Can a bike rider speak?

I am honored to be selected as the inaugural speaker for JoyRide Cycling Studio's "JoyFull Living Speaker Series". On January 13th at 5:30PM I will be at JoyRide's Salem location sharing my cycling history and aspirations, as well as talking a bit about the value of setting goals and making commitments. Drop on by, take a listen, share the company of fellow cyclists, both traditional as well as indoor. See what the buzz is all about!

The update

It just got to be too late to put together a dinner/fundraiser before Christmas. The current plan is to solicit donations for a silent auction, arrange a location, hire a caterer, and try to get it all put together for a February event. The sting of Christmas spending will hopefully be a distant memory by then. ;-)

The current state of affairs

I continue to bounce ideas off biking friends. They are supportive, even if thinking I'm a bit crazy. That's okay, I think I'm a bit crazy too!

It looks like there may be a RAAM fund raising event in the works. It is likely to be held during early December. Plenty of ideas to be sifted through, but it is shaping up to be a fun evening.

More details to follow as they firm up.

Sharing the dream

The good folks at JoyRide Cycling Studio have kindly stepped up and offered to help me reach this goal. If you are in the Salem area, or passing through please stop by, attend a session, and let them know you appreciate their support of me. Click on their logo on the right side of this page to go to their website and see what they are about, and their class schedule.

They are good folks, and thank you!

An attitude adjustment.

I have been feeling a bit... a bit crazy about feeling I was capable of inclusion in the Race Across America. It's a LONG way across the country. I know folks who are VERY capable cyclists who have tried without success to finish RAAM. I know many more very capable cyclists who have never tried. I've been told there's only one thing worse than a DNF (Did Not Finish) and that's a DNS (Did Not Start)

Part of what has had me doubting my sanity is that there are many people who out ride me, faster on the flats, stronger on the hills. What on earth makes me feel that I can successfully compete in RAAM?

In the last couple of weeks two events have happened that make me begin to think this just might be possible.
1) I rode century rides over hilly terrain two consecutive days with a strong riding friend. The first day he buried me on the hills. We finished together but he was toying with me a bit. The second day began the same way. On the first hill, 9 miles with 2200 ft elevation gain, he pulled away quickly. But before too long I began to gain on him. I hadn't accelerated, he had slowed down. I reached the top of the hill several minutes before he arrived. We continued climbing a gentle grade for the next 30 miles. I arrived at the end of this climb 18 minutes before he did. The rest of the day continued the same way.

2) I had the opportunity to observe a friend ride the Furnace Creek 508. He finished just a few minutes off of my time last year. A slow pace for sure, but the difference between our two rides was huge. I was ready to ride more. No issues whatsoever. My friend struggled for every mile. I have ridden long distances with him, he's no slouch.

In choosing my Furnace Creek 508 "totem" I told the race director that I chose Desert Coyote because like a coyote, I'm not the strongest, not the fastest, but just like that coyote you see loping across the desert with his tongue hanging out, I am relentless.

My strength is in my endurance.

That might just be enough.

ticking

Despite June 2013 being 22 months away I am beginning to hear the ticking of the clock. My "RAAM qualified" status will expire in October of 2012, so I need to get that updated. I've already verbalized my intention to ride Race Across Oregon in July of 2012 to the RAO Race Director. Finishing RAO as a solo rider will buy me another two years of RAAM qualification. Of course, finishing RAO as a solo rider, as it is in all ultra cycling events, is not a sure thing. Stuff happens.

I am not in training mode right now, but keeping at a fitness level that keeps me just a few months out from "ready to ride" is always on my mind. I've been logging 1000 mile months.

Probably the most pressing issue now is acquiring sponsors. I've got a few ideas of who to approach, and why I think they would be a good fit, a mutually beneficial partnership. I need to get a "prospectus" together and start working on a presentation.

That little swirl of water leading to the open drain in the bathtub..... you can see the exit... you are not sure you really want to go there into the great unknown.... but you are drawn to it none the less.

A step in the right direction

I have been contacted by an individual associated with a cycling/fitness company. It looks like we might be talking soon about sponsorship opportunities. If this sponsorship comes to fruition keep your eyes here for information on the company, and why you should patronize them.

Still circling the drain, getting sucked in closer and closer.

$

I know what it takes from me to ride a successful RAAM. It takes a lot of training, a lot of focus, a lot of dedication, and it takes a lot of cash.
I can do the training, I can focus on the goal, I can dedicate myself to this endeavor.
It's the cash that will be the stumbling block.

A RAAM attempt costs $25,000 to $50,000, depending on amenities.
I figure it would cost me about $30,000.
That's a pretty big figure for me to come up with.

If you or your company would like to sponsor me please contact me I'm sure we can work out details that will promote you or your products. I am an assistant organizer for a Portland based bike club with over 1000 members and lead more rides for that group than any other ride leader. Signage on support vehicles, logo on team attire, prominent display on my blogs, and favorable mention in any press releases will let hundreds of cyclists know of you, and your support of cycling. You support will also earn my heartfelt thanks.

realigning vision

It just looks like a 2012 RAAM for me is out of reach. Mostly on the financial side. To do it right would take at least $25,000 for the event, and realistically probably quitting my job to be able to have the time to adequately train. I'm just not sure I'm ready to commit that much to a bike ride at this time. With RAAM, anything less than 100% commitment will leave you hanging short.

I am thinking about the possibility of competing in The Race Across the West in 2012. It starts in Oceanside, CA at the same time with RAAM and follows the same course. It just ends a mere 860 miles down the road in Durango, CO instead of going all the way across the country.

RAW is probably a much more realistic goal.

Stay tuned

Exploratory Committee

Politicians setup Exploratory Committees to determine if a run for a particular office has adequate support. I'm not much of a politician, and I don't have a committee, but after several years of saying I had no interest in subjecting myself to the sacrifices required or the pain inflicted by participation in RAAM, I'm beginning to think it might just be the next adventure.

At the same time I was telling people I had no interest I kept saying I felt like I was in that little swirl of water that sucks everything into the drain of the bathtub. I felt the draw to this ultimate bike adventure.

I suppose I made the first step toward this epic undertaking last evening when I sent an email to a friend who has competed in two RAAMs. I had a few questions on what worked, what didn't, tips, suggestions... and what to expect as far as expenses.

Nothing came back that was new to me. I think the biggest hurdle will be the financial aspect. No matter a person's financial resources the commitment to participate in RAAM is significant. As with most things in life, choices will have to be made. Where best to expend effort and assets?

An event with the stature of RAAM draws attention. Many find that association with a participant is beneficial. Maybe I can convince some related businesses that supporting my effort would be good use of their advertising budget. ;-)

We shall see what happens between now and when the registration deadline for 2012 RAAM looms. If I can overcome this hurdle the rest is known. I know what it takes to ride my bike. :-)