29 July 2011

Minus 15 days until race day

Woo-hoo, I've been back in the saddle for two straight days now...about time, huh?

So, let's see, what's been going on?  For starters, Grandma is doing good.  Back home and back into her routine of gatherings with her close friends.  Thanks to everyone for your prayers and thoughts!

Here is the latest additions to both the "Peleton" (those who have donated) and the "Challengers" (those that have pledged based on my performance)...

"Challengers" include:
Bob Elliott
Jim Kolba

"Peleton" includes:
Aspen Dental
Amy & Peter Bright
Lynne and Colin Tribble
Lyndsey May
Troy & Natalie Bell
Payton Cole

Thank you to everyone for your contributions...yup, I'm feeling sort of confident that even those that made a pledge are truly contributors because, "I'm Feeling Good!"  Ha! 
As of tonight, we have cleared the $3,000 mark (sorry Jandy, but need your help with the update - :)) and hopefully we are still climbing towards our goal of $7,500.  Only a couple weeks before the race so please help us spread the word and raise the bar.

Training is getting back on track now.  Had a good spin last night for 26+ miles to get the legs back.  Was a bit warm with some tasty humidity.  Tonight was even better.  The temps were down in the 80's with the humidity seemingly lower.  Cruised an easy 40+ miles in just over 2 hours.  Did a quick look at my training log and even though I had hoped to have way more miles than what's logged, I'm okay with just over 1,500 miles to date.  We've had a busy year in emergency management and of course, some wonderful Illinois weather (NOT!).  So, it is what it is...we'll still be ready!

My new tires arrived today.  Looking forward to putting the new Kenda tires on my bike.  Will wait until early next week before retiring the training tires to the recycle bin and starting the new knobbies.  Also got my new brake pads...going "organic" with the disc brake pads now!  Woo-hoo!  Okay, so I am really not sure what that means but my "live-in" mechanic (my son Alec) tells me that they are awesome.  Guess we'll find out this weekend, won't we?  Ha!

Well, that's about it for now.  I want to close with asking everyone to take a minute and say a prayer for Gary and Shelli and the entire extended Wilmarth family.  If you get a moment please share a comment with them.  And if you are lucky, some day you'll be fortunate to get to know them and realize how lucky you are to have made their acquaintance.  Love You Guys!

So, in traditional TNT Style, I close with simply reminding you that it is time to "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"...Kailey's Krew would expect it no other way!

TNT OUT-

26 July 2011

Taking Care of Things

Hey everyone, all is good here.  Sorry for the long wait for my next post.  Sometimes things come up that take priority and making sure Grandma was okay and back home safely was my latest mission over the past couple days.  All is well, thank you!

I've only managed one ride since my last post on the 21st.  I once again fell for the "no problem, you'll be fine" when I checked on joining a local group of riders.  This time I was in Sterling, IL, joining a group of riders at Meads Cycle Shop.  Yup, a group of "Roadies", again.  We had a good out and back for what I recorded as 42 miles.  The last 4 were the "loneliest" as I did end up getting dropped by the group...oh well, it was a good ride regardless and felt good.

Since my last post, we have gained a few more supporters of Kailey's Krew.  Joining the "Peleton" (donations to Kailey's Krew) include:

Russ and Melissa Thompson
Donald and Betty Gail
Aspen Dental

Thank you for joining the Peleton!  You are part of a great group and we truly appreciate your generosity!

As for donations, we're up to $2,300 raised so far.  We are doing great but could really use your help to reach our goal of $7,500!    

And finally, only 18 days until race day.  Only 11 days until we head to Colorado for the final week of training and preparation.  I've had a slight delay in meeting my training goals recently but will be hitting the trail hard and heavy over the next 10 days to get myself ready for the big day...

Stay tuned in and share the word about what we are doing. 

Until my next post..."Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!  Is there any other way?

TNT OUT-

21 July 2011

Making Progress

Happy Hot July Everyone!  Instead of be concerned with the 100+ temps we've had in Central Illinois this past week, remember the winter storm we enjoyed earlier this year or how about the current temps in Leadville, CO - 71 degrees as I write this compared to 94 degrees on my home thermometer.  Hmm, look out Colorado, here we come!

Let's start with the newest members of "The Challengers" and "The Peloton" group, Tommy and Emily Johnson.  Thank you for the donation and especially thanks for the pledge...I love the challenges!

As of today and what I have seen thus far, we have raised over $2,100 in pledges and donations for Kailey's Krew.  Closing in on our $7,500 goal but we still need your help. 

Even with the temps holding in the "HOT" category, training still must be done.  Over the past 4 days, I've had 3 rides.  Took Wednesday off as my bike was getting some mechanical attention from Alec.  Temps stayed in the 99+ range for all three ride days and I put in just shy of 100 miles total.  I wonder how much water I consumed?  At least 3 bottles per ride (pit stop at the house on one ride; Alec, Brady and Hannah met me on the course with refills on another ride) I believe.

Gary, Brady, and I had some fun on Wednesday morning.  We went to the WYMG 100.5 FM Radio station and had a great chat with Liz Willis on the Liz and Lynch morning show.  Heard from several folks who all said Brady was the hit of the show.  We are hoping to put a link to the sound byte on the blog soon.  Liz put a link to the blog on the radio website as well.

Have some plans for the weekend to get some good miles in but will tell you all about it in my next Blog post.  For now, I just want to remind everyone what Kailey's Krew - Pedal of Hope is all about and what we are trying to accomplish...
Pedal of Hope is going to complete a bike race in the high mountains of Colorado.  Simply that.  But more importantly, we want to raise awareness and funding for Kailey's Krew, a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing financial support to families in the Central Illinois area that are enduring the challenges of having a son or daughter suffering from a serious illness and undergoing lengthy and costly medical attention.

SO, IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT, YOU ARE NOT ONLY HELPING US MEET OUR GOAL, YOU WILL BE PROVIDING HELP TO A FAMILY THAT COULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM YOUR DONATION. 

Pass the word and help us exceed our goal.

Thank you and God Bless!  Until my next post, saddle up, dig deep, and ride hard!

TNT OUT-

17 July 2011

Back Home

We made it back home after a long weekend in the Ozarks.  Had a couple opportunities to train and some opportunities to enjoy some friendly company from the local establishments in and around Lake of the Ozarks.  Before I chat about Ozark BBQ, I want to introduce the newest members of "The Challenger's"...those that have pledged to Kailey's Krew based on how many miles I complete in this year's Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race...

-Jim and Dawn Hartman

Thanks for raising the bar Jim and Dawn...make sure you have a good pen and a blank check ready to be endorsed to "Kailey's Krew"!  Woo-hoo!

So, we decided on barbeque Saturday night.  We went to Ozark BBQ and had a good time. We were all very impressed with the service!  For those that have visited the Blog daily, you probably already noticed that our server from Ozark BBQ beat me to the punch with a posting!  How awesome is that?  So...Thanks to Megan and staff at Ozark BBQ!  Not only is the food great but the atmosphere was wonderful.  And what's up with Megan?  We chatted a few minutes about "Kailey's Krew" and the "Pedal of Hope" and she was very interested.  Told me she would visit the Blog and wow, she not only visited, she was on the Blog before we could make it back to the house that night! 

A huge smile and thank you to Megan, the Ozark BBQ staff, and Megans' "Sisterhood", Alpha Delta Pi from Arkansas!  Send me a logo, Alpha Delta Pi, and I will put you on the Blog for the whole world to see...hey, we're up to 6 Nations and over 1800 views in about 4 weeks!  How awesome is that?

Hey Jandy!  I've set my goal for "Kailey's Krew"!  I want to raise $7,500 for Kailey's Krew!  I'm a long ways from my goal...not sure I'm up to $1000, yet...but that's okay!  Now that everyone knows my goal, maybe you'll kick it up and lend a hand.  I'm all about the pledges because that's just going to fuel my fire to ride faster and harder in order to give a little something back to a family with an ill son or daughter,  through the efforts of "Kailey's Krew"!

For those from the Springfield, IL or the surrounding area, stay tuned to WYMG (100.5 FM) on Wednesday, July 20th as Gary and I will be joining Liz on the "Liz and Lynch" show to talk about Kailey's Krew - Pedal of Hope"!  Liz doesn't know it yet, but we're going to have a good time!  Has anyone found me access to Conan O'Brien or Dave Letterman, yet?  Come on now, let's think big and go for big time!

Thanks for following and look forward to hearing from you!  Note my goal, watch for updates on how I'm doing towards reaching it, and help me out if you can!  Will be greatly appreciated!

In closing, I simply have to say, "HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY GARY WILMARTH!"  We love you "G-MAN"! 

With temperatures rising and the humidity thickening, I can only say, Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard...because the other guy isn't willing to push himself like you and I!  Be safe, see you on the trail, and God Bless!

TNT OUT-

15 July 2011

Ouch, It Still "Hurts"

Hey there everyone.  It's been a few days since my last post but I am sure you have enjoyed the suspense and are just all excited and giddy to see that I am back at it...???  No?  Yes?  Well, I hope so!

I had a couple days off due to the crazy weather and then was busy getting packed up for our long weekend trip to The Ozarks.  No excuses for not training but hey, I promise that when I am mounted on my ride, I push myself to make up for any "slacking".

So, we made it to The Ozarks on Thursday afternoon and it's a bit warmer down this way.  But before I get into my chat about the past couple days, I have some more important news to share...

As of yesterday, we gained a new supporter.  Curt Smith Sporting Goods has joined our Krew and in the next few days I will be adding thier logo to our Blog.  You'll be seeing more about them in future postings as well.  Thanks to Mr. Pat Dowling for your support and willingness to help us out.

And next, we want to make our first posting recognizing the "Peleton" of Kailey's Krew.  A huge thank you goes out to you for your donation to Kailey's Krew!  The newest members of the "Peleton" are:

Mark and Lori Beagles
Ken and Jandy Arnold
Craig and Brianne Rutherford
Greg and Jan Andersen
Anne Conwill

In addition to the "Peleton", we have another group that we'll call "The Challenger's".  The following folks have made a pledge, setting a minimum donation with a chance for it to grow based on my performance in the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race.  Newest members of "The Challenger's" include:

Frank Marcy
Marty Dwyer
Bill & Janet Zimmer

Thank you so much to those that have contributed and those that have pledged.  And please, if you have donated or pledged and I did not recognize you, send me an e-mail so I can add you to my next update.  We're new at this and are doing our best to track everyone so your reminder to us would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks again!

So, spending a 4-day weekend in the Ozarks sounds like a great time on the lake, boating, floating, and soaking up the rays, huh?  Yah, not exactly.  We arrived on Thursday and at 5:30 that evening, I was linked up with a group of riders at Oz Cycles on Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark.  Now, before I tell you about the "quick" ride, let me just give warning to the fat-tire riders out there.  When you call a shop and ask about group rides and they say, "Oh sure, you'll be fine" after you ask about whether a mountain bike will be fine with the roadies, well, that should be a warning.  Ha-Ha!

So anyway, what a great group of guys to ride with.  There were only six of us that decided to push the heat and humidity of the evening but none-the-less, a ride was had.  Umm, it was great sucking their dust and hoping I'd find them after each corner but they were great gentlemen as they would stop once in a while to make sure I didn't lose my way.  So, we finished the ride with just over 23 miles but it was like riding a speed-work "fart-lick" as we pushed speeds up to 28 miles per hour...hmmm, been a while since I've heard my knobbies make such a hummmm.  So, if you are ever traveling away from home and call the "local" bike shop to find a ride or riding partner, I hope your experience is as cool as that provided by Oz Cycles...I'll be back guys!  You're awesome and good luck with your racing season!  Everyone else that finds themselves near Lake Ozark must make a stop at Oz Cycles!!!!

Today saw the temps raise a bit more.  By the time I got out on the bike it was sitting right at 100 degrees with little to no wind.  I followed the same sort of "route" as when with the Oz Cycles krew but I stayed over in the Horseshoe Bend area.  Lots of up and down hills, some shade, and only warm winds blowing at any given time.  IT WAS HOT!  I pushed just shy of 27 miles today, went through 3 bottles of fluid, and yah, just felt sweaty-hot the entire ride.  But there was something sort of strange about this ride.  Everyone knows about food cravings, right?  So how about this for a craving while riding...a cold salad with "pea pods" on it.  That was on my mind for much of the ride.  What in the world?  "Pea Pods"?  Anyone have a story to match that one?  So, while at dinner at "Shorty Pants", I asked our waitress if I could get pea pods on my chicken wrap...she thought I was nutty.  And by the way, I didn't get pea pods on my wrap!  Ha-Ha!

So, not your typical idea of what to experience in the Ozarks but there are still a couple days to go and guess what, tomorrow morning has some boat time in the plans...that's right, brought the 20' kayak with us and I'll be on the lake for a couple hours of paddling before I head to Oz Cycles for directions getting me to the "tech trails" for some fun.  I'll post some pix tomorrow for all to enjoy.

And finally, the latest on the "injury"...still sore, still gross scabs and/or fresh skin, and still making it work.  Dr. Taylor (my chiro buddy) worked me over the other day and scolded me for not "taking care of myself"...come on "Doc", I crashed.  Not like I dumped my bike on purpose!  Ha!

That's all for now.  Until next time, saddle up, dig deep, and ride hard!  Life's too short for anything else!

TNT OUT-

10 July 2011

6 Days Later

Well, hadn't expected this but you know, it is what it is.  I wasn't able to get on the bike for six days after my crash.  But I did get back on and I'm making progress towards getting back to form and ready for the LT 100 Race. 

Friday was my first ride and it challenged my tolerance for discomfort.  I believe every muscle in my right leg (the one I tore up in my crash) spasmed or cramped on my first ride.  My lower back introduced me to muscles and areas that I had never known before, as well.  And my right arm was a bit reluctant to relax when my hand was on the bars.  At about 6 miles I was already thinking things would either begin to loosen up or I was going to be calling for a ride home.  I chose to expect the better of the two.  Well, at the turn-around, I was starting to question my decision but the good thing was that I was on my way home as opposed to being on my way out.  So hey, it obviously didn't hurt me too bad as I rolled into the driveway with 27 miles and a 17.3 average speed.  I wont go into the remainder of the night as I peeled a layer of skin from my hip or that I got up from the dinner table and could hardly walk...shew!

Saturday was a pretty hot day.  I set out for whatever I could get and felt pretty good that I managed just over 31 miles and my average speed stayed up as well.  Although, I was very sore and stiff during the ride.  I just kept telling myself that it will get better.

And then today.  Woo-hoo!  I rode the "Tour de Corn" sponsored by Wheel Fast Cycling in Chatham.  Before I talk about the ride, let me give my gratitude and praise to the volunteers from Wheel Fast and the Chatham Jaycees who supported the ride.  You guys were awesome and put together a class act of a ride.  Thank you! 

So, I headed out on the ride with my son, Alec, planning on riding the 62 miles with me.  Additionally, Gary Wilmarth and Todd Trautvetter were there and rode the 31 mile loop.  How awesome, huh?  Check out our picture...from left, Gary, Alec, me, and Todd. 

The course set out for us was pretty cool...not temp wise, though!  Temps were actually in the 90's with 100+ percent humidity.  Okay, no surprise, it's July in Illinois.  The ride went well, had a few moments when the hip gave me a fit but when it was all said and done, it was a good ride.  Met some great folks out on the course and enjoyed keeping company with them as we all enjoyed the radiating heat from the country roads and the warm winds out of the South...just added to the pleasure!  Ha-Ha!

So, I finished back at the house with 69.5 miles on the day and feeling pretty good.  Still pulling layers off of the hip but I'll deal with that as long as I keep improving on the bike.

We have over 1400 hits on the Blog thus far and five countries represented.  Hope to find out soon about how we are doing in raising funds for Kailey's Krew.  We'll give everyone an update as soon as we know.

The upcoming week will include riding Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday.  We hit the road first thing Thursday morning for Lake of the Ozarks where I'll get some great saddle time with some good climbs and terrain challenges.

Until my next post, dig deep, get back up, feel the burn, and love the ride because you can still ride!

TNT OUT-

06 July 2011

What Will You Give?

So today marks approximately 3 weeks of having the BLOG alive and well.  We've had over 1,000 visits to the BLOG so far.  For those that have watched from the beginning, you've seen it go from a simple black and white posting (my attempt) to being filled with pix, links, posts, and gadgets...all thanks to my Sis, Jandy.

But with 38 days until the big race, not only is my training becoming more intense (well, once I am back on two wheels) but now we need to step up our focus on earning support to Kailey's Krew.  Kailey's Krew is a not-for-profit organization and one of our goals is to be able to provide financial support to families that find themselves enduring the hardships associated with having a child dealing with a serious illness.

Remember that number, 1,000+?  Imagine if each of those 1,000+ individuals made a donation of just $10 to Kailey's Krew?  Unrealistic?  Yah, probably so, since I'd venture to guess there would be several out there willing to give $25 or even $100 to Kailey's Krew.  But staying focused on the $10 donation would still have brought $10,000+ to Kailey's Krew.  That is some significant support to families when they have more important things to think about or worry about. 

Did anyone get to see our article in the June 30th issue of the Chatham Clarion?  Oh, and stay tuned for coverage on WICS-Springfield evening news in the near future - yup, we have an interview appointment tomorrow!  So, what about a Corporate, Business, or Organization Challenge?  What if your organization, corporation, or business decided to make a donation?  And when you do, we let everyone know during one of our interviews, broadcasts, or stories?  And wouldn't it be cool to see your logo on our Blogspot?  And even more cool for another 1,000 visitors to this Blogspot to see your name or logo as related to your donation...

I'm not sure how else to make my plea to you to donate or make a pledge on behalf of the Pedal of Hope in support of Kailey's Krew, but I hope you read this post and hear my voice.  And know that 100% of all funds received, go to Kailey's Krew.  All costs associated with the team going to Colorado are our personal costs and will not be supported by funds raised for Kailey's Krew.

So, step it up and make a donation to Kailey's Krew and don't forget to write "Pedal of Hope" on the memo line.  Or send an e-mail to the address shown to the right of this Blog and make a pledge based on miles I'll complete, time I'll finish, or simply based on whether I will finish or not...make it a challenge!

Until next time, ride hard!

TNT OUT-

Slight Distraction

Today makes day 4 of not getting out for a training ride and jeepers, it is driving me nutty.  Hopefully things will be better and I'll be back in the saddle tomorrow...I have to be, 5 days without a ride will push me over the edge...ha-ha!


So, as you have probably put it together, the little scrapes are giving me fits.  I did go to work yesterday but had to wear shorts as the hip and lower leg scratches were still a bit raw and I wasn't sure trousers would be a good thing.  Glad I did so but by time I got home last night, I was very stiff and sore.  So, opted not to ride. 

My schedule for today had me on the road and wearing trousers.  Before I made it 20 minutes, my trousers had already rubbed my calf area enough to start some leakage from the scraped area.  So, I had to cover it up for the day.  I made it home a few minutes ago and wow, what being covered for the day can do to a scrape...looks like raw meat again and some serious drainage.  So, I'm sidelined for yet another day.

Well, maybe this makes the challenge even more interesting now.  Anyone out there willing to up the ante on whether I will finish this ride or not?  Anyone thinking this set-back is going to cause me to fall a bit short in this endeavor?  Hmm, I still think you are wrong!  But I'll let you make the first move...

Stay tuned for more from me real soon...

02 July 2011

Ouch...

Well, today's training ride did let me enjoy the 100 degree temps with the great Illinois humidity.  And I did consume my fluids as directed.  Just didn't quite get the miles I had hoped for...fell short by about 45 or so!  Literally! 

Check out the pix posted on the Blog.  I titled them First Skid of the Season as they are great pix of the road rash on my thigh and outer calf.  YUP, you guesses it, I went down today.  I got a little too much speed into a sharp turn on the bike path and the tires couldn't hold the grip as I took an extreme line into the corner.  Pretty much a knuckle-head move on my part.  My forearm and knee are bothering me more than the skinless areas of my thigh and lower leg but hey, didn't someone once say, pain is only reminding you that you are alive and well?  Who the heck?  Ha-Ha!  Life is Great!

So, after 35 miles and some wonderful road-rash to show off for it, looks like I'll have to re-think my training plans for the rest of the weekend.  I will be back out there tomorrow, guaranteed!

Can someone tell me, is it better to cover up the raw areas or let them breathe?

We hope to have figured out a tracking process and will let everyone know soon...I'm talking about tracking "pledges".  I have folks that are pledging based on my mileage completed and some that are pledging based on how fast I finish...Any ideas or experience with this out there?  Any advice will be great.  As a side-bar, just want those to know that are pledging based on distance I complete...bring out the checkbooks cuz I am going all the way!!!!

Gary and Shelli, I hope your trip out East is going well.  We'll catch up when you get back!

TNT OUT-

Feel the Heat

So this is a first for me...posting to the blog BEFORE I go for a ride.  Told myself o get up early today and get a good long ride before it gets too hot.  Didn't do so well with that now, did I?  I'm sitting here watching stage 1 of the Tour de France and keeping an eye on the thermometer as it continues to rise.  Looking at 92 degrees already and it's just 0930.  Will be an hour or so before I saddle up so I guess today is going to be a great test of my hydration practices...stay tuned to find out how it went!

TNT OUT-