One is Complete and Other Starts

May 25, 2010: Yesterday, Sunday, was the start of a new program, The Challenged Athletes Foundation, Million Dollar Challenge. It was a great way to start the new program with a ride up the coast to Oceanside and back covering 40 some miles. The wind was in our face on the way up making it seem like an uphill climb.



We broke off the XX1090 Radio contestants and rode as a separate group. In a few weeks we'll let them break off into the other groups. Our first elimination will be July 7th so be sure to tune into the Scott and BR Show to hear that. They come on each day from 5-9 AM.



The previous day was the San Diego Century and the final ride for the Trek SuperStore spring training program. We had well over 80 people at the start. What a way to finalize the program and the weather was perfect. A little cool but as the went on it never got too hot.



I'm looking forward to assisting with the next program but have handed over the Saturday details to another coach, Bruce Milikin. Bruce is bringing some fresh ideas to the summer/fall program in preparation for the Tour de Poway in Oct. As an example, July the 4th, the training ride will be the Poway Old Pros ride but the short course, 28 miles. He also has planned a Bike Expo at the La Mesa Trek store. I'll still be helping out but Bruce is driving the bus.

15 Weeks Since TKR, Trek and CAF

May 10th: 15 Weeks since my Total Knee Replacement (TKR). I've been riding on the road for 7 weeks and tomorrow I see Dr Copp for my second evaluation. I continue doing my own physical therapy at home along with the cycling and daily, I see improvements. The swelling has gone way down and the over all pain is very slight. About the only time it has problems is after hard rides, like yesterday, but even that has reduced significantly.

We're into the last weeks of our Trek Century Training program. It's been a gas and very successful. This past weekend we substituted our Julian ride for a Lakeside and Santee route instead. Most of our riders had never made a right at the top of Scripps Poway Parkway onto the 67 and down into that area before. http://treksandiego.com/articles/century-training-schedule-pg254.htm The heat picked up but many people made it back up the 67 and to the start Camino Del Sur. Some did opt to detour and head back after climbing the 52. Either way provided plenty of altitude to ascend.

Out Trek picnic is next weekend after a 40 or 60 mile ride. We'll have two options in order to get everyone back to the start around the same time. $5 is a bargain for hamburger, coke and all the fixings. The following weekend is the event but also when the Tour de California will be near by up in Big Bear. Would have loved to see that but this event is more important. I can watch the whole race on TV later.

We start our Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) training the day after the San Diego Century, May 23rd. From one program into the next. Already into my fund raising for that. Contributions can be made at: http://mdc2010.kintera.org/mikecrystal

Though I was laid off at the beginning of April I'm very optimistic about the job market and my future. I've had a lot of conversations and already starting to see offers. It would be easy to get down at this point but in reality I have a good life. Crystal is still working, my knee is recovering and I'll have a chance to again be a part of the CAF event this fall. On top of that I have a butt load of friends and each day I wake up in paradise. I can't help but enjoying life, one day at a time.