What's the Difference?

Pizza and beer are allowed during the training for a century! I hoped there would be something to love about this sport.

The run team coaches are wonderful people and they want the best for their athletes. So they strongly encourage a healthy diet while training. They are so good at their job that most team members are afraid to indulge in a treat that includes processed white flour or fermented fruits or grains.

The cycle team on the other hand... WOW what a difference. After our first 20 mile team ride nobody batted an eye when the table was served multiple beers and cheeseburgers. Last night we had a social at a pizza joint.

I think I can get used to this.

In fundraising news... As of this morning I'm at 40% of my $7,500 goal. Want to help? Please make a donation

He Would Have Had Fun

This weekend I missed the second coached ride because I was camping at Malakoff Diggins. I'm sad to have missed a ride with the TEAM but this weekend was a great way to remember the fun I had with my dad. One of my favorite birthday parties was a weekend camping in Malakoff with him and a few of my friends. He spent a weekend in the wilderness with 10 pre-teens!

Here are a few pictures from our last trip to Malakoff together circa 2004. You'll notice my dad doesn't skimp on supplies or luxury while camping. He can pack more stuff into a station wagaon than anyone I know. Camping with him was not really "roughing it".

First Ride

Here's a picture of me and Kieran following my first team ride. Actually it's my first ride in almost 15 years. Don't I look pretty happy after finishing 20 miles? Things I learned:
1) I need to eat more than 2 scrambled eggs to fuel my body for a ride of that length
2) A cheeseburger & beer is a great reward for 20 miles.
3) A certain body part hurts after sitting for 20 miles.
4) You never forget how to ride a bike.

... and now back to our regularly scheduled charity

I spent the past 10 days in the hot LA sun, painting a house - no shade in sight. I wore sunscreen, I wore a hat, I protected my delicate skin. On the drive home we camped in Big Sur - it was foggy - typical of the CA coast. In one 2hour nap on the overcast beach my face ended up burned to a crisp. I even have little spots of burn on my feet, in the pattern of my Keens. Great! Anyway the work we did in LA was good and we all had a fantastic time.

Now I'm home and ready to focus on this bike riding thing. I missed the first team orientation and ride. This weekend I'm joining a 20 mile buddy ride in SF - I assume along the Great Hwy. I'm nervous and excited to begin.

You have all been great support as I begin this adventure. Lots of cheers and even more generous with the donations. THANK YOU for all the donations that arrived during my travels:
-Abernethys
-Kapplers
-Henleys
-Suttons
-Smiths
-Stephensons
-McNabbs
-Oxleys
-Vanderveen/Bawolskis
-Stephens
-Blessings
-Zadows
-Lanes
-Ortas
-McKees
-Frys
-Crawfords
-McDonalds
-Needhams
-DeGuzman
-Louch

Want your name in lights? It's easy to make a secure online donation

My Other Charitable Work

Each summer, and sometimes in the winter I participate in a mission trip with the teens from my church. This year we are doing an "urban plunge" - working closer to home. I won't be posting any cycle training updates for about 10 days. Wonder where I am? I'm here

For the next 10 days I'll be traveling with, hanging out, working hard and laughing alongside 20 teenagers. I know you are jealous.

More to come when I return.

Also... Team Support Sarah continues to grow. The newest member is Lori L. Welcome to the team!

Would you like to join? Membership is easy!