care of the dogs and after, around 6:00 AM, sat down to listen to The Scott & BR Show via the Internet. I was working on our email invite for the Sushi Cooking and Silent Auction event coming up at the end of the month. After about 15 minutes I was surprised I hadn't heard anything about the QMDC cyclists elimination. Finally at the bottom of the hour just before a break Scott Kaplan said it was coming up.

They brought on Jim last years winner who has been facilitating the tests and immunity challenge. I've got to say, Jim is one of the nicest guys I have ever met and that is truly a part of his personality. On the ride this past week I saw him with one other person, MoMo, while heading back to Fletcher Cove. He thinks nothing of stopping to help others. He's the perfect example of what this whole thing is all about.

Anyway, Jim explained that we were each given a piece of paper and asked to write down two names of those we think should be eliminated. Scott then brought onto the radio... Sam and Kevin.

Sam is a really cool guy. I talked about him early in my blog as the rider who did a 12 hour Mountain Bike race and with only 5 hours of sleep after a long drive home came out the next day to ride the Scripps Poway Parkway route in hot temperatures. That's dedication! Sam broke his finger a few weeks back while body surfing and didn't ride a few Sundays. However, he was out there often to see the team off.

Kevin won immunity on two different occasions early on in the competition. My wife and I bumped into him at Costco this past week and we chatted for a few minutes. Kevin has a warm personality and just seeing him makes you want to smile.

Both indicated they will still be coming out to the rides. That is the other cool part about this contest. Even if you are eliminated from the radio competition you can still come out and train with the team. Add in some fund raising and you still can ride the event in Oct.

I was sorry to hear their names this morning. Both have put a lot of time and effort into this program. But I think they will still be out riding with us and maybe even pick up the fund raising to participate in the final event Oct 18-24. CAF is a fantastic organization providing support and help to physically disabled people.

Monday...Labor Day

It's Monday and I got a bit behind in updating the blog. What was surprising to me is that people are actually reading it. Many that have made donations and or I talk with during my rides have made comments about it which I really appreciate.

Sunday: Yesterday was a fast paced ride up the coast from Fletcher Cove to San Clemente and back with a total of 82 miles. It was a perfect day for the ride. Nice temperature, a little over cast and good spirits in group 2.

But first...immunity. MoMo had immunity last week and added her touch of class to the immunity pump. There is some more alcohol on his side and a $100 bill in his mouth. MoMo's comment was that it could be used for fund raising if needed.

There was no immunity challenge this week but instead the radio contestants where given a slip of paper and asked to write two names on it of people we think should be eliminated. Now how do you vote...do you write down names of those who could win or of those you think might not make it. Check out The Scott & BR show Tuesday morning between 6:30 and 7:00. If you have Internet access and your office allows it you can tune in via the web connection.

We are half way there to the goal of $1,000,000 in funds for the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. Kayvon brought out a chart which will be updated weekly with our progress as a Team. We really only have a month to make up the remaining amount. (If you plan to support me please send in that donation as soon as possible using the link on the left)

The Ride: I was again feeling a bit of stiffness in my muscles Sunday morning after the Trek ride on Saturday of 75 miles and 4000 feet of climbing. But after a few miles on the road at a medium pace the legs where not so heavy. Many where commenting that they liked the pace today which was averaging 18 to 20 MPH. After entering the Marine base Bryon Black, one of our Group Leaders, puts the hammer down and goes off the front. I have a lot of respect for Bryon. He is an extremely strong time trail rider. Holding his wheel is a challenge for many of us and yet he can pull for hours at top speed of 25 plus MPH.

Now my legs where feeling the love. What I've learned over the years is that if you stay towards the front I often will work less than in the back. Gaps often open in the back which causes a lot more surging which in the end burns up a lot of energy.

By the time we reached our turn around point in San Clemente at the 7-11 many, including myself, where starting to hurt. Here's a shot of Todd Northup. Actually he looks fresh as a daisy.

On the way back there was a small crash as one of riders hit a patch of sand on a corner in the park just south of the nuclear plant. She feel but was uninjured however there was huge gash in her tire. Fortunately someone had a tire boot, a 2 inch piece of tire, to put on top of the tube inside the tire. Old trick but works well.

As we headed back into the Marine base the group broke up some as the pace picked up again. I still had some juice left and pulled a piece in spots and feel back a few times to pace one two riders back into the pack. Bryon has a Time Trail event next weekend at Fiesta Island so I think he was putting the final touches on his training. It was good practice for our group.

Later that day when I got home I took a nap for an hour before a BBQ at a friends house. I woke up swung my legs off the bed and immediately both my hamstrings locked up. Crystal walked in just in time to see me in pain. Not much you can do at that point other than relax. Ouch, haven't had that in while.

Great ride, getting stronger and I'm close to the $10,000 goal at just over $7700. Still can use your help though. Thanks