And then, there were The Six!

As I got up today, I kept thinking that I would dodge another bullet and not get eliminated. Then, my phone rang, my heart sank, and I answered the phone. As I waited for Scott and BR to announce this weeks cut, I kept thinking, maybe it isn't me, maybe it is someone else and they are just toying with me like they did with Nina last week. Then Scott announced the contestant that would be cut from the Scott and BR cycling team, and it indeed was me.

At first, I was a little disappointed, and then I realized how far I have come over the past few months and realized that it is more than just a contest to me. Anyone can get lucky and win, but to truly work for something is what I thrive at. I could have not started fundraising and simply tried to win this contest. I could have not spread the word about CAF, QMDC, and xx1090, but I felt I had to. Something deep down inside of me has been driving me ever since I had surgery back in April to remove an adenoma hyper parathyroid.

It was at the beginning of the year that I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. It was a fluke that it was discovered. I was taking a personal health assessment (PHA) that my company, Healthyroads, had on it's website and one of the questions asked what your cholesterol was. I realized I had not had my cholesterol checked in 5 years, probably more. I made a visit to the doctor in January, and the results came back that my cholesterol was excellent and I was in perfect health, but my calcium levels were high and that I need to come back in for more tests.

Those tests all came back positive for hyperparathyroidism. Luckily, these things are rarely, if at all, cancerous. However, they are still a cause for concern because they eventually can lead to osteoporosis. The symptoms are "bones, moans, pains, and groans." After being diagnosed, I realized that I have probably had this condition for at least 5 year or more, the same amount of time that I have been in constant pain. I had always attributed my pain to riding. So it suddenly occurred to me that I could actually feel better as a result of having the adenoma removed. It would be nice to wake up in the morning and not already be in pain, or go to sleep without pain, or just sitting at my desk without pain.

About a month and a half after the surgery, I started feeling a lot better. I wasn't always in pain anymore. I had started riding my bike again and was soon riding several hours at a time and to and from work a few days a week. However, I was looking for a challenge. Something to push me to train harder, ride a little further, push myself up the hill a little faster. It was about this time that I learned about the Scott&BR Radio Contest. I decided to enter the contest on the last day and figured I probably wouldn't even get asked to be part of the 30 initial radio contestants. But I received an e-mail stating that I was one of the 30 that would compete for a coveted spot on the QMDC ride in October.

At the kick-off event the following Wednesday evening at the TREK store in Kearny Mesa, I was stunned at how much energy was in the room and how passionate the people were about this great cause. I made my mind up right then and there that I needed to do more than simply compete in a radio contest. I had to make a difference, and by fundraising and raising awareness of who CAF was and why their mission was so important to challenged athletes, I felt that it was just the right thing to do. I was feeling better than I had ever felt in over 5 years, so now it was my turn to give back. And what better way to do it than by supporting CAF in it's mission.

Over these past few months, I have met some great people, have learned a little more about myself, and know I have grown as a human being. It is not just about me anymore. I am part of a greater cause and look forward to continuing to spread the word about CAF and to hopefully fundraise the full $10,000 by October 5 so I can participate in this great ride down the California Coast come mid-October.

If you would like to help CAF and its mission, please click on the link below that will take you to a Blog page about a Silent Auction I am putting together with another QMDC/XX1090 Radio Contestant (Mike Henderson). You may purchase tickets online or if you can't attend, hopefully you can donate to this great cause. All proceeds from the event will go to CAF.

http://www.sushi4caf.blogspot.com/

Sunday Training Ride - Del Dios Circle R Loop

Our 14th week of training started out with the Immunity Challenge for the Scott&BR Show contestants. Six out of the seven remaining contestants were present today and eagerly awaiting the next challenge which was a quiz. This quiz was different, however, in that it asked questions about each of the QMDC Group Ride Leaders. Some were pretty easy, but others were hard. We all gave it our best shot, but it was no match for Nina who got the most answers correct and thus earned this week’s Immunity Pump. Nina won the Immunity Challenge the last time around too, but had to give it away to someone. Karma is a wonderful thing and we got to see it happen today. Nice going Nina!

The ride today was the Del Dios 395 Circle R loop. It started out with the usual low cadence and a chance to get caught up with what others did over the past week. We soon found ourselves riding on familiar territory and for the most part, the ride progressed nicely to the first SAG stop at the top of Del Dios Highway. Tina was there with her warm smile, H20 sprayer, and peanut butter sandwiches. Thanks Tina!

We then rode north to a hill we haven’t ridden before. As we made a right onto Circle R Drive, the Group 2 Ride Leaders Pat, John, and Kevin warned us that this hill is steep, but even after the steep parts it keeps on going, and going so to pedal through it. Pat promised that we would enjoy it. One of our usual ride leaders, Bryon Black, was not able to join us this week. He was competing in a team time-trial on Fiesta Island. A big shout out to Bryon who was missed on this ride and who came in second in the team time trial on Saturday, and fourth overall in the Cat4/5 on Sunday. Congratulations Bryon!

The hill promised a good challenge and I would say it definitely delivered. We all made it up without incident except for me. I had a pretty good tempo working up the hill and whenever I got to a flat area, I would shift to my big ring in front and then back down to my small ring once the hill started again. It was on the last part of the final climb that I shifted from big to small and the chain dropped on me. Everyone waved as they went by and I finally managed to climb the remaining 50 feet over the top and another 50 feet to the SAG stop.

We were half way through our break when a small group of riders approached us and asked for help. One of the ladies had her cleat come off of her shoe because the bolts loosened and her cleat was stuck in her pedal. Thinking fast, Dan aka “The Man” whipped out his tool and re-shoed her in record time. After many thanks, the group was on their way riding again.

After leaving the SAG stop, we were warned that this would be the last SAG. We all topped our bottles off and proceeded down the road. We stayed on W. Lilac Rd. over the next few miles and were rewarded by a nice downhill with lots of twists and turns. At the end it was Pat Jak leading the way with Kevin (a former radio contestant) and myself attacking each other. But we were not match for Pat as he pulled away at the end.

Once we regrouped, we rode together pretty much the rest of the way home. I must say that Group 2 is looking pretty solid. We have had a chance to ride with each other for 14 weeks and it shows. It will be a big advantage once we ride down the coast in October knowing the riders you are with and how they ride.

Once we got to the Oceanside Bike Path, we were rewarded with a surprise SAG stop. Tina and Brent Reman aka “Cowboy” set up some water and food for us at a picnic bench just at the start of the bike path. It was a welcome sight and many thanks to Tina, Brent, and Brent’s son who provided the unexpected stop. It was very appreciated by all of the riders.

While we were riding along the coast, we were passed by a motorcycle club. There were hundreds of bikes, including scooters, who were riding two by two down the coast. The ride was the Forgotten Warrior Run POW/MIIA Day Recognition in honor of our 22 servicemen still missing in Vietnam. There were all sorts of choppers, fatboys, Harley's, Vespas, and even a poodle sticking out of the back of one of the scooters.

We then were passed by a classic car club that had some pretty remarkable cars. Hot rods, cruisers, coupes and other cars with lots of horsepower were zooming by us. It was a rare treat.

The rest of the ride went pretty smooth as we ourselves zipped down the coast. Once we rolled into the parking lot, a few of us stayed a while and talked while waiting for the other groups to roll in. It gave Mike H. and me an opportunity to chat a little about our Sushi Silent Auction that we are pulling together. It also allowed us to get to know each other a little better, because after all, we will soon be seeing each other every day for seven straight days come mid-October. By then, we should pretty much know each other very well.

It's coming together!

Please join me in raising the awareness. Donate today by clicking the link below.

http://mdc2008.kintera.org/northup4CAF

Thank you.

Sunday Training Ride

Today we had an unusual immunity challenge (immunity pump pictured below) for the Scott&BR Show radio contestants. Things got serious right away when Jim handed out 3x5 cards and had us write the names of two riders who we thought should get cut from the team. Ouch! The smiles faded from everyone's faces as soon as we realized Jim wasn't joking. Everyone was stunned, silence ensued, and we reluctantly handed in our cards to Jim.

Today it finally hit home to all of us that this is a contest and anything may be thrown our way. How do you vote off two riders from a group of nine? Do you choose who you think will be kicked off? Or do you choose someone who you think will win? Tune into the XX1090 Scott&BR Show this Tuesday morning between 6:30 am and 7:30 am to hear Scott Kaplan announce who the two riders are.

We then proceeded with the morning announcements of which there were many. We have a double century ride coming up that will be from San Diego to Redondo Beach for an overnight stay on Saturday night, and then we head back to San Diego on Sunday morning. This should be an interesting test of stamina as we all push our bodies for 200 miles.

There were also a few announcements about some fundraising events and silent auctions that are taking place in a few weeks (listed below).

• Sushi for CAF Silent Auction
• Spirit of the Athlete Auction
• Exceptional Athletes, Exceptional People

The ride today was supposed to be an 80+ mile out and back to San Clemente with an optional 20 mile addition. Instead, it was decided to just do the San Clemente ride and keep the SAG stops quick and easy. Heading up the coast, the tempo was pretty steady, but not too fast. At least until we hit Camp Pendleton, then Bryon Black dropped the hammer and off we went, or at least most of us. I was unlucky enough to not notice the surge and it was too late by the time a few of us discovered we were out of luck.

Mike and Lisa Jennings, Agit, Deb, Deeanna, I and a few others put our heads down and started a pace line to try and catch up with Bryon's train. Just when we thought we could catch them after a steep but short hill, it looked like the main group was even farther ahead. That was some serious pace line we did, but it wasn't enough to catch up. Later I discovered that Bryon has two time trial races next week at Fiesta Island and is in training for it. I would say that he is ready.

The first SAG stop was at the end of Camp Pendleton and I saw the familiar face of Tina Perez. Tina had the peanut butter sandwiches already made and it was great not to have to wipe peanut butter off of my gloves from trying to spread it on the bread with a knife. Thanks Tina.

We then proceeded through the beach parking lot and maintained a pretty moderate pace all the way up to the start of San Clemente. The last few miles are through a residential neighborhood with lots of turns and stop signs. The half-way point was 7-11 where we all rehydrated and refueled. Mike H. took a snapshot of me after polishing off my banana. I felt pretty good at this point and assumed the way back would be just as pleasant. Boy was I wrong.

After getting back through the neighborhood's turns and stop signs, we found ourselves back on the Old Pacific Highway bike path. It was here that Bryon dropped the hammer again and off we went, well some of that it is. I tried to keep up but just couldn't and soon found myself halfway between Bryon's group of riders and the rest of the pack. It was windy, I was alone, and man did my legs feel tired. I managed to regroup with the other riders and we caught up to Bryon's group just past the entrance to the beach campground.

The only reason we managed to catch up was because one of the riders, Deeanna, went down in a patch of sand. Fortunately, she was unscathed except for her tire which had a large hole in it. Luckily, one of the other riders had a tire boot and we were soon on our way again. Bryon dropped another hammer all the way down Old Pacific Highway where we stopped at the SAG wagon again. This time, the stop was even shorter and we soon found ourselves in Camp Pendleton. Bryon promised that we wasn't going to pull anymore and was done. Yeah, right.

Bryon must have had one more in him because this time he decimated the pack and I soon found myself in familiar territory all alone with just the wind in my face. It was about this time Andrew pulled up beside me and we pace lined each other to the end of Pendleton. We caught up with Bryon who had let the others go ahead of him so he could make sure everyone stayed together and got through Camp Pendleton ok, which we did.

Everyone was cooked by this time and the last 15 miles or so back to the parking lot seemed like an eternity. Luckily, no more hammers were dropped and we all made it back in as one group. Today was a tough ride, but we all needed to be pushed a little. In a few weeks we have two long rides back to back and after today, I know we will all be ready for it.

It's coming together!

Please join me in raising the awareness. Donate today by clicking the link below.

http://mdc2008.kintera.org/northup4CAF

Thank you.

Torrey Pines vs Torrey Pines HS

Both Mike Henderson (another radio contestant) and I spoke several times this week and always ended our conversation with "see you at Torrey Pines High School" for our Thursday evening training ride. At least that is where we thought we were supposed to meet. You see, we have both been moving a mile a minute with our regular work, not to mention family, fundraising, and planning our Sushi Silent Auction to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). So when we got it in our heads that we were meeting at Torrey Pines High School, it never dawned on us to see if it was Torrey Pines hill repeats instead.

After realizing no one else was going to come to us, we decided to ride our bikes over to Torrey Pines State Reserve and meet up with the rest of the group. When we got to the bottom of the hill, we hooked up with Kayvon (QMDC Chair) and got instructions from Bryon Black (QMDC Group Leader) who was acting like airport traffic control directing riders on which hill to climb (inside or outside), which gear to use, and how hard to push. It was nice to have this instruction, otherwise I wouldn't get the full benefit of the workout. Thanks Bryon.

Mike and I headed up the hill where we saw Momo (fellow XX1090 radio contestant and immunity pump winner at last Sunday's ride) already heading down the hill with a group of two other QMDC riders. Momo always has a smile on her face, has a great attitude that is infectious, and is a joy to be around. Mike and I hollared and waved and continued on up the hill. After coming down, we headed back up the outside hill again, then up the inside hill for some tempo work. Since we had to ride back to Torrey Pines High School, we cut the hill work short and started back.

This gave Mike and I some time to discuss our Sushi Silent Auction plans and brainstorm ways to raise awareness for CAF and QMDC. I must say, that I am having fun raising awareness and promoting this event. I have met some incredible people along the way and it just makes me want to do everything I can to pitch in and help.

When I got home, I had a nice surprise waiting for me. It was a notice from my QMDC sponsor page that a friend of mine (Ricky) just donated $500 with a corporate match of and additional $500. Ricky is my best friend from college and has a heart of gold. He is the one that suggested I start a Blog about my experience with the QMDC, CAF, and XX1090 Scott&BR Show. Thanks Ricky. I love you bro.

This now raises my total money collected to $4075. My goal is to make it to the full $10,000 by the October 5th deadline. August 31 is the deadline for the first $5,000, so I still have a ways to go to make my first deadline. Everyone is giving this all they have and we all want everyone to succeed and raise the total $1,000,000 for CAF.

It's coming together!

Please join me in raising the awareness. Donate today by clicking the link below.
http://mdc2008.kintera.org/northup4CAF

Thank you.

We Are Now Down To Nine

As I snuck out of the bedroom to listen to the Scott&BR Show this morning, I couldn't help but wonder if I was next to be cut. I am sure all of us remaining 10 riders were on the edge of our seats this morning as the announcement came on who was being cut today.

Momo had the immunity pump, so she was safe this week. But the other nine riders, including Nina who gave the immunity pump to Momo (see Sunday Ride Recap blog post below) were open to being cut. Scott Kaplan of the Scott&BR Morning Show had everyone going, including Nina, when he said that he had very bad news for her. Nina was relieved however, when Scott later revealed that the person being cut from the team was Matt.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, except Matt. Scott called Matt on the phone to make the announcement. Matt is a Group 1 rider and is a seriously strong rider and can climb a hill like a goat. I got to know Matt during a few rides in the beginning when he rode with Group 2. Matt has a great sense of humor and is always willing to give tips on riding skills and techniques and has helped several riders elevate their riding over these past several weeks.

Matt, we are all sorry to see you cut from the team, but glad that you will still be around to ride with us.

Right now, no one knows what the judges are looking for when they cut someone from the team. We all have our theories, but in the end, we are all just guessing.

Good luck to all of the remaining contestants on the Scott&BR Cycling Team.

Sunday Morning Ride Recap

Ok, this is going to be a quick recap because I was not able to make this week's Sunday training ride. I was in Sedona Arizona most of the week on a "guys only" mountain biking/hiking adventure. It was good cross training, but I am ready to get back on my road bike and do some long pulls.

I do have to give a shout out to Mike and Lisa Jennings who told me to visit Absolute Bikes when I got into town. Not only where they knowledgeable about the trails in Sedona and Flagstaff, but they were extremely friendly and even gave me a Red Rock Pass while I was there so I didn't have to buy one. Thanks Mike and Lisa for the great tip.

For a recap of Sunday's ride and immunity pump challenge, please visit Mike Henderson's Blog.

Stay tuned for more information on the CAF Sushi Silent Auction coming September 29, 2008 from 6 pm to 9 pm. More details to follow.

Help me support CAF by clicking on the link below.

http://mdc2008.kintera.org/northup4CAF

Thank you.

Sunday's Training (Recovery Ride)

This week was recovery, and we were all very happy for it. We are going to ramp up in distance and endurance again soon, so it is these rides that I value the most when you can spend some time chatting with fellow riders and learning more about them. It is making us grow closer as a group.

We had another immunity pump challenge contest in the form of a quiz. This week, it was an Olympics-themed quiz with one question. "What are the 4 cycling events in the Olympics?"

That's easy right? Road, Time Trial, Track, and other :)

The actual answer was Road, Track, Mtn. Biking, and BMX

Scott Bailey (who also won last week's immunity challenge) won this week. Congratulations Scott. Scott works for Qualcomm, is a very strong rider, and is a fantastic guy. He is always positive, upbeat, and you will usually find him heading to the front of the group towards the end of the ride with lots of energy.

The ride was cut a little short this week, but no one seemed to mind. In fact, it was nice to stay a little after the ride and chat with fellow riders Mike H., Deeanna, and Dan Plummer of WOW. Mike H. and I are planning a Sushi Silent Auction and we needed to discuss some details. Deeanna and some other QMDC riders are putting together their own fundraiser and Deeanna gave us some good tips that she has learned along the way. Thanks Deeanna.

The Sushi Silent Auction will be held Sept 29th from 6-9 PM at the Southwestern Yacht Club. Mike H. and I are working with a good cycling friend of his, Lan Tran. Lan is very energetic and has a heart of gold. More to follow on the Sushi4CAF Silent Auction event including a list of some of the silent auction items and sponsors.