And the winner is...

Adam Beck! Congrats, Adam! The selection criteria of the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge were finally revealed this morning on the radio: the winner would be the person the judges felt would be best able to lead next year's group of contestants. Adam's the man for sure...Trek ride leader, cancer survivor, and all-around great guy--just like last year's winner!! I couldn't have tried any harder, but no way could I win against that! Oh well. I still get to do the ride along with six of my Team xx1090 buds and I'm going to savor every moment. =)

Thanks, Brian for this pic of the crew in the xx1090 studio:

Scott Kaplan, Mark, Alex, Mike (last year's winner and this year's fearless leader), Adam (Winner!), me, Brian, Joe and BR. Rob Millum couldn't make it, but will also join us on the ride. Yeeeeeehaw!!

Winner Announced Tomorrow! And some final thoughts...

The time has finally come! The winner of the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge will be announced tomorrow around 6:45 a.m. on xx1090 AM Sports Radio. Tune in or listen online here.

Win or lose, I'm truly grateful for the many opportunities this contest has afforded me.

While I'd been a CAF supporter and known about the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge for years, I would never have believed it possible to achieve the $10K minimum fundraising requirement to participate. The contest removed that initial intimidation and allowed me to meet some wonderful people I now count as friends, to get even more excited about doing the actual ride from San Francisco to San Diego, and to be inspired by some amazing people--some who benefit from--some who raise money for--(and some both)--the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Teamwork among the Scott & BR contestants has been phenomenal--inspiring and effective. Each of us has worked hard and made many sacrifices to make it this far and I'm proud that we have been able to raise over $50K as a group. I myself am just shy of the $10K mark and feel sure that I will reach my $10K goal by the start of the ride on Oct. 17. And none of this would have happened without the contest!

The contest has also forced me to reconsider some pre-conceived notions about myself and to step out of my comfort zone in many, MANY areas. Knowing I was supporting something much bigger than myself allowed me to think "big," to overcome my aversion to asking for money, asking for help, accepting help. I was able to overcome my Facebook-a-phobia. I learned to blog. I spoke to large groups of people. I learned to not take rejection personally, and the pleasure of unexpected kindness and generosity. I learned that hard work and discipline are still rewarded and that sometimes the whole really IS greater than the sum of its parts. I was reminded of the joy of giving and the strange phenomenon where you get back what you give and then some. I learned that I AM strong...and not just physically. I can honestly say that I'm a better person as a result of this experience.

To this point, I've had experiences and gained friendships I'll treasure for a lifetime. A wonderful cake. The ride from San Francisco to San Diego will be the icing. I can't wait! And knowing that all of this supports folks with physical challenges getting back on track to an active lifestyle makes it all the sweeter...the cherry on top.

Sincere thanks to my teammates and friends: Adam, Alex, Brian, Joe, Rob M., Rob L., Mark, Pat, Ofelia, and Efrain; to our fearless leader Mike H. who has gone above and beyond time and again in helping us and CAF out in a variety of capacities; to all the folks from CAF...especially Vikki (please forgive me for all I've put you through!); to my mom, family and friends for your exceptional support throughout this journey; and last, but certainly not least, to Scott and BR and xx1090 for making the contest possible and for using the airwaves to spread the word about CAF and the good work they do.

Until tomorrow...over and out.

Revelation, Robbery, Rendezvous, Race and Ride in Review

Life has been hectic!

Revelation
Last Wednesday, I left work feeling great! Doing the math on the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge contestants' fundraising efforts led me to the conclusion that with just a little more work, SEVEN of the finalists would be able to do the QMDC ride from San Francisco to San Diego. Amazing! The updated numbers show the extra work has paid off, so seven of us--Adam, Alex, Brian, Rob M., Brian, Joe, Mark and myself will ALL get to do the ride and I couldn't be happier about that.

Robbery
My mood took a dive when I reached my car only to find the passenger-side window smashed and my GPS, bluetooth headset and--worst of all--my gym bag--all missing! Varmints!!! Arghh! With the L.A. Triathlon coming up on Sunday, I only had a couple days to replace things and the days ahead were booked solid. I managed to get what I needed in time so it all worked out but...talk about bad timing!

Rendezvous
Thursday was the ride leaders' fundraising event: Rendezvous in the Ranch. I was lucky enough to have the winning bid on an original watercolor depicting the QMDC riders in Big Sur. I know it will be a wonderful memento of the trip that I'm so looking forward to. I also got to meet and talk to Floyd Llandis, who also happened to be helping out at the registration table. How cool is that?! A very fun evening with great food and great friends!

Race
I missed my first QMDC training ride this past Sunday because I was racing in the L.A. Triathlon. Since I've been training with the QMDC group, I've neglected my swim and run training. I also decided to use my road bike (vs. time trial bike) because I figured it would be a lot more comfortable on the 123-mile ride home. Point is, I wasn't expecting fabulous results.

The morning of the race, we rode to the start in the dark. By the time we got there, the racks were already overflowing. We managed to squeeze in then went to check out the surf. Holy moly and some beans, that surf was HUGE. On my way back in from my warm up swim, I got tumbled several times and that made me pretty nervous. As my friend and I were standing there commiserating, a guy asked us how many times we'd been out. We didn't really understand what he meant at first, but it turns out he had tried to make it out past the surf through several wave starts and so far had not made it. Fear.

But, when the bullhorn blew, like lemmings, all of us in the all-age, all-female wave start took off for the water and somehow managed to find all the buoys and swim around them and make it back to land in one piece. Off with the wetsuit and on to the bike....

The bike is usually my weakest event of the three and, as usual, I got passed by quite a few folks flying past on their fancy, schmancy tri bikes with race wheels and carbon fiber everything. And then I noticed that my front tire was flat. Are you serious?! Guess I should consider myself lucky...this was the first time I'd ever gotten a flat during a race. It was only really mushy, though, not totally flat. So, I figured it was worth a shot to just try to fill it with air instead of changing out the tube. Amazingly it held enough air to get me through the rest of the bike leg. Yippeee!

The run had been my biggest area of concern, but it went WAY better than expected. I felt good immediately off the bike...which is just weird....and ran strong the whole way through (even up the killer hill you get to climb and descend not once, but twice! ).

All in all, a very fun race! Came in 11 out of 28 in my age group. All things considered, a great outcome!



Ride
The next morning, we got up early to start the 123-mile journey home. We'd gotten a ride out there by persuading our non-racing friend and founder of http://www.finishline-multisport.com/ to be our Sherpa. He'd lugged most of our stuff back to San Diego for us (thanks, Kevin!), but we still had our stuff from the evening before and didn't really want to carry it on the bikes. So, we made a quick trip to the U.S. Postal Service and were super lucky to run into a non-conformist government worker who--after a round of charades through the window--was nice enough to give us some priority mail boxes so we could ship our stuff back to ourselves. (I can hardly wait to get it: Ohhhh, a package for me?! )

We rode along the coast as much as possible and it was really beautiful. Aside from some wind, the weather was perfect. Too bad my friend Elaine got stung by a bee. Her whole lip swelled up and she started getting dizzy. Not good. We stopped and rested awhile. She felt better (but still looked funny) and we just took it slow and made our way down the coast while making fun of her and reminding her that many women pay big bucks to get the bee-stung-lips look. She really appreciated that and told us so. =)

And This Just In
And that brings me close to current. I've just learned that the final seven contestants from the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge will all be in the xx1090 studio tomorrow around 6:30 a.m. for the big announcement....who is going to win this thing? Adam, Alex, or yours truly? More on that later...

Thursday, Oct. 1: Rendezvous in the Ranch

Here's another great cycling-related event to help support the Challenged Athletes Foundation: Rendezvous in the Ranch

Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30-10 p.m.
16135 Valle de Oro, Rancho Santa Fe

• Gourmet Chocolate Tasting by Jers
• Organic Burger Bar by O’Brothers Burgers (vegetarian options available)
• Tasty Beverages
• Silent Auction
• Opportunity Drawing, Raffle Items and 50/50
• Possible appearances by Floyd Landis and Chris Horner!

Silent auction from 6:30-8:30 with over $15K in items, including a week's stay in a Kona condo, a plethora of cycling items, bike fit by the legendary John Howard, velodrome classes and training, spa treatments, golf clubs and outings, wine baskets, and so much more.

Tickets are $40 for 1 and $70 for 2 and include drinks and catered dinner.

Children are welcome.

Please RSVP and purchase tickets online: http://qmdc.kintera.org/rancho

Hope to see you there!

Win a Guitar or BBQ Island AND Support CAF!

The Scott & BR Cycling Team has two more amazing opportunities for you to help support the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). 100% of proceeds will go directly to benefit CAF (http://www.challengedathletes.org/)!!

FIRST, Brian Brillo is holding an opportunity drawing for a Yamaha Acoustic-Electric Guitar (model AEX500N). The guitar is gently used but in excellent condition with new strings. Pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/CAFguitar. Approximate value is $450. It comes complete with guitar strap and gig bag.

Tickets are $20 for 1 or $30 for 2. So far, under 30 tickets have been sold (yes, those are good odds!) and the winner will be announced TODAY, Thursday, October 1!

To get entered into the drawing, or for more information about the guitar, contact Brian at savoycourt11@hotmail.com.

SECOND, Adam Beck is holding a different opportunity drawing--this one for a custom, modular BBQ island! The value of the components alone is over $5,000, but you also get FREE delivery and custom installation (including tile) in the San Diego area.

Tickets are $30 for 1 or $50 for 2. A MAXIMUM of 300 tickets will be sold (so your odds are pretty good). The winner will be announced on Friday, October 9, 2009. View the poster for details: http://tinyurl.com/CAFBBQisland

To get entered into the drawing for the BBQ island, or for more information, please email Adam Beck at abeck@framemax.com.

On behalf of all of us on the Scott & BR Cycling Team, thank you for your support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation!!

October 17: Support wounded Navy Seal, Lt. Dan Cnossen!

[Excerpted from 9/24/09 email from Nikee Pomper]

Your support is needed on Saturday, October 17th!

There will be an Aquathlon and Evening Cocktail Fundraiser for wounded Navy Seal and local triathlete/Triathlon Club of San Diego (TCSD) member, Lt. Dan Cnossen.

Dan was severely wounded September 8th in Afghanistan. Within 36 hours of arriving in Afghanistan, Dan stepped on a landmine. He has suffered several injuries, including the loss of his legs from the knees down. He is in the hospital surrounded by friends and family, is stable and doing well.

Please go to his website (http://www.dancnossen.org/) for more information about Dan, his story, his recovery, and to donate.

To help Dan with his recovery, there will be a 2-part fundraiser on Saturday, October 17. First, an AQUATHLON at 9 a.m. at the La Jolla Shores (same location as the TCSD Aquathlons). The event will include a 500 meter swim and 5K run. All parts are optional! You can choose to do the swim only, run only, or swim and run. This will NOT be a timed event, just a fun event for all to get together, exercise and have a great time, just like Dan would want to do!!!

Then, later, an EVENING COCKTAIL PARTY. The location will be announced very soon, with the party to begin at 7 p.m. San Diego's up-and-coming singing stars, Trent Hancock (http://www.ghostbirdmusic.com/) and friends will be headlining. Several VIP's have donated gifts (personal training sessions with pro triathletes, spa services, triathlon gear, etc.) to auction off! It will be cocktail or bar attire--not black tie! More details soon!

Please come out to support Lt. Dan Cnossen! Get in a great workout at the Aquathlon, rest up and come out again at night. If you cannot do the Aquathlon, please still come to the evening fundraiser or visa versa!

ALL proceeds will go to Dan and his family to help support his recovery.

Please register online here: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1797860&assetId=9392260D-A7E6-4FB6-97CE-D46EAD65A290

On behalf of Dan and his family, thanks for your support!

Another elimination delay...

The judges must love us all so much they can't bear to see any one of us go! No one was eliminated! The final three--Adam, Alex and myself are still in it!

One more whacked tomorrow...

Here we go again! It's down to three--Adam, Alex, and myself--and one of us will be eliminated fom the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. Tune in to xx1090 AM Sports Radio, or just click here to listen in!

San Clemente - 86 miles

We were supposed to do the crazy Oceanside Ranger Twist ride today but coach Mari decided it would be better to do a coastal ride instead due to the forecast of extremely high inland temperatures.

I was not feeling well at all this morning. Planning and organizing the Brew Bash took its toll on me for sure, and the many sleepless nights coupled with a period of not eating or exercising properly finally caught up with me.

Yesterday I wasn't even sure I'd make it to the ride today. I made it to Adam's poker ride, but had misunderstood my role in helping out and neglected to bring my bike. Maybe that was a good thing because I know I would have ridden even if I was sick and that might have just prolonged the whole thing.

BTW, Adam did an outstanding job with the ride and was able to raise a quick $500+ for the Challenged Athletes Foundation! Way to go, Adam! We're still waiting to hear how we did with the Rubio's fundraiser.

Anyway, I was so out of it yesterday that I accidentally took Alex's key--which he had given me to hold on to--home with me from the poker ride. Not even realizing I had his key, I turned off my phone and went to bed. Hours later, my dog started crazy barking and I got up to see what was going on only to find Adam and Alex at my back door looking for his key. Oops! Sorry, Alex. =(

I rode with group 4 today and was happy I'd made that decision when I realized that--not only was I not feeling well-- but my legs were also not being very cooperative. The ride itself was still fun, though. This was the first time I'd ridden with group 4 and it was particularly cool because I got to both meet a bunch of new people and also hang with many of the radio guys--Adam, Brian, Mark, and Pat. Unfortunately, while I'd been looking forward to finally riding with Hooter, he was also sick this morning and turned back early.

Next week, I'll miss a Sunday ride for the first time since training began. I'll be doing the L.A. triathlon (despite my abysmal training for it), then riding back the 123 miles to make up for the missed Sunday ride. Should be fun but I'll miss my Sunday QMDC riding crew.

And then there's the business of the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge contest. Did I mention there are only three of us left? Adam, Alex and myself. One of us will get the boot on Wednesday, and the winner will be announced the following week. We have no idea what is ahead of us so stay tuned and I'll keep you updated as I learn more.

Thank You!!!

Thanks to all who made it out last Friday to the Brew Bash to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)! I hope you had fun!

I'm still waiting on the final numbers, but we were able to raise over $8K for CAF! Awesome!!

Tremendous thanks to all the donors--especially my mom and Joannie at NovelProducts.com, Kelly Flores at Unbeatable Travel, Claudette at the La Jolla Brewhouse, and many, MANY others--who so generously provided items for the goody bags, silent auction and raffle. I got a TON of positive comments on the number, variety and quality of items we had available and that translated to $$ for CAF!

To the Scott & BR Cycling Team crew--Joe (and Danielle!), Adam, Brian, Pat, Mark, Rob, Mike and Alex--special thanks for your amazing help and support...I couldn't have done it without you!

Big, fat thanks as well to James Delliquanti, our fabulous emcee who helped make the singles auction so fun and successful! And to all the singles who agreed to allow me to auction them off--Romina, Rand, Sara, Brendan, Molly, Tom, Elaine, Peter, Bekah, Rick and Ruthy--thank you! You were all absolutely fantastic!

And last--but certainly not least--thanks to Scott Richardson for the terrific job of managing the huge task of manning the door. You did an amazing job under trying circumstances and I really appreciate it!

Now that I can breathe again, time to catch up on training and blogging. =)

Thanks again and stay tuned.....One more contestant will be eliminated from the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge on Wednesday and the winner will be announced the following week!

4 Guys, 4 Envelopes, 2 Spots: The Eliminations Continue...

That's right, sports fans! Even though I already know I'm safe, I think I'm probably about as nervous as the guys. I'll be heading in to the studio soon to see Scott & BR and have no idea what is ahead of me. For each of the four remaining guys, the contents of an envelope will reveal their fates. Sort of like a fortune cookie, but much scarier. ;-) Tune in to xx1090 AM (or listen online) this morning at 6:45 to find out what happens.

Then come celebrate with me and the other finalists who make it through (and help console those who don't) this Friday, 9/25 at the La Jolla Brew House. It's the Brew Bash to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation!

Final Three!!!!

I'm IN! Such a relief! Five envelopes...one for each of the remaining contestants, each with a declaration: in or out. Mine got opened: IN!!! But, Scott & BR ran out of time and now the poor boys will have to wait to hear their fates until tomorrow...same time, same place. Tune in to xx1090. I'll be on, too. =) Come celebrate with me this Friday, 9/25 at the La Jolla Brew House. It's the Brew Bash to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation!

Great Western Loop - 40 miles, 3228'

The Great Western Loop is known to be a tough ride with lots of climbing packed into a relatively short distance. I have to say, though...after back-to-back centuries last week, the ride this week was a piece of cake. We were done by 10:30...even with several stops along the way! That was perfect because it gave me just enough time to get out to the Triathlon Club of San Diego's 25th Anniversary party for some last-minute Brew Bash promotion. Both Adam and former contestant Mark Vandierendonck helped me get the word out. Thanks a bunch, guys!

The bedazzled and bedecked immunity pump is now at rest. After winning the immunity challenge last week, and to memorialize recent events, I added a few final items: a pair of goggles, some xx1090 banner, and a picture of my late sweet angel, Lulu. The pump has had an interesting journey that amazingly both started and ended with me. In between, it got to travel with Brian Brillo, Pat Thomas, and Adam Beck, each adding his own personal touches in turn. I think you will agree that the final result is in an amazing creation....or something. ;-)

Two of the final five contestants--Adam, Alex, Brian, Rob and myself--will get the boot this week. And none of us are safe. Tune in to the Scott & BR show on xx1090 around 6:45 a.m. to check it out. I'm really nervous but am trying to focus my attention on making final arrangements for the Brew Bash to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation coming up in just a few days! Please come!

A Banner Day: Naked Swimming

ay two of the xx1090 AM Sports Radio banner campaign, part of the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge to win a spot to ride in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. Got to the La Jolla Cove around 5:45 a.m. and decked the place out in xx1090 fare.


Then my swim pals showed up and things got more interesting. Thanks for bringing the waterproof camera, Jiea! What a fun morning!




Banners were gone by the time we were done swimming but the pics will live on in cyberspace FOREVER. =)

Commuting is Fun!

I hope they were beeping in support of me and not at me. =)