So What's Next...?

Sunday: The experience with CAF was fantastic and something I will never forget. We raise over $1M, I made a lot of new friends and had the opportunity of a life time seeing the California coast from the seat of my Trek Madone.

But since my return the question by many has been...what's next? Actually there are many things on my mind 24-hour RAAM, more century rides, double centuries, QMDC next year and so much more. But in the immediate future is Tour de Tucson, Nov 22nd.

I must confess that I started to train for this event immediately upon returning from the QMDC ride. Tuesday this past week I met with a group called Sub5, for a trainer class. This group is made up of 20 plus like minded individuals looking to break 5 hours in this 109 mile and two river crossing ride.

This is not a race but then again it is. If you come in under 5 hours, for men and 6 hours for women, you are classified as a platinum ride and the following year you get to start in the front pack. With over 10,000 people it's nice to be in the front traveling at an average of 23 MPH. I've done this ride 8 times, some times with the intention of beating 5 hours and some times not.

It started back in 1997 for me with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Team in Training program. I found one of their fliers at a local bike shop. I was looking for a program to get involved with after surviving cancer a few years prior. Giving a few dollars each year didn't seem like enough for the life I had gained.

LLS TNT is a 3 month training program with structured weekly rides along with coaches and mentors to guide you along the way. The participants are required to raise a certain amount depending on the type of program, running, walking, hiking, tri or cycling, and where the event is. Tahoe, Ireland, Hawaii are just some of the locations.

LLS TNT was my first experience with raising over $2500 which at the time a huge challenge. I was also sweating the ride but soon learned that it wouldn't be a problem as we slowly added mileage each week.

Dr Arnie Baker was at the heart of the cycling program in those days. He is well known for coaching pro-cyclists such as Floyd Landis and others. He brought to the program solid coaching advise supported by the science as well as practical knowledge. He holds many cycling medals and tittles and has been racing for years. He also has written numerous books and articles about cycling. I have attended his lectures and hold a coaching certification under his tutelage.

Over the years with LLS I came back as a mentor, assistant coach and finally a coach with a program called HIT (High Intensity Training) which is another program by Dr Baker. It's design was to take cyclists to another level.

My first taste of the program was as an assistant coach and that year I came across the line at 5:01. The next year I was asked to step into the coaching position and took a team in which almost all, except two that where involved in a crash, made their goal. Two of the women came in at the under 5 hour mark. One is now a pro.

My time that year was 5:10. When I'm in a position of responsibility it's not my job to come in under 5 hours. My job is to help others. That year as a coach I was taking calls regarding those that had crashed and had a flat as well. I was holding back in case someone needed a draft or help with fixing a flat. My time would come.

This year, I'm free to train and get ready for Tour de Tucson. I only have 2 weeks of hard training and one week to taper prior left. My base miles are more than years past so I'm confident this is my opportunity to meet a goal I've had for many years.

Tour de Tucson, here I come.