QMDC Final Day 7 Wrap

Wow, where to start. This was a day of many mixed emotions and a feeling of 'last' experiences. The last breakfast, last morning greeting from the mechanics at On-Support, last drop of the day bags and luggage to the "Luggage Angels", and last rollout of the hotel to the final stop of the ride and finish in La Jolla Shores. We were all excited to be reunited with family and friends awaiting us as well as seeing Luvo, who was hopefully going to be walking on his own new legs for the first time since they were violently sheered off by a train 17 years ago.

I lingered at the rollout until near the very end and Brian Brillo, Adam Beck, and I decided to ride out together on this last day and cruise down through Laguna Beach together and just enjoy this final day. We had a fun and laughter filled time as we talked about the various fun times during the week, like shuffleboard - "Do you know who I am?", and furniture stacking in rooms, clown noses, and various encounters with strangers talking about why we were doing this ride for Challenged Athletes. Candi and friends caught up with Brian, Adam, and I in Oceanside as we rolled through and were about to really get a first class escort.

It all really came together as we hooked up with Garmin including Christian, Matt, and Pete, and had a police escort rolling through Carlsbad all the way through to the University Park where we pulled up to gather for the formal roll-in to La Jolla Shores. We even got to have one last hard push up Torrey Pines, which was for me a view from behind as the Garmin boys just put a little power to the pedal and left the rest of us behind a bit. I had a personal best time up the climb @ 6:15 per my Garmin and regrouped with the big boys at the top which was pretty awesome for me. We got to have some fun in the park taking some fun photos and hanging with Cody, Rachel, and all the riders who we started this adventure with some 22 weeks ago while we waited for everyone to come together.

We rolled all together into the finish to an awesome crowd of family and friends. It was really special and a great finish to an amazing event. It is going to take some time for it all to sink in I'm sure and I will pray long and hard as to whether I will be coming back again next year. Either way, it has created, for me, a number of new friendships and a tremendous appreciation for the perseverance of those who are less fortunate than I.

As always, keep riding and keep smiling!!!!!

QMDC Day 6 Summary

Shortest day on the road today with just about 55 miles to cover rolling from Marina Del Rey down to Newport Beach. While this wasn't a long day in the saddle it was a welcome morning with a late breakfast and a very relaxed rollout of the hotel. It was nice to soak up the morning and even more exciting for me as my Candi's Sister, Pam, and our Brother-in-law, Dominic, were going to meet us in Newport for a nice lunch post ride. It turned out to be an absolutely great day in so many ways. We also got to go back through Palos Verdes where we stayed during training on the double-century weekend ride which reminded me how much we've all been through together.

First, the roads are very familiar to me as I lived in Huntington Beach for several years and rode with the Seal Beach Bike Club back 20+ years ago so the memories rolling through Seal and Huntington are always special for me personally. I also decided not to stop at the graciously provided hosted lunch in Long Beach at Schooner & Later just because I had family at the finish so I headed off from the SAG stop with Sepp, who I hadn't ridden with much to date. We had great conversation and fun riding all the way through Huntington Beach together until we caught up with Mike Jennings crew with our furthest traveling handcyclist, Rachel, from Miami. She is just phenomenal and I got to support Mike, Sarah, and Radio Joe helping bring Rachel all the way into the Newport Beach Hyatt off Jamboree.

This is truly what this ride is all about. Riding with the pros and friends that we have come to know well over the past 20 weeks has been awesome, but connecting with Challenged Athletes like Rachel and making new friends like Sepp along the way is just so meaningful. I can't say enough how privileged I feel to be a part of this ride and to have had the opportunity thanks to XX1090, and of course Billy Ray Smith and Scott Kaplan of the Scott & BR Show making it all happen.

Rolled in and had a great lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - food always tastes better after a great ride with friends!!! Only got better as we came to our last dinner together and had a great table with the Radio Team as we reminisced about the ride and witnessed all the awards for the incredible performances throughout the week. Had a great Toast of Milk with Scott Kaplan, Mike Henderson, and Adam Beck to close out the week. This event has truly been top notch and I know that next year's effort with Adam Beck, following Mike Henderson as last year's radio contest winner, will be just as phenomenal.

Can't stop smiling after this day.

QMDC Day 5 Summary

Another beautiful start out of Santa Barbara with a promise of continued good weather and great ride down the coast to Marina Del Rey covering 90 miles. Started out with a relaxed morning and photos with Dave Zabriski of Garmin as we all went out at our various times based on how easy or hard we were prepared to take it heading down the coast.

A special surprise treat for all of us with the lunch stop being the mobile In-N-Out Burger truck meeting us down in Point Mugu right on the beach. Was a stop-start moment as the In-N-Out truck got lost trying to find us and I was about to head out with the big group including the Garmin team just as the truck pulled in. Decided that it would just be a waste to miss the opportunity so stayed back for the longest break of the trip and enjoyed a nice cheeseburger with Scott Kaplan and the rest of the radio team taking photos and sharing experiences of the week so far. It was an excellent time and felt great to spend additional time with some of the best people I know.

Became a slow start out of lunch with a full belly and a group of folks that wanted to pull thru and get through the hills coming by Pepperdine and into Malibu. Came by several groups including Sean on his handcycle cranking along through Malibu and just smiling away. Couldn't have been a more enjoyable ride. I ended up rolling with a group that narrowed to be just Brian Brillo, Lisa Jennings and I as we rolled into the SAG stop across from Pepperdine. We cruised through and into Santa Monica with another radio rider, Mark Vandierendonck, with a real treat as Brian and I were stopped by a videographer amongst the big top tents on the beach. Brian and I were asked if we would ride by slow so they could add us to the promo video they were shooting and we said, "SURE, Why Not!" They then handed Brian and I huge red clown noses and we rolled by with serious looks and these huge ridiculous clown noses on while they shot the video, which happened to be for the touring Cirque de Soleil and supposedly will be on the web in a week - we'll see - but all good fun.

Rolled through Venice and into Marina Del Rey with Brian after an enjoyable cruise along the bike path. Just another great day with surprising experiences and simple good fun!

QMDC Day 4 Summary

Day 4 began with a look at a map that said 120 miles and a climb up to 1500 feet in the middle of the day. After 3 days and near 300 miles I think everyone was feeling a bit of their legs and if not that, at least sore 'behinds'. Lots of early departures as everyone wanted to get thru the day comfortably and roll into Santa Barbara before dark. I rolled out again today with Group 2 'much fun' and we had a great ride out Pismo and inland across beautiful vineyards.

We ran into a bit of wind as always in this area but were able to power thru the headwinds and crosswinds and make our way through the valleys and ultimately to the long climb heading toward lunch at Fess Parker Winery. We passed many folks enjoying the scenery as we headed toward lunch and our group was about the 1st to arrive at Fess Parker. This was a special lunch as most of the entire group of riders seemed to regroup at the winery and enjoy the beautiful sights and smells around the vineyards.

Just a bit after lunch I connected with the Group including the pros and we started with about 25 folks as we headed up the 1st of the last two reasonably tough climbs of the day and ultimately it created a selection of only 5 of us at the end including both Joe Weickengant and I from the Radio Team along with JJ, Mari, & Matt from Garmin. It was a fast last 45 miles and we rolled into the Santa Barbara resort hotel early. Had a great post-ride massage and spent the free time with Candi and my nephew Broc as we hung out and watched a movie.

It was another truly amazing day on the bike. Every day has provided unique and awesome times to reflect and appreciate what this ride is all about; doing something for the sake of others.

QMDC Day 3 Summary

Amazing day 3 rolling out of Big Sur with 114 miles in front of us and over a mile of climbing. We began the day with perfect weather and virtually no fog impeding the gorgeous views rolling out 101. Everyone was a bit nervous heading out for what could be a very long day in the saddle but there was just a buzz of excitement in the air as the Garmin boyz were here and riding with the group the whole day.

I headed out with Lisa Jennings' Group 2 "MUCH FUN" as we renamed ourselves and cruised up the climbs with Gilberto Alavez again. He is just an amazing guy and a true gentleman ... oh and a monster cyclist. The views out of Big Sur just made me appreciate the fact that the creation of this planet was no accident and we are just playing a part in a bigger plan.

Getting to lunch today past mile 60 was a relief for most as the majority of the climbing was behind us and the remainder of the day was just cruising along the coast and rolling toward Pismo Beach. It was another great opportunity for me to ride with and along side another one of our phenomenal handcyclists in the event. It was another day of great appreciation for being allowed to be part of this experience.

CAN THIS GET ANY BETTER ???.

QMDC Day 2 Summary

Day 2 started with a great breakfast and a buzz in the air with the groups ready to roll. It was especially exciting for me because not only was Candi rolling down the coast the whole ride in the car but my sister, Christine and family, were rolling down for a second day as the roving cheering section for all the groups.

Took a little more time today stopping and taking over 50 pictures out on the road. What a truly amazing and fantastic day. Too hard to decide what to post here but a couple memorable shots were going through the fields of Artichokes and Strawberries around Watsonville with the sun trying to break through and then, a phenomenal lunch on the beach in Carmel, and finally, the famous Bixby Bridge with a great group including Dean, John, Stephen, Lisa, Rocco, and Gilberto Alavez, an incredibly accomplished paralympic challenged athlete and amputee. Beginning to really appreciate how special this event is, not only for the benefits to Challenged Athletes due to the $1,000,000 raised by the group, but for the incredible support for those of us able-bodied folks just trying to schlep out bodies across these miles.

Time to sign off for the night. A big day tomorrow with 114 miles in front of us with 3 big climbs in the first half of the ride. Again, thanks for all the support in helping me get here and for supporting CAF with your resources.

Much appreciated ... Keep Smiling!!!

QMDC Day 1 Summary

A great ride out of SF with a police escort and a foggy ride out of Fisherman's Wharf out to the Presidio and through Golden Gate Park out by the Cliff House and to the Great Highway. Even through the fog you could see the Towers of the Golden Gate as we headed out for the first of the 620 miles to come.

We rolled on down the coast at a pretty good clip with lots of energy and excitement. Took a few great pictures on the road and ultimately just had a great time. Rolled into the Hotel pretty early without the bike racks set up or anything quite ready but thank goodness the massage tables had just gotten prepped as I was ready for that.

Ended the 1st of 7 days with a great dinner and a reminder of what we are all here for which is to support these amazing Challenged Athletes. We heard specifically from the guys from Operation Rebound riding with us this year and just to hear how much CAF and the QMDC has impacted their lives was truly inspiring.

Keep Smiling and Keep Riding!!!

Arrive, Prepped, and Ready to Ride

Arrived up in the SF Bay Area yesterday, did some business with clients, and then settled in for a nice family dinner before heading into the City by the Bay today. Had a wonderful sendoff dinner with my Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and a cousin from Italy that is in town.

Woke up this morning and went out for a nice reflective 33 mile loop out here east of San Fran on part of the Tour of California course. The photos here are from this morning's spin - what a great way to get some nervous energy out prior to meeting up with all my fellow compatriots at the Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf for the evening's program.

Keep smiling and keep riding!!!

Almost there ... last minute craziness

Well, just a few days from the start of the QMDC Ride down the coast and most of the preparations have been made. The official vehicles and bikes get loaded up and head out tomorrow. The journey has been amazing just to reach the start considering the crash down Palomar Mountain, broken collar-bone and subsequent surgery now just over 9 weeks ago, but I'm here and ready to roll.

It's actually been a bit frantic last minute for me as I have been traveling out of town and just getting back home in time to prepare to head up the coast. Since I'm driving and Candi will be trailing and following the ride down in our car, I'll be rolling up with my bike and gear so I don't have to have it ready to drop off tomorrow. Good thing as during a final check and cleanup I found my bottom bracket cable guide was cracked - uh oh - not a typical item you have laying around.

No choice, I had to get a replacement. A HUGE thanks to RIVET CYCLESPORT in Oceanside and it's owner and chief wrench, Matt Simpson, for hooking me up and calming me down. He had a couple spare parts to choose from and I was able to make it all work and even get in a 20 mi test spin out of the rig late this afternoon just to be sure. Its always the little things that can get to you if you let them.

More reflections tomorrow as we pack up to head up for the long drive up to SF from San Diego. I can't wait to meet up with Rachel, Fred, David Lee, and the other Challenged Athletes pre-ride since after all, this is all about getting out there and doing something for the sake of others!!!

Keep Smiling!!!

And the Winner IS ......

CONGRATS TO ADAM BECK, today declared the winner of the Scott & BR Cycling Challenge Contest and who will be representing the entire team for the next year as the new coach and leader of the group.

Even better, over $50K was raised by the radio contestants and with another $10K that was provided by Scott Kaplan and Adam's $10K sponsorship, the TOP 7 will all be going on the ride in just over a week>>>>

So further congrats out to:

Joy Muehlenbein
Brian Brillo
Rob Millum
Joe Weickgenant
Mark Vandierendonck

We'll all be leaving next week for San Francisco and preparing for the incredible 620mi adventure down the coast ending in La Jolla Shores on October 23rd.

As many know by now, my faith is a huge part of my life and earlier today I was provided the following by a friend and fellow team member of FCA Endurance (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) that I need to share.

Psalms 45:4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.

It made me really think of my journey so far including a broken right collarbone and the real purpose of this whole event, which is sacrificing a bit of ourselves for the sake of others. Thanks to Scott & BR, XX1090, and CAF as well as all who have been so incredibly supportive throughout this journey. I can't wait to saddle up in San Francisco!!!

XX1090 studios tomorrow - Back where it all started!

Well, step back to the first week of June when this all started with a morning radio show and the announcement of the 30 contestants selected to be part of the Scott & BR X1090 Cycling Team for a chance to win a $10,000 sponsored ride in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge riding 620 mi from San Francisco to San Diego.

Here we are 19 weeks later and down to the final announcement of a winner and I am fortunate enough to be a finalist with the opportunity to have the honor for 2009. Fact is, as we've gotten down to the last several contestants I believe we all count ourselves as winners in many ways. We've truly become enriched by the experience and each person has been touched in some way. All this and we haven't even started the actual ride yet!

Make no mistake, it will be a morning filled with nervous anticipation at the Cox Communication Studios of XX1090 tomorrow morning between 6:30 and 7am with most of the final 10 contestants coming together to find out whether Adam, Joy, or I get the final prize! Who will it be ... tune in and find out!

Epic Week 19 Ride - 5K of Climbing at 92 miles

Another phenomenal day on the road with the QMDC Cyclists. Starting 19 weeks ago, some people didn't even have capable road bikes, some were former racers, lots of different skill levels, shapes, and sized, but all with one thing in common and that is coming together for the Challenged Athletes Foundation to serve others.

The other thing common thing out there today were big smiles and camaraderie amongst everyone. It was the last long ride of the training program in preparation for the ride down the coast now less than 2 weeks away.

The Garmin said 4,977 feet of climbing and the group today encountered 7 flat tires during the ride, but even so there were few complaints and lots of support for one another. As always, the Ride Leaders were awesome today, keeping things together and picking people up with conversation and humor when folks were having a tough time.... these people are special!

Its been a whirlwind of over 4 months of preparation and building of relationships with an amazing group of people. A special thanks here to the QMDC Co-Chairs Dean and Scott, Event Director - Kristine, and Special Events Manager - Vikki, for all that you do behind the scenes.
It may seem redundant, but I can't say it enough how amazing this experience has been and WE HAVEN'T EVEN STARTED THE RIDE!!!!

Two weeks away and two days away from the Winner being announced in the Scott & BR Cycling Team Contest.... Will it be me??? Will it be Joy??? Will it be Adam??? Tune in Wednesday at 6:45am on XX1090 AM and find out.

Crunch Time for All Radio Contestants

Two weeks from today a group of folks committed to the serving of others will be meeting in San Francisco the evening before a cycling journey together down the coast for the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation. For all the Radio contestants, with the exception of the one winner which will be announced next week, raising $10,000 per rider is the only way to be on the ride with this amazing QMDC Group.

As an entire XX1090 Scott & BR Cycling team, we have joined forces for the final push for fundraising. The GOAL is to get as many of us on the ride as possible. Collectively we have raised just short of $50,000.

We have thrown together one last event to sell the 200 remaining BBQ Island Opportunity Drawing tickets. Don't miss out, this is an awesome prize. We're talking a modular, customizable, installed outdoor BBQ island.

The radio team will be set up at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market, tomorrow October 3, from 9 am to 1 pm. The market is held at the Ellen Browning Scripps school (10380 Spring Canyon Rd, across from Vons on Scripps Poway Parkway. We will have opportunity tickets for sale, coffee, and cookies. We will be in our XX1090am, Scott & BR Cycling Team Jerseys too!

So come on by and pick up a ticket to win the ULTIMATE BBQ ISLAND! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!