Wheels On Wheels

28 June 2009

After only a few weeks, today was our longest ride...80 miles from Anaheim to San Diego. Realize that we started at 30 miles, then jumped to 50, then 60 and now 80. Wow, that's a quick ramp up of miles for anyone who hasn't ridden that type of distance.

But to tell you the truth, I was very impressed with the Group 3 people. Many had never, in their life, ridden that far. (I spoke to several people in our group who told me that) Let me see if I can put that in perspective for you. 80 Miles, 2000 feet of climbing, over 5 hours in the saddle, total of 1500 calories burned. (what a weight loss program).

To start the day Dan Plummer from Wheels on Wheels, was on hand to load our bikes and transport them to Anaheim. I had met Dan last year and I was very impressed with his business. He's been around bikes, teams and group rides and knows what it takes to make things work. Check him out in Santee some time. You'll like his store.

From there we rode the Amtrak train to Anaheim only to find that our bikes on racks ready to go (Wheels on Wheels). All we had to do was put on our helmets and start riding.

The bike path was a beautiful thing. Not too many people at that time and no wind to speak of. We kept the pace at about 18 MPH.

Newport Beach we saw the CAF clan banging the drum so we stopped. My mistake...they just wanted to wave at us as we rode by. That caused some to think about a bathroom break.

Next stop was outside of Laguna Beach. Come down this hill, hit the brakes and pull into a nice spot to refill bottles and get some grub. Got to keep it short.

Into Laguna Beach, watch out for the tourists, and then down to Dana Point. I always like that part. Little bike path and then this loop with small little hills. Up, down, Up, Down. Just a quick turn and then San Clamente.

We head into the park and find ourselves at a sandwich spread. Wow, Tina is the gal who knows how to SAG. The only thing missing was a few beers and band. OK...lets hit the road.

The Marine base is not a bad ride but it can hit you hard after 55 plus miles. There are some rollers but the group stayed together most of the way.

Oceanside and then home. One of my Radio people was cramping. Ouch. Been there and I know what it feels like. However, he told me, Ron, to push on and he would make it and he did. That's a big plus in my book.

Lastly. Fred is one of our Challenged Athletes. He doesn't have legs. We took a few minutes to talk with our group about how to ride hand cyclists because we can out climb them but they will crush you on the down hill. Fred had some great suggestions.

Fred asked for some help taking him out of his chair and putting his bike in his vehicle. To me that is the ultimate request and an example of what we are doing. Finding Ways To Help Others...CAF.

Give and Receive Gifts

22 June 2009 - It was Monday and as I opened the mail box to extract the ads and a few bills I notices a large envelope with what appeared to be a book in it addressed to me. I was pretty sure I hadn't ordered any new books but was very interested to see what was inside.

After sorting the mail I handed a few things to my lovely wife Crystal and then opened the envelope. It was a new book from a good friend, Tom Freese, called, "Selling Yourself in Today's Competitive Market". The note indicated I was receiving an early release and thanks for supporting him over the years.

Tom and I met in 2001 on a day that we both, nor will any American, forget. We were in San Diego, CA preparing for a sales training event that we had been working on while I was employed with Compaq (pre-merger to HP). Tom had been contracted to work with my customer to help improve their over all sales of Compaq products using QBS (Questioned Based Selling).

News reached us that something was going on so we rolled in a TV at our first break to catch the broadcast. To say the least it was difficult to continue with our training while reports of jets crashing into buildings was going on that day on Sept 11. From that moment forward we have been friends which often happens when tragedy strikes.

With over 25 years of Sales and Marketing experience you can imagine that I have attended a lot of different sales courses. Compaq and other companies I've worked for each year come out with, "NEW" sales methodologies but in reality it's the same with a new name. After reading Tom's first book, "It Only Takes 1%", the light became very bright and since then I have applied his thoughts to my day to day work and other aspects of my life.

Each year it seems I receive a gift of some sorts; something I just wasn't expecting to happen. Sixteen years ago it was life after surviving cancer. Last year it was the winner of radio contest with XX1090 in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and a bicycle ride from San Francisco to San Diego. Yesterday it was Tom's new book and mention in the Acknowledgements (page VI).

I'm a very lucky and blessed person and extremely proud of the people I've connected with in life. My hope is that I can pass along something in each of those encounters that helps that individual in some way shape or form. Tom Freese has that same philosophy and I'm fortunate to have him as a friend.

XX1090 Contestant 3rd Ride

21 June 09 - This was the first week that the XX1090 Radio Contestants rode with the Group they felt they could stay with for our 60 plus mile route. The Groups are 1-4 with 1 being the fastest, averaging 21 MPH, and 4 being the slowest but having the most fun at 12 MPH. As a Ride Leader I was asked to be in Group 2 this week. We averaged about 19 MPH over all.

16 of the Radio Contestants from the Scott and BR Show were in attendance this past Sunday.

I took a couple of quick pictures. On the left are two of our contestants. I want a group shot next week before our Anaheim ride. Yep, we are already putting in over 80 miles with a train ride up to Anaheim and then a ride down the coast. That is one of my favorite routes.

There are a lot of amazing stories coming out of this group of contestants. It's a pleasure for me to get to know them during this event. All walks of life are represented.

Because it was fathers day we had a lower attendance than expected by the entire QMDC. Scott Kaplan took some much deserved time off with his family. With the radio station, community commitments, family, and training for triathlons, he has a very busy schedule. I'm also hoping we see more of BR.

If you have a moment, please make a donation to CAF. There is a link in the upper left corner of this blog. This year is extremely hard for many so any donation even $20 is appreciated.

Thank You---Mike

2nd Radio Contest Ride

14 Jun - It was a beautiful day for a ride up Scripps Poway Parkway. With the clouds keeping it cool the temps didn't bother me one bit as we headed out of Fletcher Cover this past weekend. This was the last week for the radio contestants to ride, well, at least start together. By the time we arrive in Fairbanks Ranch we had spread out some.

The distance was over 50 miles and a challenging route if you have never climbed from the bottom of Black Mountain road all the way up Mercy/Scripps to the 67. Total elevation gain for the day was well over 3500 feet.

I had to retract a statement I made several weeks ago to the radio contestants. I had said this wasn't about a bike ride and the contest really isn't. However, there is actually a ride and you do need to be prepared. I just wanted to ensure that they understand that it's not a race nor like a club ride where the objective is to drop everyone.

We didn't see BR on the ride this week. His injury was not devastating but I'm sure it wasn't fun. The word is his wheel dropped into a gap between the curb and road and if your balance isn't right...you're going to fall. The picture says it all.

Scott Kaplan had some challenges this past Sunday. Gears weren't shifting properly and then while climbing Mercy Rd his chain got caught, stuck, and he fell. Scott was a trooper though. Got back up and rode to the top of Scripps Poway. What a MAN.

We had a good pace in a small group back to Fletcher Cover. This was a good reality check for all and will help sort people into proper groups next week. I can cruise all day on flats but hills separate the speed demons from the Clydesdales.

Next week, Trek Fallbrook ride on Sat and Fallbrook ride on Sunday with CAF. I'm sure I'll be a tired puppy come Sunday night.

First Radio Ride

8 June

We met at Flower Hill, checked in the Radio Contestants and had our first ride up the coast to Oceanside this past Sunday, about 40 miles. A total of 17 people from the contest showed up of the 30 selected. 8 people I knew would not be at the ride so leaves 5 people who...well, not sure what is going on with them.

Scott Kaplan, XX1090, had a moment to provide some words to the group gathered. I think in total there were about 75 participants from the QMDC and Radio Contestants on the ride yesterday.

There was one unfortunate accident. BR, Scott's partner on the show, came out to ride with us. Now, he's not a guy who doesn't put in a lot of miles on a regular basis which was evident by his gym shorts and T-shirt (we quickly outfitted him with the XX1090 QMDC jersey). However, he's had his leg over the top bar of the bike a few times and can hold his own.

Now I don't have all of the story but at some point...he fell and put a nice hole in the side of his calf. According to the description there was a lot of blood but it wasn't serious. As soon as I can get my hands on some photos I'll put them up here. The good news is he will be joining us on most of the ride down the coast in Oct. He's going to jump in on our longest day, 120 plus miles.

By the way...take a moment and make a donation. There is a link on the top right side of this blod to the CAF site. Times are hard so $20 is great, more is fantastic if you can.

Some of the radio contestants from last year came out to ride this past weekend. Michael Pierce, also known as Antarctic Mike, was on hand. Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, he will be in the pool with a goal to complete 62 miles in one full day. He's raising funds for CAF and Great Friends Foundation Check him out at: http://www.antarcticmike.com/. Want to get motivated...watch his video clip. Now...get out and do something.

It's a New Year and a New Program

It's started. Last week was the first training ride for the QMDC. It brought back memories but it also presented some new challenges for me.

Because I was the winner from last years Radio Contest I've been asked by XX1090 to help organize the riders in this year contest. I also was asked by CAF to be a Ride Leader for the event. Plus I have the Trek program but we scaled that back some to every 3 or 4 weeks with a destination ride (Brent and I needed a breather). I've also become a coach with Wenzel Coaching where I work with beginner and advancing cyclists. I also still have my day job, thank God, that has more territory to cover than last year, 13 states compared to 4 (we had a lay off a few months back of about 8% of the company).

But I'm not complaining. On the contrary, I think I feel better about life when the pressure is on. I'm more focused and ensure I squeeze each second out of each day.

This week we have our first QMDC training ride with the new contestants. We started with 30 but have already lost one person so we really have 29. I know at least 4 people won't be at this first ride due to other commitments. I'm already fielding emails and calls from them asking what this is all about. I'm being honest with them all and trying to guide them for the best chance to make it to the end. It's going to be interesting.

One more thing...life is good and I have a wonder wife. I was inducted into my companies Presidents Club last year, 2008, because of my high sales of HP products in the area I cover. The prize was a trip to Aruba with Crystal where we had 3 wonderful days together. After 23 years of marriage it is still a fantastic relationship. I'm very blessed and can't imagine what my life would be without her.

Keep watching. There will be plenty more details to follow on this years adventure.