http://www.goraceday.com/watch/5110/#.TlKKarzbn0i.blogger
This BLOG is dedicated in memory of Kailey Wilmarth and in support of Kailey's Krew, a not-for-profit organization. This BLOG will share the story of Kailey as well as my challenge to complete the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. Our mission is to give Hope to other families that need support during their trying times. Your contributions to Kailey's Krew can help us reach our goal.
22 August 2011
21 August 2011
My Final Comment for Today...
Let me share a few thoughts about this years experience with the LT100 race and Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. This became more than a race against the clock or a challenge against the altitude and terrain. There were things gained and things lost. And the "race" started way before August 13th, 2011. Let me start with some of the losses and end with the "Gains".
Things lost...
- I started my training weighing in at 165 pounds and "bulked up" from wrestling season and lots of time in the gym. I checked my weight before we left for Colorado and was sitting at a thinned down 147 pounds. Not sure exactly what I weighed after the race but I would guess it was closer to the 142-143 pound mark. When we were back in Chatham, I checked and noted a stealthy 143 pounds! Time to get back to the gym so my pants will stop falling off - is it wrong to be able to put pants on and off without unfastening the buttons? Ha!
- Anyone see a selector lever for a Fox Rear-Suspension Shock? It was blue in color. Darn it!
- I still have the remnants of my July 3rd crash...where I lost several layers of skin from my hip and calf. Not that I am looking to retrieve the old stuff but it sure will be nice if the new stuff could hurry up and finish "recovery"!
Things gained...
- A revitalized life as a Christian! I'm now a teammate of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Endurance and will continue to grow as a Christian and a Christian athlete for the Glory of God!
- An incredible friendship in Gary and Shelli Wilmarth. Although I've known them for many years, the last 3-4 months has grown our relationship and I couldn't be more fortunate to have such wonderful folks as my friends. God Love Them!
- What's it really matter? Does that make sense? It's a simple question and one that I find myself asking often...to myself. When something isn't going just right or something breaks or something changes my plan or my schedule, I simply adjust and continue on...."It is what it is" so why let it become an emotional or physical "issue"? Life is good, life is short, and we simply need to stay focused on the big picture and not let the little things effect us.
- A renewed passion for cycling..."I want a new road-bike"! There, I said it. As much as I'd hate to admit it as a trail junky, now I want a road bike to capture the entire cycling experience. Hmm, tour, tri, or race? Choices...
What did it take to prepare for and then complete the LT100? Miles of riding, lots of sweat, and tons of patience from my family and friends as they endured my ups and downs in preparations...from mechanical issues to physical issues to emotional twists. But when it was over, I could only think about how good it all felt. A little muscle fatigue but hey, after 103.84 miles (on my bike computer the course was a bit longer than 100 miles), everyone will have some fatigue. Physically, I was ready to jump back on the bike the next day! Emotionally, well, still haven't come down out of the clouds. It feels awesome to be part of such a great cause.
And the biggest contribution to our "success"? My Support Krew! From keeping me fed with bananas, turkey slices, cold pizza, gels, and apple slices...some of which were mixed or combined (hey, until you have had "Banana Pizza", don't knock it)...to the humor, the positive outlooks, and the passion for our success, the Krew was more than could ever be asked for. Thank you to all - Jandy, Ken, Jim, Dawn, Jenny, Todd, Celine, and "Bug"! And to Julie, Alec and Brady, you guys are all-stars for enduring everything from the beginning to the end! And a special thank you to Gary and Shelli! We all appreciated you being with us and especially appreciate you letting us be part of your family! Are you all ready for next year? Smile!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Pedal Hard!
TNT OUT-
Things lost...
- I started my training weighing in at 165 pounds and "bulked up" from wrestling season and lots of time in the gym. I checked my weight before we left for Colorado and was sitting at a thinned down 147 pounds. Not sure exactly what I weighed after the race but I would guess it was closer to the 142-143 pound mark. When we were back in Chatham, I checked and noted a stealthy 143 pounds! Time to get back to the gym so my pants will stop falling off - is it wrong to be able to put pants on and off without unfastening the buttons? Ha!
- Anyone see a selector lever for a Fox Rear-Suspension Shock? It was blue in color. Darn it!
- I still have the remnants of my July 3rd crash...where I lost several layers of skin from my hip and calf. Not that I am looking to retrieve the old stuff but it sure will be nice if the new stuff could hurry up and finish "recovery"!
Things gained...
- A revitalized life as a Christian! I'm now a teammate of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Endurance and will continue to grow as a Christian and a Christian athlete for the Glory of God!
- An incredible friendship in Gary and Shelli Wilmarth. Although I've known them for many years, the last 3-4 months has grown our relationship and I couldn't be more fortunate to have such wonderful folks as my friends. God Love Them!
- What's it really matter? Does that make sense? It's a simple question and one that I find myself asking often...to myself. When something isn't going just right or something breaks or something changes my plan or my schedule, I simply adjust and continue on...."It is what it is" so why let it become an emotional or physical "issue"? Life is good, life is short, and we simply need to stay focused on the big picture and not let the little things effect us.
- A renewed passion for cycling..."I want a new road-bike"! There, I said it. As much as I'd hate to admit it as a trail junky, now I want a road bike to capture the entire cycling experience. Hmm, tour, tri, or race? Choices...
What did it take to prepare for and then complete the LT100? Miles of riding, lots of sweat, and tons of patience from my family and friends as they endured my ups and downs in preparations...from mechanical issues to physical issues to emotional twists. But when it was over, I could only think about how good it all felt. A little muscle fatigue but hey, after 103.84 miles (on my bike computer the course was a bit longer than 100 miles), everyone will have some fatigue. Physically, I was ready to jump back on the bike the next day! Emotionally, well, still haven't come down out of the clouds. It feels awesome to be part of such a great cause.
And the biggest contribution to our "success"? My Support Krew! From keeping me fed with bananas, turkey slices, cold pizza, gels, and apple slices...some of which were mixed or combined (hey, until you have had "Banana Pizza", don't knock it)...to the humor, the positive outlooks, and the passion for our success, the Krew was more than could ever be asked for. Thank you to all - Jandy, Ken, Jim, Dawn, Jenny, Todd, Celine, and "Bug"! And to Julie, Alec and Brady, you guys are all-stars for enduring everything from the beginning to the end! And a special thank you to Gary and Shelli! We all appreciated you being with us and especially appreciate you letting us be part of your family! Are you all ready for next year? Smile!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Pedal Hard!
TNT OUT-
For 2012...
So, if I can qualify at a Regional Race or if I get lucky to be drawn from the race lottery again, what could be a new goal for the LT100 2012 race?
Here are a few ideas to throw out there...
- This years' goal was to finish the race - period! The race course got the best of me last year but this year had to be different. I couldn't let it beat me! Goal for 2012...finish under 9 hours? It's not too unrealistic of a goal, is it? 2010 = Did Not Finish; 2011 = 11h08m18s; 2012 = 8h59m59s????
- I went solo for my first two races. Why not take an entire team to Leadville in 2012? A team of "Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope" racers? 4, 8, 11 racers with the common objective to finish the LT100 - BUT TOGETHER, AS A TEAM! Help me get the word out and let's see if we can put together a TEAM to take the challenge.
What are your thoughts? Post a comment or send me an e-mail and give us some ideas. In the meantime, check out the attached video of me in the 2011 LT100 Race...
Enjoy the video and send me a note...thanks!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
Here are a few ideas to throw out there...
- This years' goal was to finish the race - period! The race course got the best of me last year but this year had to be different. I couldn't let it beat me! Goal for 2012...finish under 9 hours? It's not too unrealistic of a goal, is it? 2010 = Did Not Finish; 2011 = 11h08m18s; 2012 = 8h59m59s????
- I went solo for my first two races. Why not take an entire team to Leadville in 2012? A team of "Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope" racers? 4, 8, 11 racers with the common objective to finish the LT100 - BUT TOGETHER, AS A TEAM! Help me get the word out and let's see if we can put together a TEAM to take the challenge.
What are your thoughts? Post a comment or send me an e-mail and give us some ideas. In the meantime, check out the attached video of me in the 2011 LT100 Race...
Enjoy the video and send me a note...thanks!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
Where Are We Now?
I'm back already but not because I forgot anything but because I didn't want my post to get too long and I wanted to keep the topics separate as well.
For starters, the GMS Cross Country Team and the GHS Volleyball Team joined Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope and captured contributions and donations. I have not seen personally seen the pledge sheets but I understand they raised approximately $1,700 for Kailey's Krew! A big "Woo-Hoo" goes out to all team members and thank you so much for your efforts!
In addition, we have the following new members of the "Challengers"...
Harold and Barb Damron
Corinne Greis
Matt Brehm
Susan Coers
Robert & Jeanette Schuerman
Thank you so much for your contributions and support.
And with that, here's the latest on our fund-raising goal of $7,500...
$8,304.50
We made our goal and then some. And the donations continue to come in...will we see $10K? Wow, wouldn't that be great?
Coming soon, I'll post a complete roll-up of all members of the Challengers and of the Peloton. Thank you again to everyone for your generosity, support, and encouragement!
Until the next "post", "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!
TNT OUT-
For starters, the GMS Cross Country Team and the GHS Volleyball Team joined Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope and captured contributions and donations. I have not seen personally seen the pledge sheets but I understand they raised approximately $1,700 for Kailey's Krew! A big "Woo-Hoo" goes out to all team members and thank you so much for your efforts!
In addition, we have the following new members of the "Challengers"...
Harold and Barb Damron
Corinne Greis
Matt Brehm
Susan Coers
Robert & Jeanette Schuerman
Thank you so much for your contributions and support.
And with that, here's the latest on our fund-raising goal of $7,500...
$8,304.50
We made our goal and then some. And the donations continue to come in...will we see $10K? Wow, wouldn't that be great?
Coming soon, I'll post a complete roll-up of all members of the Challengers and of the Peloton. Thank you again to everyone for your generosity, support, and encouragement!
Until the next "post", "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!
TNT OUT-
A Week Has Past...
It's been a week since the LT100 Mtn Bike Race and things are settling down. I returned to work and jumped right into a busy schedule.
So, this week included zero riding time. Took my bike to the shop and had fun setting it up for "display" with my jersey, finishers' medal, dirty shoes, and the race poster we presented to R&M Cyclery. Alec brought everything home on Saturday and now we will being the clean-up, tune-up, and some possible upgrades over the next week or so before I get back to training and preparation for the next challenge of Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. Endurance length races seem to be far and few between and every one I find is closed for new registration...but I'll keep searching and see what I can find. Stay tuned for our next challenge!
So, was on our way to a movie last night when we noticed this truck with bikes and gear in the back and "Freedom 50/50" logo's on the side and rear. As we sat at the stop-light, we used our smart-phones to check out their website in order to find out what they were doing. Low-and-behold, a gentleman by the name of Max McManus is doing a very incredible ride. He is riding a route that will put him in all 50 states in 50 days. The fruits of his efforts are to go towards "The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation".
Hmm, so there's this guy doing 50 states in 50 days. How can I help? Well, I called Max and after a nice conversation, I told him I'd join him on his ride today (Sunday)...and I did. We met at their hotel in Springfield, met his support crew, and headed out to ride. I was on my mountain bike (dirty and gritty still from Leadville) and Max was on his Trek Madone. Yup, even though I was trying to crank up the pace as we rolled oout of Springfield, it was obvious I was holding Max back from his normal pace. I rode with him for about 30 minutes and then we had a parting conversation and he put his head down and disappeared into the fresh morning breeze along "Old Route 54". His first pit-stop will be in Pittsfield, IL for food and drink before he pushes off to his overnight destination in Missouri. Max is doing an incredible ride for a great cause! If you get a chance, go to http://www.freedom5050.com/ and follow his ride. We wish you safe travels and best of luck, Max! God Bless!
On a different topic, I did a little shopping yesterday. Found a new belt for my LT100 buckle. Woo-hoo, looks pretty cool! Now I need to buy a pair of jeans that I can wear with the belt and buckle...looks pretty silly on the outside of my cycling shorts! Ha-Ha! Sorry, no pix of such a disturbing image!
Hope all are doing great and watch for additional updates...
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! (Hey, quick note about the Krew in Leadville...what a crazy bunch! So, not to be out-done by anyone, they created cheers and dances. The finish-line cheer was awesome, "He Saddled Up, Dug Deep, and Rode Hard!" Thanks Krew!)
TNT OUT-
So, this week included zero riding time. Took my bike to the shop and had fun setting it up for "display" with my jersey, finishers' medal, dirty shoes, and the race poster we presented to R&M Cyclery. Alec brought everything home on Saturday and now we will being the clean-up, tune-up, and some possible upgrades over the next week or so before I get back to training and preparation for the next challenge of Kailey's Krew Pedal of Hope. Endurance length races seem to be far and few between and every one I find is closed for new registration...but I'll keep searching and see what I can find. Stay tuned for our next challenge!
So, was on our way to a movie last night when we noticed this truck with bikes and gear in the back and "Freedom 50/50" logo's on the side and rear. As we sat at the stop-light, we used our smart-phones to check out their website in order to find out what they were doing. Low-and-behold, a gentleman by the name of Max McManus is doing a very incredible ride. He is riding a route that will put him in all 50 states in 50 days. The fruits of his efforts are to go towards "The 9-11 HelpAmerica Foundation".
Hmm, so there's this guy doing 50 states in 50 days. How can I help? Well, I called Max and after a nice conversation, I told him I'd join him on his ride today (Sunday)...and I did. We met at their hotel in Springfield, met his support crew, and headed out to ride. I was on my mountain bike (dirty and gritty still from Leadville) and Max was on his Trek Madone. Yup, even though I was trying to crank up the pace as we rolled oout of Springfield, it was obvious I was holding Max back from his normal pace. I rode with him for about 30 minutes and then we had a parting conversation and he put his head down and disappeared into the fresh morning breeze along "Old Route 54". His first pit-stop will be in Pittsfield, IL for food and drink before he pushes off to his overnight destination in Missouri. Max is doing an incredible ride for a great cause! If you get a chance, go to http://www.freedom5050.com/ and follow his ride. We wish you safe travels and best of luck, Max! God Bless!
On a different topic, I did a little shopping yesterday. Found a new belt for my LT100 buckle. Woo-hoo, looks pretty cool! Now I need to buy a pair of jeans that I can wear with the belt and buckle...looks pretty silly on the outside of my cycling shorts! Ha-Ha! Sorry, no pix of such a disturbing image!
Hope all are doing great and watch for additional updates...
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! (Hey, quick note about the Krew in Leadville...what a crazy bunch! So, not to be out-done by anyone, they created cheers and dances. The finish-line cheer was awesome, "He Saddled Up, Dug Deep, and Rode Hard!" Thanks Krew!)
TNT OUT-
14 August 2011
He Finished!
 |
| Coming across the finish line waving the Pedal of Hope Krew shirt |
 |
| After the race with Shelli and Gary |
12 August 2011
Are You Ready?
"Are you ready?" Been an interesting question I've heard over the past couple days and today provided me with plenty of opportunity to think about this question...I'll elaborate more in a minute.
So, we made it through a day of sign-in, registration, and support krew "set-up". Was a busy day but everyone is settled in and ready to go. Our very special guests, Gary and Shelli Wilmarth, arrived this afternoon. We gave them a big welcome, were able to get them up Vail Mountain on the gondola, had some dinner, and now we're all settling in for the night...going to be an early start tomorrow!
We have new members of the Peloton to recognize:
Calvin & Jenny Deetz
Jerry & Rosalie Hartman
And we have new members of the Challengers to recognize:
Todd & Gen Missel
Dan & Mary Smith
Thank you so much for your support and welcome to the Krew! We have reached $5,600 as of today. We are less than $2,000 from reaching our $7,500 goal!
So, let me go back to the title of this "post"..."Are You Ready?"
Bike checked over, tuned-up, and ready? CHECK!
Clothes packed for all conditions? CHECK!
Equipment checked, packed, and ready? CHECK!
Physically trained and prepared for the toughest 100 miles to ride? CHECK!
Support Krew gathered and ready? CHECK!
Carb loaded, Sodium Loaded, and hydrated? CHECK!
Acknowledged that this is only the LT 100 and that I'm riding for a cause bigger than this race will ever become? CHECK!
Asked God in prayer for the personal strength, the personal courage, and His power to help me accomplish the task before me? CHECK!
Am I Ready? Are You?
Tomorrow morning I will Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! Let the Glory be God's!
TNT OUT-
So, we made it through a day of sign-in, registration, and support krew "set-up". Was a busy day but everyone is settled in and ready to go. Our very special guests, Gary and Shelli Wilmarth, arrived this afternoon. We gave them a big welcome, were able to get them up Vail Mountain on the gondola, had some dinner, and now we're all settling in for the night...going to be an early start tomorrow!
We have new members of the Peloton to recognize:
Calvin & Jenny Deetz
Jerry & Rosalie Hartman
And we have new members of the Challengers to recognize:
Todd & Gen Missel
Dan & Mary Smith
Thank you so much for your support and welcome to the Krew! We have reached $5,600 as of today. We are less than $2,000 from reaching our $7,500 goal!
So, let me go back to the title of this "post"..."Are You Ready?"
Bike checked over, tuned-up, and ready? CHECK!
Clothes packed for all conditions? CHECK!
Equipment checked, packed, and ready? CHECK!
Physically trained and prepared for the toughest 100 miles to ride? CHECK!
Support Krew gathered and ready? CHECK!
Carb loaded, Sodium Loaded, and hydrated? CHECK!
Acknowledged that this is only the LT 100 and that I'm riding for a cause bigger than this race will ever become? CHECK!
Asked God in prayer for the personal strength, the personal courage, and His power to help me accomplish the task before me? CHECK!
Am I Ready? Are You?
Tomorrow morning I will Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard! Let the Glory be God's!
TNT OUT-
09 August 2011
On the LT 100 Course
Hello from Colorado. All is going well here and I am hoping that my training and preparation is hitting "peak" at the right time. Alec and I drove up to Leadville and rode 24 miles on the course. Poor Alec is a true "Flat-Lander"...the slightest hills are avoided and those that he can not avoid are dreaded, cursed, and hated. So, he enjoyed a part of the ride...the downhill part! Ha-Ha!
We had a riding companion from New York with us. This is his first time in the LT 100, drawn from the lottery. Later in the day, while hanging out in Leadville, we ran into Mike and his family at the local bike shop, Cycles of Life.
We had six more members of the "Krew" arrive today...Jim, Dawn, Celine, Jenny, Ken, and Jandy. We all headed out to dinner and now we're resting up for a busy day tomorrow.
With the legs feeling good and as we are only a couple days from the race, the "training" will taper to some fun time on the bike...tomorrow we ride the gondola up to the top of the Vail Ski Mountain and then ride the tech trails down. And we may possibly be hitting the tech trails located not far from the condos.
We have gained another member of the "Challengers" team...
Joe Klinger
Thank you Sir! Very much appreciated!
Here's a quick picture of Alec and I when we stopped along the course...how could you not stop to take in the scenery, huh? Okay, when the clock is running against you I suppose!
Until my next "Post", Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
We had a riding companion from New York with us. This is his first time in the LT 100, drawn from the lottery. Later in the day, while hanging out in Leadville, we ran into Mike and his family at the local bike shop, Cycles of Life.
We had six more members of the "Krew" arrive today...Jim, Dawn, Celine, Jenny, Ken, and Jandy. We all headed out to dinner and now we're resting up for a busy day tomorrow.
With the legs feeling good and as we are only a couple days from the race, the "training" will taper to some fun time on the bike...tomorrow we ride the gondola up to the top of the Vail Ski Mountain and then ride the tech trails down. And we may possibly be hitting the tech trails located not far from the condos.
We have gained another member of the "Challengers" team...
Joe Klinger
Thank you Sir! Very much appreciated!
Until my next "Post", Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
08 August 2011
Last "Big" Ride
Holy cow! Woke up this morning with the temps in the "cold range". Had some breakfast (oatmeal, yogurt, and a banana), prep'd the bike (well, Alec took care of that part) and then headed out to ride the Vail to Copper Mountain route, and back. Had a great ride of 45 miles round-trip. Had a couple great experiences during the ride to share with everyone.
On the way to Copper Mountain and near the Vail Pass, I came across 2 riders who appeared to be helping a 3rd rider. I stopped to see if they needed assistance. And as bad as I am with remembering names, I do apologize to them. So, the gentleman who seemed to be getting attention by the other 2 cyclists (okay, the lady's name was "Kat", I believe...maybe the rest will come to me as I write this) appeared a bit uncertain and having some discomfort. Turns out he was having some dehydration issues and even some light-headedness. Water levels were a bit low for the 3 of them and I assumed they may not have had any sort of supplement to help. So, I filled his water bottle from mine and added some "The Right Stuff" to assist with easing the cramps and help him get back to being able to finish his ride. When he asked if he could give me anything for the help, I simply asked him to recover and enjoy his ride. After helping out, I headed on my way and can only hope they made it fine as they were nowhere to be seen on my return trip from Copper Mountain. My stop to assist made me feel pretty darn good and I can only say it was simply the Christian thing to do.
With only 12 miles or so left on my ride, I stopped at a familiar location to ask a couple riders to take my picture. Same location I had a picture taken this time last year. Talk about a small world...the two ladies were both from Illinois, currently living in the Chicago Suburbs. Isn't that just crazy? We shared a few stories and then we were on our separate ways. Thanks for taking my picture for me, Ladies!
After getting back from my ride (over 3 hours in the saddle), I joined up with the family and we went for a walk around Vail Village, stopping in and out of shops. Then we made it back to the condo to cook on the grill. Followed up with some time at the pool...I think Julie will be posting some video's on Face Book of the boys being a bit nutty.
And finally, Todd and Cade Trautvetter arrived this evening - Todd drove straight through from Chatham! Shauna wasn't able to join us on this trip but she spent a very special gift that I will be wearing when I ride...a pendant of St Madonna del Ghisallo, Patron Saint of Cyclists. Thank you so much Shauna! So, a big woo-hoo as the "Krew" is beginning to assemble! Tomorrow evening we'll have another six members arrive.
We have new members of the "Challengers" group. A huge thank you to the following for your challenging pledges...
Brian and Melanie Tober
Doug and Beth Zimmer
I hope all are doing well and until next time, Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
On the way to Copper Mountain and near the Vail Pass, I came across 2 riders who appeared to be helping a 3rd rider. I stopped to see if they needed assistance. And as bad as I am with remembering names, I do apologize to them. So, the gentleman who seemed to be getting attention by the other 2 cyclists (okay, the lady's name was "Kat", I believe...maybe the rest will come to me as I write this) appeared a bit uncertain and having some discomfort. Turns out he was having some dehydration issues and even some light-headedness. Water levels were a bit low for the 3 of them and I assumed they may not have had any sort of supplement to help. So, I filled his water bottle from mine and added some "The Right Stuff" to assist with easing the cramps and help him get back to being able to finish his ride. When he asked if he could give me anything for the help, I simply asked him to recover and enjoy his ride. After helping out, I headed on my way and can only hope they made it fine as they were nowhere to be seen on my return trip from Copper Mountain. My stop to assist made me feel pretty darn good and I can only say it was simply the Christian thing to do.
After getting back from my ride (over 3 hours in the saddle), I joined up with the family and we went for a walk around Vail Village, stopping in and out of shops. Then we made it back to the condo to cook on the grill. Followed up with some time at the pool...I think Julie will be posting some video's on Face Book of the boys being a bit nutty.
And finally, Todd and Cade Trautvetter arrived this evening - Todd drove straight through from Chatham! Shauna wasn't able to join us on this trip but she spent a very special gift that I will be wearing when I ride...a pendant of St Madonna del Ghisallo, Patron Saint of Cyclists. Thank you so much Shauna! So, a big woo-hoo as the "Krew" is beginning to assemble! Tomorrow evening we'll have another six members arrive.
We have new members of the "Challengers" group. A huge thank you to the following for your challenging pledges...
Brian and Melanie Tober
Doug and Beth Zimmer
I hope all are doing well and until next time, Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
Getting Acclimated
Good morning from Colorado. It is early morning here in Vail and the current temperature is 42 degrees. The sun...okay it's actually only light from the sun as the Mountains block the Sun for another hour or so for us here. But anyway, the daylight is creeping above the mountains and will start warming things up a bit for us. Looks like we have a high of 68 degrees in the forecast. We have some rain in the forecast for later this week but only at 20-30% chance.
We had an un-eventful trip out here over the weekend. That is pretty much a good thing, right? Temps were as high as 100 degrees as we drove through Kansas. As we passed through Denver yesterday, though, temps started dropping into the low 80's and high 70's. We finished the drive in the high 60's with the windows down and the great scent of hot brakes from the semi truck/trailers. Woo-hoo!
Training has not been everything I had hoped for over the past few days but I will make up for it in the next few days and will be ready for the big race on Saturday. I went for a quick spin to start getting the legs and body used to the change in altitude yesterday. Was only gone for just over an hour but I wont kid you. That was long enough to feel the burn. Today should be a fun 50+ miler as I head down the trail, over the Vail Pass, down to Copper Mountain and then back to Vail. Road distance is only 20 or so miles but trail distance and a few detour trails that I found last year will give me nearly 60 miles and some good altitude.
We have new members of the Kailey's Krew Peloton and Kailey's Krew Challenger families.
New to the Peloton are:
Laura Karpen
Julie Greer
The Voss Family
Lance Williams
Hannah Wilmarth
Donna (from Mt Morris - Sorry Donna, I didn't get your last name but send me a note and I'll make sure to get you mentioned in the Blog)
New to the Challenger family are:
Russ Lutkehus
Mark and Carol Humphreys
Thank you so much to everyone that has made a pledge and/or donation! Your support is greatly appreciated!
And the update is in...we are just over the $5,000 mark in donations and pledges. So close to our goal! I hope the Blog keeps the pace and we continue to close on our goal...then I hope we push over the top and raise the bar!
Well, it's already 0630 here. Time to get some oatmeal, a yogurt, prep the water bottles, check the bike, and then head out for training!
Take care everyone and again, thank you for your support and words of encouragement! Until next time, "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!"...there may not be a chance to ride tomorrow!
TNT OUT-
We had an un-eventful trip out here over the weekend. That is pretty much a good thing, right? Temps were as high as 100 degrees as we drove through Kansas. As we passed through Denver yesterday, though, temps started dropping into the low 80's and high 70's. We finished the drive in the high 60's with the windows down and the great scent of hot brakes from the semi truck/trailers. Woo-hoo!
Training has not been everything I had hoped for over the past few days but I will make up for it in the next few days and will be ready for the big race on Saturday. I went for a quick spin to start getting the legs and body used to the change in altitude yesterday. Was only gone for just over an hour but I wont kid you. That was long enough to feel the burn. Today should be a fun 50+ miler as I head down the trail, over the Vail Pass, down to Copper Mountain and then back to Vail. Road distance is only 20 or so miles but trail distance and a few detour trails that I found last year will give me nearly 60 miles and some good altitude.
We have new members of the Kailey's Krew Peloton and Kailey's Krew Challenger families.
New to the Peloton are:
Laura Karpen
Julie Greer
The Voss Family
Lance Williams
Hannah Wilmarth
Donna (from Mt Morris - Sorry Donna, I didn't get your last name but send me a note and I'll make sure to get you mentioned in the Blog)
New to the Challenger family are:
Russ Lutkehus
Mark and Carol Humphreys
Thank you so much to everyone that has made a pledge and/or donation! Your support is greatly appreciated!
And the update is in...we are just over the $5,000 mark in donations and pledges. So close to our goal! I hope the Blog keeps the pace and we continue to close on our goal...then I hope we push over the top and raise the bar!
Well, it's already 0630 here. Time to get some oatmeal, a yogurt, prep the water bottles, check the bike, and then head out for training!
Take care everyone and again, thank you for your support and words of encouragement! Until next time, "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!"...there may not be a chance to ride tomorrow!
TNT OUT-
03 August 2011
Back on the Bike
Well, took a day off yesterday as R&M Cyclery had my bike for a day to give it a total "Go Over" to make sure it is ready for the big trip to Colorado. Went for a ride tonight and "rode" the brakes quite a bit as we had new pads installed. Seems like they are good to go now! Not that I plan on using them in the race, though...ha! I'll get one more spin on Friday before we make the long trek out to the Rocky Mountain State! Then back into the groove on Sunday to get my legs loose and ready.
We have new members of the "Peloton" (contributions) to mention. Annie Anderson, Rob & Linda Bauckham, Jenifer Johnson, and Greg & Roxanne Gardner have all joined the Peloton. In addition, Jenifer Johnson is a member of the "Challengers" (pledge based on my race performance).
We have new members of the "Peloton" (contributions) to mention. Annie Anderson, Rob & Linda Bauckham, Jenifer Johnson, and Greg & Roxanne Gardner have all joined the Peloton. In addition, Jenifer Johnson is a member of the "Challengers" (pledge based on my race performance).
So, this morning, Gary and I visited with the Glenwood Middle School Cross Country Team. Gary talked to them about the Kailey's Krew mission and I talked to them about the Pedal of Hope mission and the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. Kailey was XC Runner at GMS! Welcome to Kailey's Krew GMS XC and best of luck with your 2011 season!
So, the trick is, can you find me amongst the kids? When did 11, 12, and 13 year old kids get so darn tall? Only reason they were asked to sit or take a knee was because you couldn't find me in the picture if they didn't. Ha-Ha!
Will be on the road for work but will return with a Blog update Friday night, before we head west. Until then...all together now, "Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard"!
TNT OUT-
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