Wade Young's
AIDS/LifeCycle Homepage

Wade's Links

....and don't forget about Michael!!!
Wade isn't doing this ride alone. Mike Rizzo, Wade's partner is also training and attempting to raise the minimum funds for this ride as well. Please don't let Wade ride alone. Mike can use your generous support as well.

OTX Corporation
OTX is a global consumer research and consulting firm that has established itself as a leading provider of online-based research.

L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, a leader in battling AIDS and caring for those who are HIV-infected since the earliest days of the pandemic, provides free medical care to those who can't afford treatment and distributed more than $17 million worth of free HIV medications last year. The Center also provides one-on-one and group therapy, mobile testing/counseling, education, advocacy, and prevention services. Each month 700-1,000 people are tested for HIV at the Center.

Wade's Blog

Saturday, June 14, 2008

1:32 PM

Day One Videos

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

6:21 AM

Problems with the bike from the start

Just 19 miles into the ride (a mile from the very first Rest Stop of the week), the de-railer on the bike (the mechanism that enables the chain to change gears as needed) broke and clamped down on the large gear.  I fell and was unable to pedal.  Fortunately, one of the riders who stopped for me was able to "fix" the condition enough for me to ride the last mile into the rest stop using one gear.  Given the hill we had to climb, this was a bit of a challenge but I got there.  Since this was the first Rest Stop and all riders started out at the same time at the Opening Ceremonies - this Rest Stop was the busiest of the entire week!  I had to wait behind almost 25 others (or more) for the opportunity to have a bike tech fix the bike.  I was almost sagged to camp as they were closing the rest stop at the time the bike tech was finishing the work on my bike.  As a result, the rest of my day was spent attempting to "catch up" with everyone else, staying just 200 riders in front of the SAG truck.

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5:25 AM

Day One - Video from Opening Ceremonies

Here is some video of our initial "ride out" from the Cow Palace in Daly City (a southern suburb of San Francisco, just north of the airport).

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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

9:00 PM

Day 4 - easier than I anticipated

I was very apprehensive about today's ride, given that A) it was 97 miles and B) we've heard all week about "The Evil Twins". 

The Evil Twins are twin peaks that we had t climb and go over today during the first 25 miles of our 97 mile journey.  To say these climbs were challenging is an understatement.  However, I find that I do very well on hills.  Yes, I sweat - but I've learned to use my camelback hydration system to hydrate while I climb so I don't overheat.  I've also found that I have solid strength in my legs - even when they are worn out and tired. 

Another thing that was challenging today was the wind.  This is now the third day we've encountered winds so strong they can move me (at 200 pounds) on my bike.  The danger in this is that the bike can also be moved into the lane of traffic.   A bit nerve racking.  Fortunately, we have not had any fatalities, although a few accidents have landed riders in the emergency room this week.  

Today I stopped for a rider who was light headed and had to move off the road.  As it turns out, he had not drank any powerade so his electrolytes were down.  Fortunately, I had both "shot blocks" and a vanilla power bar gel blast in my camelback.  He was able to pull himself together and he finished the ride today. 

This was the first day since Day 1 Opening Ceremonies that Mike and I have started out riding together.  Usually, I take down the tent since he put it up the night before.  However, today we started together and ended together - even though the ride in between separated us at different points. Still, when we reached the pinnacle of the second "twin", we were halfway home and everyone stopped for a photo to memorialize the accomplishment.  The view was breathtaking.  I even wrote my OTX-HR team to let them know we had made it halfway - I'm very proud. 

It is hard for anyone to imagine what this experience is like or what it is about until you experience it for yourself. From the community of the ride, to the camping experience, to the actual miles on the bike - it really is a spiritual experience if you allow to be so.  Someone said, "the way you manage the ride is the way you live your life".  I believe this is so.  Of course, the ride allows us to notice these things and make a conscious effort to try something different.  I'll write more later about the things I'm learning about myself. 

I have to go to bed now as I'm in my tent and I'm certain the sound of my typing may be keeping the women in the next tent awake.  Last night, a snorer was nearby and we were all commenting that if he is near us again tonight-we will have to find a way to rid ourselves of him.  :)

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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

9:28 PM

Day 3 - Quad Buster

Today was "only" 66 miles - but a lot of hills.  One hill in particular has been named the Quad Buster....I know why.  I remember this hill from 12 years ago.  Strangely, it seemed easier today than back then...perhaps because I knew what to expect. 

One of the most fun parts of the ride are all the rest stops.  Many of them have "themes".  I can't wait to share the videos with everyone.  My hope is that others will see what this ride is all about and want to join in next year. 

After making it to camp around 3 (compared to 6:30 the other two nights), I had time to get a massage.  I've learned to work against traffic in the camp.  Everyone wants to shower first thing....so I go eat and avoid the line.  Then, I go get the massage and cut the line in half.  Then, I go shower - the line is gone.  It might not work every day - but it worked for me today. 

Tomorrow is going to be 96 miles (almost another century)!!!  My poor legs are really starting to feel this.  My hope is that they won't give out on me. 

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9:26 PM

Day Two - Windy, Windy, Windy

Day Two we rode from Santa Cruz to King City.  There isn't much in King City - other than a lot of wind.  The entire day was windy - mostly head winds and side winds - making our travels particularly difficult.  105 miles is what we rode this day - the most I've EVER rode in one day. 

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9:20 PM

Day One - cold, drizzly, and nerve racking

Many thanks to my colleague and friend, Bronwyn Lewis for driving all the way to San Francisco to see me off at the opening ceremonies.  Opening ceremonies were held at the Cow Palace arena (concerts, rodeos, etc. are usually held there) and Tamisha Nakimoto-Apodaca (another work related colleague who lives in San Francisco) was there although we never actually saw each other.  Without Bronwyn, I might not have even made it to opening ceremonies and I'm very grateful to her. 

We rode 83 miles from Daly City (San Fran) to Santa Cruz.  Most of the day was cold and drizzling with plenty of hills.  Unfortunately, going up one hill (a mile from Rest Stop 1), my derailer broke on the bike and my peddles and gears locked down and chain came off.  A number of riders stopped and one guy was able to fix it to where i could make it to the Rest Stop, where tech services could help out.  Unfortunately, since Day 1 everyone starts at the same time, the first rest stop was crazy busy and I had to wait so long at the tech tent that I almost got sagged (where the bus picks you up and takes you to camp).  Fortunately, my bike got fixed in time but now I had A LOT of fast peddling to do in order to stay up with the other 2,500 cyclists and make it to camp without being sagged. 

I did it.  It was hard, it was challenging - but I made it.

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Sunday, June 1, 2008

3:12 AM

I can't sleep!!!!

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2:27 AM

The Bike Garage - Final Stop in Registration

The last stop in orientation/registration will be our first stop on Day 1 of the ride - the bike garage.

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1:36 AM

"Doing Lines"

One line after another today - we stood in registration lines (video here) followed by the line for tent assignment and then a line at the ALC store (where I bought a fleece, a jersey, and a skull cap - all of which you'll see this week, I'm sure). 

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1:12 AM

Entering the Safety Video

After a long wait, we finally were able to enter the Safety Video and Orientation.  I could not tape the video but here's what I saw when we finally got to start the orientation process.  The safety video including fun, inspiring mesages from some of my favorite stars from Ugly Betty (Becky Newton and Michael Urie), Grey's Anatomy (TR Knight), My Life on the D-List (Kathy Griffin) and Brothers & Sisters (Sally Field and Rachel Griffiths) and other celebs.  All of this custom made for AIDS/Lifecycle 7.  Very cool. 

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12:56 AM

Fashion and the Ride Collide

While waiting in the line for the safety video, I made quite a few new friends.  Gio and her friend, Xavier, fascinated us with her fashion sense.  I'm curious if her sense of fashion holds up all week. 

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

9:17 PM

Some new friends, Carla and Company

Here are some friends I made while waiting to view the Safety Video this am.  These girls found a way to pass the time by testing their new heart monitors.....needless to say, we were all a bit bored and easily entertained. 

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8:38 PM

I spent Vinny Bruzzese's donation on a joke

A co-worker/friend, Vinny Bruzzese, gave me $20 cash this past week.  I was going to have to stand in yet another long line in order turn in the donation.  Enter Chantall, a lesbian amateur comedian who was telling jokes to raise money (last minute) to meet the required $2500 minimum in order to do the ride.  I gave her Vinny's $20 donation for a joke.  Wait til you hear the joke (you might want to turn down your speakers - this is not a PG joke). 

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4:13 PM

Day Zero - Tomorrow starts the Ride

This video was taken as we entered Cow Palace in Daly City (south San Francisco) and began the process of standing in lines. The first line (the longest) was to watch the required Safety Video. Although I didn't video the safety presentation, it was really cool. A lot of celebrities participated (in addition to CHP officers), including Kathy Griffin, Becky Newton (Amanda of Ugly Betty), Michael Urie (Mark, Willhemina's assistant on Ugly Betty), the guy who plays Henry on Ugly Betty, Christian and Cheryl of Dancing with the Stars, Sally Field and Rachel Griffiths (Brothers and Sisters) and many others. It was a great presentation. These first few videos are of the line (killing time on the way into the Safety Orientation).

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Thursday, May 29, 2008

9:24 AM

Getting ready to head north

Today I pack all my stuff up - having already shipped the bikes on Tuesday.  There's so much to prepare that I've taken the day off to make sure I cover all bases - including dropping off the dogs at my daughter's place as she will be watching Louie and Vivian while Mike and I are out of town.  They will love this because they adore Kirsten and her brother, Garrett and their mom and step-dad.  I'm sure Louie will miss us but Vivi will probably not even notice we've gone (she's very self absorbed...hmmm....).

I took my last spin class this morning and later today I will have my last appointment with the trainer (last before the ride).  Fitting everything I need to do into my schedule today will be a bit challenging, but I'm sure it will all work out. 

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8:57 AM

Archive Training Videos

I just don't want to lose these videos from the site.  In case you have read or viewed these videos yet, enjoy!

Here is some footage from the top of the Palos Verdes peninsula on the weekend of 5/3 and 5/4! Climbing that high is no easy challenge when you're lagging around an extra 40 pounds of "spare tire".

Yesterday (5/3/08) we biked 62 miles, starting in Culver City at Duquesne & Culver, traveling the beach communities all the way up into Palos Verdes and climbing to the very highest point of the peninsula before heading back to where we started. Along the way in Palos Verdes, I saw a peacock in someone's yard and had to pull over to catch some quick footage.

 

 

 

 

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

8:10 PM

Pastor Jerrell Walls and Christ Chapel Family Prayed for Riders & Crew

This morning, in a very emotional prayer, my pastor, Jerrell Walls, led the congregation at Christ Chapel of the Valley in praying for traveling mercy and special blessings for the riders and crew of AIDS/Lifecycle 7.  My mom, a member of the church as well, was the only crew member that went forward.  She was joined by me, Mike, and another riding member of the church, Peter Garcia. 

Some people think of this ride as purely a physical challenge.  Others view the ride as a tremendous sense of community (which it is).  I remember the ride as being a very spiritual experience.  When you are alone riding, with nothing other than the beauty of creation and others working toward the same goal each day, it is amazing how clear your mind becomes, enabling you to focus on "the meaning of life".  

I was really nervous about the ride, until I realized today that I'm not alone.  In addition to 2,500 other cyclists and approximately 400 crew members, I have the endless support of a higher power.  This ride is an opportunity for me to shut myself off from my work and other distractions - hopefully providing the chance for me to re-center myself and spend time thinking about the people and things that are important to me.  As I think about this, my nervousness is replaced by excitement.  I can't wait!! 

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Monday, May 12, 2008

6:34 AM

What a Weekend!! I may not be walking today!

Saturday was grueling...my most difficult training ride yet!  Named the Latigo Canyon Ride, this ride was 66 miles - which after last weekends 62 mile ride would not seem so bad.  However, this ride included 8-10 miles on Pacific Coast Highway (racing traffic), one and a half miles of which has been torn/ripped completely making it near impossible to ride a bike (2 people bailed after damaging their bike frames).  This was followed by the turn to Latigo Canyon Road - which features (from the start) an 11 mile climb!!  Further during the day - in addition to other smaller, yet still steep climbs - we hit a 6 mile climb.  In my past experience of climbing hills, Mulholland was always a fun challenge in the Hollywood Hills.  Finally reaching Mulholland on this ride was a complete pleasure as it was the easiest part of the ride.  This ride also featured a 7 mile downhill - complete with racing cars speeding by and almost touching us due to the narrow road.  For me, this ride lasted from 8 am until 5:30 pm.  After getting home, I showered, ate, and crashed for the night.  Mike was unable to ride because he had a rehearsal at 2 pm - but he did 2 back-to-back spin classes at the gym instead. 

Sunday morning, me and my sore muscles loaded up with Mike this time for the 75 mile Lakes tour.  This ride was challenging as well, not just for the extra distance but the steep climbs.  Nothing like Latigo Canyon, this ride was challenging as my body was still reeling from the day before.  Most of the hills, I was one of (if not the) last person to make it to the top.  Not a great feeling but I cut myself some slack for being slow. Stradella was one of the longest climbs - not be outdone by the short, yet excessively steep Lake Hollywood climb (we past the Hollywood Hills home where Madonna once lived).  This climb was a 24% grade.  Mike was just in front of me, whining that he couldn't do it.  I wanted to kill him (I can't listen to that when I'm struggling so).  I was so proud of him though because he DID make the climb - never once getting off his bike.  Unfortunately, I had some chain problems that made today a bit challenging.  My chain slipped off 3 times - twice at critical moments in shifting to the lowest possible "granny gear" to make it up steep inclines.  I ended up falling both times.  Skinned and bruised - fortunately, no bones were broken. 

I also learned a technical lesson - my flip video camera doesn't hold to the bike well using the action mount I purchased.  I apologize for not having much (any) video of this past weekend but I was struggling to survive with little thought of what I wasn't recording of my journey. 

I am so happy and proud to be a part of the training community for this ride.  We are meeting so many wonderful people.  In particular, three people from the Culver City group really stand out as my "heros".  First is Steve, one of the straight guys in the group.  Steve is in his 60s and in incredible shape.  He has been cycling since the 70s and is classically experienced in road riding.  Steve takes cycling seriously but has been so incredibly helpful and patient with me, holding back from the group to ride uphill with me when I was peddling 2 miles per hour and sucking wind to make it to the top of a hill.  Then there's Bob.  Bob is diabetic and legally deaf.  A writer for one of the studios, he is hilarious.  Bob (gay) is best of friends of Steve (straight) and the pair together are fun to be around.  Yesterday, Bob was the one who rode with me up the hill - offering me every opportunity to bail if I needed to as he understood how difficult this was given the ride I did one day earlier.  At the very top of the steep Lake Hollywood climb, he even reached his hand out to my back (while on his own bike) give me a little "push" for the last 10 yards of the climb.  When my crew made it back to the Culver City Starbucks where we started, there were "high fives" all around. 

How do I feel today?  Sore - but proud.  Bob, one of the ride leaders and someone who has done Latigo Canyon in past years, told me at the end of yesterday's ride "Wade, you get 'butch points' for life!"  Mike even told me I was his "hero".  Silly as it sounds, it really made me feel good to know that - at my at my age and my level of inexperience - I was able to tough it up and push my way through this experience.  This week, I will be in NY for business.  My hope is to take spin classes each day to stay conditioned since I won't be able to do a training ride next weekend.  More on this later. 

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Sunday, May 4, 2008

9:43 AM

05.02.08 - Palos Verdes Peacock

On today's 62 mile training ride from Culver City to the tip of Palos Verdes and back, I saw a peacock in someone's yard and wanted to catch some video.

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Friday, May 2, 2008

6:35 PM

04.19.08 - A Day on the Ride - Mike Rizzo

 

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Saturday, April 26, 2008

8:43 AM

The week in NY

From a work perspective, I had a very productive week in New York.  However, training was slowed a bit.  I did take a spin class at New York Health & Racket Club, courtesy of my New York friend/co-worker, Lisa Sproul.  Lisa was able to snag me a 3 day pass to her gym.  The spin class was interesting - a mix of classic rock music, nothing like the house mixes at my Hollywood Gold's Gym. 

I'm back in LA now and Mike and I will be taking a spin class today and doing a training ride tomorrow.  I'm planning to start biking to work this week as well - for more time in the "saddle". 

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Thursday, April 17, 2008

6:36 PM

OK, so I'm not such a good blogger

I was very discouraged today to hop on a scale and realize I've lost ZERO pounds.  I'm taking 2-3 spinning classes each week and working out 3 times per week with a trainer.  Last Saturday, I rode 37 miles from Culver City to Palos Verdes and back.  Much of the trip back was through Manhattan Beach and El Segundo (rolling hills of pavement).  Great workout...still, no pounds lost. 

I'm drinking tons of water and I feel my metabolism changing....so perhaps the pounds will drop eventually.  Still, I feel so much better and I have a lot more energy. 

This weekend, we will be doing a "day on the ride".  Can't wait to see if I survive! 

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Wednesday, April 9, 2008

7:45 AM

Edging Up on the Minimum Required

Last night, another $250 trickled in, bringing the fundraising effort within $580 of the required $2,500 I must raise in order to participate in ride in June.  I'm hopeful I will be able to exceed my $5,000 goal.  Mike's fundraising efforts are moving a little more slowly but I'm sure we will get him where he needs to be.  If any of you bloggers want to help him out, his rider number is 5052. 

My diet yesterday was not as good.  I'm struggling to eat small portions every 2 hours, as instructed by Jonathan (my trainer).  I keep forgetting to eat.  Jonathan has explained the re-engineering of my metabolism by comparing it to a fire.  If you use a big log to start a fire, it will eventually burn out.  However, if you keep putting twigs on the fire throughout the day, the fire keeps burning.  Makes perfect sense with regards to maintaining high energy levels.  I have done really well at not stocking up on carbs.  Yesterday's diet consisted of:

Breakfast:  yogurt

Lunch (mid-day):  Chipolte(?) chicken salad from Tender Greens (minus the tortilla chips usually included in the salad) I now hear that chipolte is one of the worst foods I could eat (oh good!)

Evening:  protein shake (following workout), chunk chicken

My workout focused on abs and legs yesterday.  This morning, I'm struggling to move. 

More tomorrow!

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

6:50 PM

$830 to go....WOW!!!

Although my overall goal is to raise $5,000.00, I need to raise $830.00 more to meet the qualifying amount required to do this ride.  Thank you so much to everyone who has given so generously to this amazing cause.  I am so touched and really, really, really appreciate each and every one of you.  I will NOT let you down, you have my word.

The tone of my fundraising campaign will take a significant (and interesting) turn when I reach the $2,500 mark.  Stay tuned.  :)

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7:28 AM

4 days of Fundraising!

Fundraising Account Totals

Summary

# Donations	Pledged
21	$1,570.00

In just 4 days of fundraising, Team Wade (hehe) has raised $1,570!!  That is an average donation amount of $75.  I appreciate this support more than any of you can imagine.  Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

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7:11 AM

Monday 4.7.08

My diet on Monday?

Morning:  Green Tea w/ shot of espresso, 2 cups of coffee, egg whites w/ cottage cheese

Lunch: 6" tuna subway sandwich on whole wheat

Mid-afternoon:  6" tuna subway sandwich on whole wheat

Evening:  20 almonds, string cheese

Following evening workout: tuna salad, pork chop, steamed broccoli, brown rice, one tangelo (dessert)

and lots of water throughout the day!

My Monday workout?

6:30 am spin class with Allison of Gold's Gym Hollywood

9:00 pm workout with my trainer, Jonathon (bi-ceps, tri-ceps and abs)

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Sunday, April 6, 2008

5:29 PM

3 mile walk to end MS was today's workout

This morning I met 14 or more of my co-workers, plus several of their spouses, siblings and friends to walk as TEAM OTX at the MS Society 5k walk to end MS.  The walk took place in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl.  I walked the course at a brisk pace, seizing this opportunity as the only workout I might get today.  After the walk, we went to a nearby Pasadena restaurant where I had a not-so-healthy cobb salad (oh....and a few onion rings).  After lunch, Mike and I went (finally) to pick up his bike from I. Martin Bike Shop.  The replacement frame is even nicer than the original frame he picked last summer.  We also went to the grocery store to buy our groceries - keeping our new healthy diets in mind.  Eating healthy sure is expensive!!! 

Mike is doing boot camp and starts week 2 of his early morning training tomorrow morning.  I'm back at the gym with the trainer for more of the same as last week and hope to do at least 2 more spinning classes this week.  Next Saturday we will be doing "A Day on the Ride", which is an organized training ride that takes most of the day to complete and closely resembles a day on the actual Ride we will be doing in June.  I'm a bit nervous but I think I'll do well. 

As for fundraising, I'm so grateful to the 15 individuals who have generously contributed while visiting this site.  In less than 72 hours, we've raised over $1,200 for the LA Gay & Lesbian Center.  That's amazing and I know there's even more to come.  I have every bit of faith we will exceed the $5K goal. 

In addition to the touching and inspiring words of encouragement in the messages of support I've received, I've also been encouraged by those who have not just contributed but also sent an email to their friends and family - forwarding the homepage.  I've been overwhelmed and touched by their show of support for what I'm doing.

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Thursday, April 3, 2008

9:43 PM

What a week of training

I had my first fitness trainer appointment Monday night at 9 pm.  My trainer's name is Jonathan.  He's a young kid, real nice guy.  I've now meet with him 3 different nights at 9 pm, although both Tuesday night and tonight I barely made it in time, leaving straight from the office.  Tuesday, I even had to buy clothes at the gym store b/c I thought (when I left Tuesday morning) that I would have enough time to run by my place which is halfway between work and the gym.  No such luck.  Tonight, running late again, I had to change in the car as I was driving - not something I recommend.  But I arrived RIGHT AT 9 pm. 

My morning's have also been about working out.  I've taken 6:30 am spinning classes on Tuesday and this morning (Thursday). On Wednesday, I had an 8 am meeting at the office so I went in extra early so I could do 30 minutes of cardio.  I'm lucky tthat OTX has a shower.  Tomorrow will likely be a "day off" for me, unless I decide to take another spin class in the morning.  As my CFO at work warned me, I don't want to burn out on my first week of serious training.  Saturday morning, I will do an organized training ride - most likely with a group we've biked with before in Culver City. Great group of people.  That's one of the coolest things about these rides is that you meet some awesome folks. 

Mike gets his bike back from the shop tomorrow.  3 weeks ago he was riding at the beach (training ride) and the back mechanism that changes the gears blew out and snapped into two pieces, breaking the frame around the back wheel in the process.  He hasn't had his bike for 3 weeks while the bike has been in the shop being repaired.  It ends up this was a manufacturer's defect.  After much back and forth, Trek bikes stepped up to the plate and have replaced the frame for free.  In addition, I. Martin Bike Shop (where we bought his bike last summer) stepped up to the plate and did all the repair work (labor) for free.  Whew!  The original estimate was over $300 to repair a brand new bike that cost him just over $1000.  Needless to say, we're very grateful to Trek and I. Martin for doing the right thing and being so helpful and accommodating.  Particularly for I. Martin and all their support of the Ride, I won't ever shop at any other bike store. 

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Sunday, March 30, 2008

8:56 AM

Started my fund raising efforts today

Today I finally set down to write my fundraising letter for my home page.  I've been doing the training rides (perhaps not as diligently as when I was 29) but I'm waiting a little late in the game to start raising my funds - $2500 which must be raised in order for me to do the ride.  In telling a few people about my decision to commit to this ride, I've had several asking to donate.  I will send them my link so they can do so.  In '96, I was able to raise over $5,000.  I hope this time around, I can surpass that personal best record. 

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