Last minute details...........

See the explanation below

Assessment

Time is running short, so tonight I took the road bike out for a quick tempo ride.  This is traditionally where I get my last look at all the critical equipment - myself included.  I didn't like the way the bike was shifting, but other than that, it ran fast.  My overall time was two full minutes faster than last year, with lower heart rates all around.  This was compared to my tempo ride almost exactly one year ago to the minute.  A few edges to knock off, but for the most part, I know where I'm at........ oh boy.

Important stuff  - Read This!

So, the image above is kind of where it all started several years ago.  If you recognize the name, go to the donation tab and see the relationship (even if you choose not to donate).  The year before this picture was taken, I first decided to ride for Huntsman.  I think it was my fifth year riding LOTOJA - or something like that.  If I remember, it was early that summer when I decided to send and email out to as many relatives as I could find contact information.  It was shortly after that, I learned my cousin Mindy had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Some type of cancer anyway.  So I struggled through that year and made it work.  The next year I started the "Porpoise" with great designs and ideas - what did I know?  It kind of sputtered...........okay, was barley getting any views.  The night before the race, I was pinning my number on my jersey and spontaneously had the idea to write her name on my left sleeve.  I was riding a men's Cat V, that started just about 07:30 in the morning.  Just before I rolled to the line, I had my support crew take this picture and send it to my sisters - since I don't do the social media thing.  That race was brutal and having that on my sleeve was a reminder of what it means to suffer for something beside myself.  It kept me focused.  That was Saturday.  The following Monday morning I got word she had lost her fight with the "big-C".  I'll leave it there..............

Whether it is for Melinda, Marion (her husband that also was taken by cancer the next year), Jill, John, or Hadley "my hero", it is why I ride.  It is why I need your support - whatever you may have to give.  As I've said before, if you can't give to this cause, buy a cup of soup for that guy on the corner.  Help an elderly neighbor.  Whatever it is, give to make a difference.  Do it while you can, because you can.

What to expect........

Tomorrow is packet pickup and registration.  The next post will be Friday, with some details of the pending race plan.  A special Post Saturday morning, as a gift from the "Porpoise" to everyone that checks in.  I promise, it will make you smile.

Click on this one and Enjoy the moment........

Ride HARD!