Welcome back to the next chapter of Kailey's Krew - Pedal of Hope. As past practice has haunted, we are under the gun in getting our new jersey printed for the 2012 race. But hey, we are 2 weeks ahead of last years schedule and all worked out fine. I'm confident that all will work out fine for this year as well.
Administratively, it's been busy. We took a new approach for this season and we welcome our 2012 "Supporters"...R & M Cyclery; Henderson Eye Care; The Creek Pub & Grill; AthletiCare; Brandt Agriculture Professionals; The Right Stuff; Blackmoon Tattoo; Maldiner's; and Monkey's Fist AR Team. Their logo's will be on this years jersey and we will get them uploaded to the blogspot soon. Thank you to all for supporting Kailey's Krew and our Kailey's Krew - Pedal of Hope challenge. I promise that Pedal of Hope will not let you down!
Training...wow, it's been a bit slow in developing but now it is here. We have a huge weekend ahead of us and from that point on it's sleep, drink, eat, and dream R-I-D-E- And if you recall from 2011, it's all about Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
If you are not aware, this is not only another year for me to personally attempt to complete the Leadville Trail 100, I now have teammates. My son Alec joined as well as Neil Wilmarth, brother of Kailey. It's been a bit crazy but I have already learned that I might be able to coach wrestling (to a certain extent) but a cycling coach I am NOT. There is so much more to it...I can pound the pedals and get myself prepared but figuring out how to get others ready is just down-right hard! Hats off to those that have it figured it out. But I will continue to support and help in any way I can.
Race day...August 11th, 2012. 3 teammates lined up, ready to take on one of the toughest mountain bike races in the country, if not in the world! It's nothng like a stage of the Tour de France, so I am told (ha). I'm not sure what to expect that day but I can only believe one thing...we are not racing just to beat the clock and finish the LT 100, we are racing because of a greater cause and a greater mission. Kailey has inspired us to do this "little thing" in order to bring "bigger things" to others. It's not about us, it's about those we can help.
So, whether our goals individually are 12-hours or 9-hours, collectively our goal is to continue to raise awareness of the Kailey's Krew mission and raise funds, that in turn, support local families that are challenged with the unexpected financial burdens of having a child with a long-term illness.
So, with your help, last year "I" raised somewhere in the ballpark of $10,000. This year, "WE" have set a goal of $20,000! Seems like a lot, but check on the expenses you could expect with a long-term sickness...$20K isn't even a drop in the bucket! Help us reach our goal! Challenge each of us, one of us, or all of us with a "Pledge" and be part of the KREW. There are two categories to be recognized again this year. The Kailey's Krew "Peleton" with a donation or the Kailey's Krew "Challenger's" with a pledge based on distance completed or time completed in...
Thank you for following us and stay tuned. Blog updates will be coming from each of us through-out our training and right up to the BIG DAY!
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT-
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.
