Good morning everyone! I hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying the warm summer. Warm would be an understatement for us in Central Illinois, though.
So, with just over a month to go, training has progressed well. Actually at Lake of the Ozarks getting some hill-training in this weekend. Spun for 20+ miles yesterday with lots of climbing and quick descents. Today's plan is for 36 off-road miles on some single-track trails. Temp is only supposed to hit 105 degrees down here today but I'll be in some shaded areas so I am sure it will be more like 100 degrees! Ha!
And then tomorrow morning I will link up with a group of "Roadies" at Oz Cycles in Lake Ozark for a fun and quick ride...at least we will get out before the heat of the day moves in on us.
The 2012 R&M/Kailey's Krew - Pedal of Hope jerseys are being produced now. California based company, Jakroo, is taking care of business for us this year. The jerseys will be available for sale at R&M Cyclery or by sending me a note, starting on or about July 29th. You'll want to be sure to get your 2012 jersey as they look pretty impressive!
As we made plans for this years Leadville Trail 100 in Colorado, we set our contribution goal at $20K as there were 3 of us racing on the team. Although our goal will not change and we have a long ways to go to raise funds for "Kailey's Krew", our "team" has dwindled a bit. Just in the last month, Neil and Alec had to assess their current training level and their available time to continue to train and prepare for Leadville. With work-related challenges, they both made the decision that this would not be the year they would try to race the LT 100 mountain bike race. Although it is a bummer that neither will participate in the race this year, I am impressed with the assessment and support their decision to opt out for this year. The LT 100 is a very difficult and challenging course and for us flat-landers, the altitude will sap the energy from you if you are not ready. You can get hurt or others around you could get hurt. So, my hat is off to Neil and Alec and as we add more races to our agenda, hopefully we can bring them on-board to participate.
So, let's get the show on the road, shall we? Who will challenge me to finish faster than last year? Who will raise the bar and help Pedal of Hope make a bigger contribution to Kailey's Krew than in 2011? In 2011 I finished in just over 11 hours...is under 9 hours possible for my old butt? Hmm, let me here you!!! Until my next post...
Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
TNT OUT-
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.
06 July 2012
13 June 2012
June - The Time to Get Serious IS Here!
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-
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-
03 April 2012
Training Has Started - Well, Sort Of...
Woo-hoo, I have snuck under the radar screen recently to record some training rides...Alec and Neil have no idea that the "old guy" needs some exta saddle time to keep up! Hopefully everyone got a chance to read my earlier blog post.
So, with weather related issues as well as this "NATO thing" keeping me busy with travels for work, it's been difficult to find time to ride. But it's all good, I know what I need and I believe I am on target...
In March I was only able to jump on my bike seven times. Wow, what a buzz kill, right? Not exactly. I still came close to 200 miles for the month and lots of dirt time! It's all good! April looks to be promising as my first ride of the month was for 35 miles. In the next few weeks I will be posting 60+ milers as routine!
Keep an eye out for our blog postings and send us a note when you can...we'd love to hear from you - challenge us, encourage us - motivate us with your support! We will be up for your challenge.
Keep checking our blog for new posts, updates to our training, and more information on how we can GO BIG for 2012!
Thank you and well, you should know it by now...SADDLE UP, DIG DEEP, AND RIDE HARD!
GOD Bless!
So, with weather related issues as well as this "NATO thing" keeping me busy with travels for work, it's been difficult to find time to ride. But it's all good, I know what I need and I believe I am on target...
In March I was only able to jump on my bike seven times. Wow, what a buzz kill, right? Not exactly. I still came close to 200 miles for the month and lots of dirt time! It's all good! April looks to be promising as my first ride of the month was for 35 miles. In the next few weeks I will be posting 60+ milers as routine!
Keep an eye out for our blog postings and send us a note when you can...we'd love to hear from you - challenge us, encourage us - motivate us with your support! We will be up for your challenge.
Keep checking our blog for new posts, updates to our training, and more information on how we can GO BIG for 2012!
Thank you and well, you should know it by now...SADDLE UP, DIG DEEP, AND RIDE HARD!
GOD Bless!
Let's Get This Started!
Good Evening from Pedal of Hope! Wow, we are B-A-C-K!!!! As if last year wasn't enough to get excited about, the anti has been raised and the stakes are a bit higher! In 2012, not only did WE, yes, I said "WE", get drawn from the lottery selection but "WE" have some lofty goals in mind.
In 2010, it was a bit towards the selfish side as that darn course "beat me". Remember? 82 miles and I was done? Yes, I wont forget. Then in 2011, it was US and WE! With support that all would envy and crave, there was nothing for me to be concerned about but to simply ride with passion and Glorify God in my endeavor! Wow, how did that become so easy? I finished in just over 11 hours, a bit tired but overwhelemed with emotion. The next day I was ready to do it again...well, maybe, as we didn't have to test that "good idea theory"...ha-ha! And then the mind was racing..."under 9-hours? Too easy"! So I spent the next few months with that idea racing through my mind. Then it was time for the lottery...wow, how focus can be diverted! Alec throws his name into the lottery. Holy cow, my "mechainc", my son wants to race? So we talk and he feels the passion and desire. And then Neil, Kailey's brother, joins the lottery...Okay, so this is bigger than I imagined (okay, so now I think in a few years we'll have 10 of us ready to tackle the LT 100 but hey, think big, dream big, GO BIG) now!
So let's put this into perspective...Alec has always despised "hills" - he believes a short climb over an over-pass is dreadful...and Neil, so he bought his first cross-country bike within the past month or so. Hmm, do we have a new goal?
So, how am I torn? Do I focus on an "Under 9" completion or is my focus on helping train Alec and Neil to complete the race? Maybe my calling is to help train Alec and Neil, train myself, and then we all execute a race plan that glorifies God, regardless of the "finish time"? Follow our blog and enjoy the ride!
And OUR goal? Well, you will have to stay tuned to learn more about it. Let's just say that last year we raised over $10K for Kailey's Krew...yup, that is right, about the same as 2 NCAA soccer power houses raised...but now that the Pedal of Hope TEAM has grown, the stakes are higher, the desire is stronger, and we will Glorify God!
So, follow our Blog postings to hear about how we are doing...I promise not to edit the "challenges" between Alec and I when "training" becomes the focus of the conversation...ha-ha-ha!
We are going to have some fun this summer and when we arrive in Colorado, we are all going to feel the intensity and excitement!
Are you ready? Because it is once again time to Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
In 2010, it was a bit towards the selfish side as that darn course "beat me". Remember? 82 miles and I was done? Yes, I wont forget. Then in 2011, it was US and WE! With support that all would envy and crave, there was nothing for me to be concerned about but to simply ride with passion and Glorify God in my endeavor! Wow, how did that become so easy? I finished in just over 11 hours, a bit tired but overwhelemed with emotion. The next day I was ready to do it again...well, maybe, as we didn't have to test that "good idea theory"...ha-ha! And then the mind was racing..."under 9-hours? Too easy"! So I spent the next few months with that idea racing through my mind. Then it was time for the lottery...wow, how focus can be diverted! Alec throws his name into the lottery. Holy cow, my "mechainc", my son wants to race? So we talk and he feels the passion and desire. And then Neil, Kailey's brother, joins the lottery...Okay, so this is bigger than I imagined (okay, so now I think in a few years we'll have 10 of us ready to tackle the LT 100 but hey, think big, dream big, GO BIG) now!
So let's put this into perspective...Alec has always despised "hills" - he believes a short climb over an over-pass is dreadful...and Neil, so he bought his first cross-country bike within the past month or so. Hmm, do we have a new goal?
So, how am I torn? Do I focus on an "Under 9" completion or is my focus on helping train Alec and Neil to complete the race? Maybe my calling is to help train Alec and Neil, train myself, and then we all execute a race plan that glorifies God, regardless of the "finish time"? Follow our blog and enjoy the ride!
And OUR goal? Well, you will have to stay tuned to learn more about it. Let's just say that last year we raised over $10K for Kailey's Krew...yup, that is right, about the same as 2 NCAA soccer power houses raised...but now that the Pedal of Hope TEAM has grown, the stakes are higher, the desire is stronger, and we will Glorify God!
So, follow our Blog postings to hear about how we are doing...I promise not to edit the "challenges" between Alec and I when "training" becomes the focus of the conversation...ha-ha-ha!
We are going to have some fun this summer and when we arrive in Colorado, we are all going to feel the intensity and excitement!
Are you ready? Because it is once again time to Saddle Up, Dig Deep, and Ride Hard!
16 February 2012
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