2005 TE Board charity rides

[Trek420]

I think it would be fun to see if we could keep track during the season of how much TE members raise on *all* fundraising rides: from Team Amici who got us off with a bang this year and the MS rides, to ALC4, to Bike Against the Odds in October.

I bet the combined figure raised would be staggering.

Could we get a final count from Team Amici and any other rides?

[Bike Goddess]

Great idea! Come on you all pitch in with those figures! :D :D

[Trek420]

I know Amici Veloci Team on raised over $5000 for a very good cause!!! Don't have exact final figures.

[BikeMomma]

To benefit the my place of employment's Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society, back in March when I did the McClane Pacific Foothills Century, I sent a flyer attachment with an email to my coworkers, friends, and family members. Since at that time I wasn't sure if I could do the Relay's walk/run event with our team (because of my husband's work schedule), I tried to think of another way that I could contribute to our team and to the A.C.S. without actually participating in the walk. The team had put on a few fundraising events, booksales and such, so I had the idea to do a "pledge" thing sortof like the Walk-a-Thon, only the pledges would be just a few cents per mile that I rode. I did tell everyone that I could and intended to do the full metric century (ended up being 67 miles) so that they could calculate approximately how much they would donate in the end.

Astonishingly, even though I didn't get as many pledges as I had hoped, the amounts were high. I got $600 worth in pledges, and after all collections were made after the ride, I ended up raising $701. One person upped her donation from $67 to $150.00, as she had recently lost a friend to cancer. As sortof a way to say thanks to everyone's generosity and to help carry me over the hills, I printed a list of all the names of the pledges and carried it with me during the ride. That way, symbolically, everyone was there riding with me in my "stadium" of foothills as I rode, not walked.

Not only did I have a blast doing the century, but I got a really good feeling from it, knowing I was helping to raise funds to find a cure for cancer. How cool is that?! A few months later, it still makes me smile. :cool: :)

[Trek420]

whoo hoo! Bike Momma $701 for the ACS and... a personal best on the metric ???? *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
Amici Veloci Team on raised over $5000 for MS *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
---------------------------------------------
TE $5701 ++
:D :p

[Pedal Wench]

I'm in!

$350 for the Tour De Cure Diabetes ride, which included a VERY generous donation from one of our own TE members!

[Technotart]

Not done yet - the cutoff is June 15th and I'm working on more!

$ 3020.00 for the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis)

[Trek420]

Bike Momma $701 for the ACS and... a personal best on the metric ????
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
technotart 3020.00 for the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis) and she's not done yet!!
Still waiting for final figures from her and our ALC4 team
TE $9071 +++++
:D :p *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[spazzdog]

Do previous rides count?

If yes, for the 2000 Boston-New York AidsRide I raised $4600.

spazz

[Bike Goddess]

Well, I dunno if we can stretch the numbers to year 2000 :( I was thinking the idea was how much we will have raised for 2005- like a yearly thing! :confused:

[Trek420]

hmmm, we could just add it in since we've never done this on the board before as far as I know, wanna add figures to date then ....try and beat that figure next year? that's setting the bar kinda high.

or stick with '05? because if we did that I'd get to add CAR4, ALC3, Bike Against the Odds .....

Nice job there spazz *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[spazzdog]

no problema... 2005 is cool.

Sic 'em grrls! Fundraise the sox off them thar other clubs!!

spazz-o-checkbook :D

[Trek420]

spazz, isn't that supposed to be "cowgirl up"?

[spazzdog]

as you wish buddy!

i'm so politically incorrect with stuff like that... and i have the t-shirt that says so.

spazz-o-buckaroo

[loni0908k]

I've raised $600 for the American Lung Association Bike Trek!

[Trek420]

Bike Momma $701 for the ACS and... a personal best on the metric ????
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
loni raised $600 for the American Lung Association *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
technotart 3020.00 for the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis) and she's not done yet folks!!
Still waiting for final figure from our ALC4 team but it's in the 10k range
2005 TE $9671 +++++
:D :p *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[Trek420]

loni0908k "I've raised $600 for the American Lung Association Bike Trek!"

that's fabulous! where and when is that?

[AKRoadie]

I just completed the Alaska Clean Air Challenge a few weeks ago - was able to raise $551 for the Lung Association. I will be doing the MS150 again this year in September. Last year I raised $800+ for this event and this year hope to make $1000.
Great job on all the fundraising out there!! Pedal on ladies! :D

[Trek420]

AKroadie $551 for the Lung Association and we're waiting for her totals for MS ride
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS and... a personal best on the metric ????
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
loni raised $600 for the American Lung Association *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
technotart 3020.00 for the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis) and she's not done yet folks!!
Still waiting for final figure from our ALC4 team but it's in the 10k range
2005 TE $10222 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[Trek420]

AKRoadie "will be doing the MS150 again this year in September. Last year I raised $800+ for this event and this year hope to make $1000."

great job AK, keep us posted.

[massbikebabe]

please tell me your fund raising secrets as hubby, myself, and bouncin baby boy would LOVE to do the MS ride...I usually just take it out of my own pocket but this year have given all funds to oldest college fund :(

karen

[Trek420]

what I've learned is this:
* put it out there, let everyone know you're doing this thing, there are posters on every floor of my office building, a footer at the end of my e-mails at home and work, at work if I'm away from work it on my out of office assistant, if they give you a t-shirt for the event...wear it, often, launder it then wear it again. regardless of the cause you are fundraising for you will be surprised how many are effected by it.
* house parties rock. I have never done one but they are the best way to go. most folks I know who've done one have met their pledge goal right there. have a party, invite plenty of folks, feed and entertain them exceptionaly well (it's tax deductable I think) and invite them to sponsor you.
* form a team, that can aid you in doing a group fundraising effort or event
* thank your sponsors! thank them when they donate, thank them after the event, send real thank you cards, keep them updated on your training, find a way to take them along for the ride. I've done a monthly or maybe every 6 weeks or so newsletter with updates on training. especially if you will ever do an event again. thank them!
* follow up, that's the one thing I did differently this year. last year I sent out letters and lots of people replied they would sponsor me, but some never did. This year I had an A & B version. One went to folks who had expressed they would sponsor me, the only difference is it ended in a link to the pledge site. While I hate to be a nudge it made a difference, I made my pledge goal and not at the last second like last year.
anyone else?

[massbikebabe]

thanks trek;

the home party sounds like a great idea and my lawyer/accountant little bro tells me that it is indeed tax deductible. :)

karen

[Trek420]

yep, when I was doing my taxes this year i read that entertainment to fund raise for a non profit is tax deductable....I considered a house party...but I'd have to clean my house. :cool:

[loni0908k]

Trek 420
[that's fabulous! where and when is that?]

It's this weekend! I am soo excited. It's a 3 day event (50 miles per day),we ride in upper Illinois and lower Wisconsin. We even get to stay at the Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva (right off the lake), and there are tennis courts, swimming pools, and whirlpools to relax in after the rides! It's my first organized group ride (so I'm a tad bit nervous), I'll let you know how it goes!

[Trek420]

loni0908k "It's my first organized group ride (so I'm a tad bit nervous), I'll let you know how it goes!"

you're going to have a great time, we want the ride report!

[snapdragen]

LifeCycle gals, I'll be working tent assignment on Saturday - see you then!

[Trek420]

Too cool! See you there then. And thanks for crewing 8-)

BG & I want a tent with a view, not too close to but not too far away from the porta potties, ok?

Dropped the bike off at the shop for a last minute check up, they'll replace the rear tire, do all the usual stuff, switch my bottle cages (the one I use all the time is just right, the back one is tight only because less use, within a drink or two it'll even out) they loaned me several spare spokes, if I don't need 'em just bring 'em back, if I do pop a spoke I've got 'em...

I've promised several people who say the'll look for me day 0 that I'll wear my pink Velogirls bike vest.

Well, back to packing for the ride.

Bike Goddess and I plan on getting together for dinner Thursday evening in Rockridge to finalize plans like tent decor, tent furnishings, matching place settings etc. If any of ya are in the area PM us for details and such, if not...when we get back.

[Trek420]

AKroadie $551 for the Lung Association and we're waiting for her totals for MS ride
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
loni raised $600 for the American Lung Association *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
technotart 3020.00 for the MS 150 (Multiple Sclerosis) and she's not done yet folks!!
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $17,529
2005 TE $27751 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[cycling@42]

Fundraising goal was $150, raised $175. I was part of Team Melissa (my friend's sister that died from diabetes complications 8/02). Our team goal was $2500 and we raised at least that much. When I get the total, I'll edit with final amount.

[Trek420]

AKroadie $551 for the Lung Association & waiting for totals for MS ride
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC also
Cycling@42 raised $175 for TDC and a first Century!! *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
technotart 3020.00 for the MS 150 and she's not done yet folks!!
loni raised $600 for the American Lung Association
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $19,163
2005 TE $29560 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[Technotart]

3095.00 is my final tally!

[UpNorth123]

Add another $4,880 to the pot. Raised for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. Got off my fat *** at age 46 to start riding for the first time since, ummm, yep, college (when 10 speeds ruled the world). Can't beat your very first century ride being around Lake Tahoe in June and all for a cause near and dear to your heart!

Proud to be an FCP (former couch potato) :D

UpNorth

[Trek420]

AKroadie $551 for the Lung Association & waiting for totals for MS ride
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A $350.00 for TDC also
Cycling@42 raised $175 for TDC and a first Century!!
Amici Veloci Team kicked b*** over $5000 for MS
technotart $3095.00 for the MS 150
loni raised $600 for the American Lung Association
Upnorth123 $4,880 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $19,163
2005 TE $34,515 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[newfsmith]

I'm doing the PanMass Challenge (Wellesley-Bourne) route this year, so far I've raised $1.368.76 with another $218.00 in checks waiting to be credited to my fundraising total. Hopefully, GE will match about $350 of my contributors, which will still leave me about $40 shy of my minimum requirement, but I have until August 6. Time for the second round of e-mails.

(The PanMass Challenge is in it's 26th year of raising money for the "Jimmy Fund" of the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute in Boston. In 25 years, PanMass has raised $122 million for cancer research. Their corporate support includes the Boston Red Sox, and 97% of rider-raised money goes to cancer research. Here in the northeast, it is the largest (~4000 riders) cancer charity ride. For more about PanMass go here here (http://www.pmc.org/about.asp?ArticleID=83) )

[Trek420]

AKroadie & loni a combined $1151 for the Lung Association & waiting for totals for MS ride
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A and Cycling@42 a combined $525.00 for TDC a
Amici Veloci Team, betagirl & technotart a combined $8545 for MS
newfsmith $1936 + for the pan mass challenge (what's the charity???)
Upnorth123 $4,880 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $19,163
2005 TE $36,901 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[betagirl]

I did a fundraiser on my own for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America: $3200

[Trek420]

AKroadie & loni a combined $1151 for the Lung Association & waiting for totals for MS ride
Betagirl $3200 for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A and Cycling@42 a combined $525.00 for TDC a
Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart a combined $8970 for MS
newfsmith $1936 + for the pan mass challenge (what's the charity???)
Upnorth123 $4,880 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $19,163
2005 TE $40,526 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

Thanks Betagirl who did her own fundrasier for Crohns (howdja do that?) and nuthatch just added $425 for the MS Society in the Tour de Farms. I'm getting the impression that MS Society has some of the best rides.

Anyone hazzard a guess how much we will raise by the end of the year?

[betagirl]

Sorry to hear that Trek. I too am "blessed" with crohn's disease. Anything I can do to help the common good :D

[Trek420]

Sorry to hear that Beta. We just found out my neice has it, she's doing well so far. She rides, as does my sis, don't know if that helps, can't hurt.

[nuthatch]

Howdy, Trek! I raised $425 for the MS Society in the Tour de Farms.

[Hill Slug]

Just got my latest #'s.....Even though my website doesn't say much, I raised $3,350 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society....

Our ride is this weekend - Seattle to Portland. Wahooo!!!!

[Trek420]

AKroadie & loni a combined $1151 for the Lung Association
Betagirl $3200 for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
Bike Momma $701 for the ACS
Audio-A and Cycling@42 a combined $525.00 for TDC a
Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart a combined $8970 for MS
newfsmith $1936 + for the pan mass challenge (what's the charity???)
Hillslug & Upnorth a combines $8,230 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Still waiting for final final final figure from TE ALC4 team but it's $19,163
2005 TE $43,876 +++++ *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

Let's wish Hillslug and Bikegoddess tailwinds, they're off to StP.

Anyone hazzard a guess how much we will raise by the end of the year?

[BikerJeanne]

Add me to the list of TNTers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with $1990 and our cutoff is not for another 2 months. My husband is also doing it (not sure if he counts or not though) and he is up to $800.

[Trek420]

BikerJeanne, we've started a thread for the TIT'ers, check it out at:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=2088

there are a lot of gals here rideing for this great cause and thanks for doing that. My cousin Marvin died far to young of the disease.

I've asked Hillslug to give me a TE total but all of you can keep me posted. What started as just curiosity is now a pretty amazing figure so far this year TE riders have raised over $43,876 for various charities. How far will it go?

Ladies, do we count Mr. BikerJeanne? :rolleyes: :)

[CorsairMac]

Absolutely!!!!!!

[SadieKate]

Ladies, do we count Mr. BikerJeanne? :rolleyes: :)But, of course! Amici Veloci raised $6,008 (a bit came in after the deadline) through the added efforts of Mr. SK, Mr. Petunia, Robb, Gerald, Cory, et al.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1936 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,209

Thanks to all the Team Testosterone's who helped this too! Ahem and for Sadiekate for pointing out that I could just search online...ahem.

think we'll make 6 figures this year? T.I.T. has just started.

[SadieKate]

for the pan mass challenge (what's the charity???)

http://www.pmc.org

The Pan Mass Challenge benefits cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Institute (gotta love the wonders of the internet)

SK

[preeder]

I just got my final fundraising total from the June 2005 Team in Training Century in Lake Tahoe. My final total was $5625! I have incredibly generous friends and was able to secure one corporate sponsorship. Our little group of 13 riders raised $56,000 total for Tahoe TNT.

[Ivy Goldberg]

I started biking and raising money in May and so far the money is coming in faster than I am biking. I've been able to raise $2,035 of the $4,000 I need to participate. Both will progress in good time!!!

[SadieKate]

Ahem and for Sadiekate for pointing out that I could just search online...ahem. No, I did not! I just commented on how wonderful I think the internet is. After all, I bet Al Gore was thinking of us when he invented it. :p

[Trek420]

I bet he was! Trixie if you're lurking and reading this give Al a hug for us. And with this...I'm at 1000 posts. :cool:

[maryellen]

still fundraising (or rather, *should* still be fundraising), but so far $2,000 . . .

[Trek420]

Good! How's the training going so far? Have you decarated your helmet?

[maryellen]

I found some training info for one of the west coast aids rides and have been following that. So far I am on track *except* I haven't done 75 mile rides two days in a row. Sunday is the only day I can do a long ride. But I've been riding 37 miles most mornings before work without later wanting to put my head on my desk and nap, so I think I'll be ok.

I do wish I had made the transition from hybrid to a road bike, but the road bike purchase will have to wait until next year!

And no, I haven't decorated my bike but Day 3 of our ride has been declared "RED" day. A color I don't generally wear. So I'm accumulating various red items. This should be entertaining.

[Trek420]

maryellen "I found some training info for one of the west coast aids rides and have been following that. So far I am on track *except* I haven't done 75 mile rides two days in a row. Sunday is the only day I can do a long ride. But I've been riding 37 miles most mornings before work without later wanting to put my head on my desk and nap, so I think I'll be ok."

you'll do fine!

"I do wish I had made the transition from hybrid to a road bike, but the road bike purchase will have to wait until next year!"

been passed by many a hybrid. Just get road wheels or skinnier tires.

"And no, I haven't decorated my bike but Day 3 of our ride has been declared "RED" day. A color I don't generally wear. So I'm accumulating various red items. This should be entertaining."

Yep, traditionaly one of the days on multi-day AIDS rides is "dress in red" day. It started on one of the midwest rides so that viewed from the air (not that we get 'copter coverage like the TdF) we would look like a long red ribbon.

Maybe because this is California after all, maybe someone is dyslexic but on the California ride it went from "dress in red day" to "red dress day". I'm working on a journal of the ride but this was my outfit shown here with the fabulous luggage crew. What doesn't show is that the jacket is lace, got it at a thrift store.

http://home.pacbell.net/dita_rae/alc4day5.html

[Hill Slug]

Trek, I don't know who all the TE riders in TNT are. As far as numbers, um....The Lake Tahoe riders across the country raised around $7M. The TNT riders at STP raised around $400K.
TNT riders participate in numerous rides around the country. The Sacramento chapter only does Tahoe and now added STP for next year. Some chapters also do Tour de Tucson, and some of the other rides mentioned...

[Ivy Goldberg]

In addition to doing Tucson (which will be my first ride), some of the riders in the NY area have gone to Alaska, Virginia Beach and San Francisco. I hear they have a great time. I'm looking forward to November...I hope my body is too!

[maryellen]

whoa trek, those red outfits make my red jersey, socks and gloves look drab! But that's ok. I don't think I could carry those outfits off!

[Trek420]

maryellen "whoa trek, those red outfits make my red jersey, socks and gloves look drab! But that's ok. I don't think I could carry those outfits off!"

I thought it was kinda drab compared to other outfits there...oh, you're looking at the guy in the bright red wig and beard, that's not me :D that's our fabulous luggage crew.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1936 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,959

think we'll make 6 figures this year? T.I.T. has just started. Have I missed anyone?

[maryellen]

yup, me . . . so far I've raised $4,659 for the empire state aids ride and I've got a bit more coming in . . .

Maryellen

[Trek420]

maryellen, *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

let us know the final figure. We want pictures, details, ride reports....we wanna know if you gotta red dress that you can ride in?

hey, if I wore lace you can do it. :) :p

[maryellen]

honey, I don't have a dress, never mind a red dress, and definitely not a red dress I can ride in . . . :D

[maryellen]

I'm all packed up for the AIDS ride and too wired up to sleep. My flight leaves in a few hours. Figure I'll do some housecleaning and that will tire/bore me.

My fundraising is up to $6659 with a bit more coming in.

I'm so excited. Thx to all for the fabulous suggestions and support. Keeping my fingers crossed for cool dry weather and a body that holds up for 560 miles of pedaling.

Maryellen

[Trek420]

maryellen, You're doubtless already on your way and i shoulda figured out a way we could get updates from your epic ride.

Congratulations, the hard work is done (fundraising, training, finding that perfect lil' red outfit). Have a safe and fun time. I'm so proud of you. :) :cool:

[shadon]

It's the middle of the night back East, as I write this. You're gonna have such a wonderful ride! I"m from New York State, my folks live near Syracuse and I went to school in Binghamton. I just looked at the website and the idea of riding through the fingerlakes, the Catskills and the Hudson Valley is just breath taking to me! I hope this is a wonderful experince!

[Trek420]

According to the website they are checking in today from noon to 5 p.m. at the Days Inn at the Falls. 442 Main Street, just north of the Rainbow Bridge. And...Maryellen is one of the top 10 fundraisers for the entire ride.

I can just imagine, remembering the excitement and nerves of check in for ALC4. Whether you're a first time rider or done it a dozen times, so exciting, I was so nervous i parked in the wrong lot, went into the parking lot for the Jehovas Whitness convention. I saw all these people in 3 peice suits waving people in and thought "wow, rest stop 4 has really out done themselves in the costume department this time, where'd they find all the bad suits?"

oops. :cool: :rolleyes: ;) It was fun riding my bike to the right side of the Cow Palace through them all dresssed in pink with pink feather boa.

According to the site opening ceremonies and ride out were at, 7:45 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 14th at Terrapin Point, Niagara Falls, NY, at the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. She's on her way.

Anyone in NYC? You can welcome the riders to NYC as they arrive at Robert Wagner Park at 3:45 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20th. The park is at the southern tip of Manhattan, directly south of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and about 200 feet west of Battery Park. Limited parking is available in Battery Park City, to the west of West Street, or take the 1/9 train to Rector Street or South Ferry.

[newfsmith]

I just mailed my final deposit to Pan-Mass, making my total $2251.70 to date. I'm still waiting on $600 of corporate matching funds, but I'm told that may not happen until late in the year.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$51,874
Have I missed anyone?

[maryellen]

got back yesterday afternoon. A great ride with wonderful people and fabulous support. Definitely a mental and physical challenge. Got to get back to catching up on email and my multiple loads of laundry.

A few $$ still coming in but will be at least $8600.

Maryellen

[Trek420]

congratulations maryellen!!!!! we knew you could do it. stop the laundry we want details! wheredja go, whadja see, howdja do, how's the food?

*\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/* *\o/*

[maryellen]

Day 0: Saturday: On the cab ride from Buffalo airport, the driver pointed out the Love Canal site--nothing like seeing the local sights (um, can you drive a little faster past that old toxic site?). At the hotel, all the riders registered, made a group outing to the famous "Maid of the Mist" boat ride around the Falls, and a few team members and I had dinner at the local Hard Rock Café (a Hard Rock café in Niagara Falls??).

Day 1: Sunday: 106 miles--Niagara Falls to Charlotte (near Rochester). I received a 6:30 am phone call from a teammate asking me if I knew it was raining. I didn't, blithely having neglected to look out the window upon rising. It poured for the first 80 miles. If this hadn't been a fundraiser, I would surely have been off the bike. It took a lot of positive self-talk to understand that if riding my bike in the rain was my biggest problem, I was doing darn well. Fortunately all of our designated stops had overhangs or were moved indoors and the riders were given Mylar sheets to wrap ourselves in to stay warm at the stops. For the last 26 miles it cleared up and I somehow managed to forget the first 80—except for me and the bike being completely soaked and filthy.

Day 2: Monday: 90 miles--Charlotte to Sampson State Park. A dry day, hurray. I learned how to take my tent down and pack it up. I saw a horse and buggy driven by an Amish man and his son. We passed through some *rural* areas.

Day 3: Tuesday: 85 miles--Sampson State Park to Chanango Valley State Park Our lunch stop was at the Slatterville Springs Volunteer Fire Department, sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary. They were fabulous, providing us with towels to freshen-up mid-day. They also had great pictures of the ride from last year. This was mentally the hardest day for me. I had a rough afternoon, riding alone after the last rest-stop, utterly convinced that I would never reach that night's campsite. Fortunately, I kept pedaling

Day 4: Wednesday: 62 miles--Chanango Valley State Park to Shinhopple: This was our "hilliest" day. I was mentally prepared for it, so it wasn't as tough as I expected (i.e., I made it). I saw a camel, yes, a camel, in a pasture right next to a horse. No, I was not hallucinating.

Day 5: Thursday: 70 miles--Shinhopple to Barryville: Saw two deer soon after setting out. What a treat. One of our stops was at the Fort Delaware Colonial Museum. The docents kindly fired the cannon at our request. This was a hard day for me physically--my quads were so terribly sore I couldn't imagine completing days 5,6,7.

Day 6: Friday: 85 miles--Barryville to Bear Mountain Before setting out, our fabulous EMT gave me knee sleeves treated with some sort of magical substance. Definitely soothed my 47 year old knees and quads. The Mayor of Port Jervis met us at a rest stop as he does each year. A rainy afternoon—fortunately we had a hastily arranged hot cocoa stop – the other customers in the café were rather puzzled as to the presence of numerous cyclists wrapped in Mylar sheets. Our last night in camp, it cleared for dinner and some sparklers but once that last sparkler went out, it poured and we all dashed to our tents. An early night.

Day 7: Saturday: 60 miles--Bear Mountain to Wagner Park in downtown Manhattan. Everyone told me not to worry, I would have an incredible adrenaline rush to get me through Saturday. HA! I had *no* energy or power left. Every pedal stroke was an effort—until we reached the stop at the Alpine, NJ police station. I remembered I had recently done a training ride from home to the Alpine police station and back before work, so surely I could finish. The rest of the ride was sheer bliss. It was wonderful to see the riders from upstate amazed at riding over the GW bridge. The closing ceremony was short and sweet, with a poignant moment for me as the name of my dear friend Ron Myers was read—I rode in his memory. After bidding farewell to my companions, riders and volunteers alike, Diana kindly took my gear bag home in a cab and I rode my bike home.

AND I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR…………………

[Trek420]

maryellen wrote "This was a hard day for me physically--my quads were so terribly sore I couldn't imagine completing days 5,6,7."

I know the feeling.

Yet I'd heard this from another rider, strange but it's true after the 3d day...feels like you just keep getting stronger.

Congratulations Maryellen on a great ride.

Trek sittin' here at work sniffin' away a tear 420

[MM_QFC!]

Great job and thanks for sharing with us!
While you were riding, I finally (after corresponding with the ESAR ride organizers since the start in 2002) decided to register for next year's ride, so I'll look forward to seeing you out there!
Mary

[bikerz]

What a ride, MaryEllen - way to go! And having to deal with all that rain - I am so inspired and impressed!

(Trek's new sig line is a constant reminder of what I have to look forward to! At least we won't get rain - except for automatic lawn sprinklers!)

[CorsairMac]

I'll remember that if it rains biker! LOL


Thanks for sharing MaryEllen - I'm with Trek, I'm sitting here crying too....I was fine until I got to the part where they read out your friends name! What a way to honour his memory! Goodonya my friend!

[Trek420]

bikerz sez "(Trek's new sig line is a constant reminder of what I have to look forward to! At least we won't get rain - except for automatic lawn sprinklers!)"

Hello TE ALC5 'ers!

you don't know that!

We ride rain or shine and it has rained (yes, real rain!) on the California AIDS rides so prepare for that. Plan that there *will* be fog heavy enough it might as well be rain. I'm told on ALC2 the visibility was in the Peninsula was almost 0.

So, I packed a rainjacket, and cat cr*p (a product smeared on your glasses so they don't fog up in bad weather, not really cat cr*p).

one of my 7 zip lock bags was labeled "cold". It had long sleeve jersey, undershirt, cold weather tights, wool socks, full finger gloves. *

I think day 6 (my favorite day on the ride) was foggy enough that I needed most of that. Only the last 20 miles or so did I regret the long sleeve jersey but didn't quite have the guts to doff it and just wear the undershirt.

*a word about the gloves, I also wanted full finger gloves because of the descent after "Evil Twins", long, steep, winding, and I thought if it was cold I'd want them for the downhill. I learned how important being able to feel your hands when brakeing is on the "first annual TE assault on Mt. Diablo", thanks jobob for loaning me extra gloves on that.

Weather turned out to be nice so not needed but like the extra spoke if I did not bring them I'd have needed them.

[maryellen]

hey Mary, if you are going to register, do it soon to take advantage of a special reduced registration rate. I think it is now $75--it will go up to $100 I think, around Labor Day. If for some reason you can't ride, you can turn it into a donation instead.

It would be fab to have some Team Estrogen gals on the ESAR in 2006!!!

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Maryellen - Yes, already registered...am co-capt of 2 riders (with my long-time riding partner) thus far of Team Puget Sound Riders,which is the name of our veteran group of riders, crew and supporters from the former AIDS Vaccine rides in Alaska, Montana and Canada>US - allowing for the possibility of ride buddies hopefully joining us next year and of course, increasing our cumulative fundraising.
I've coordinated several of my own self-supported fundraising rides for AIDS research in the interim years, but I've kept my eye on this ride and even thought I'd be able to do it this year, but have been battling some newfound thyroid issues. The native NYer in me is eagerly anticipating riding it next year though!
Glad you're having a good recovery - you deserve it!
Mary

[Bike Goddess]

Great Job Maryellen!!!!

A++ for all your fundraising and A+++ for your stick-to-it no matter what! That's just how I felt at times as well. Gosh, I feel lucky that we had such good weather on our ride. No rain, just fog and lots of wind. I can imagine how much fun it was to pack tents up after a rainy night! :(

How are you feeling now that you are finished? Drained is what I felt. Emotionally and physically. Missed the group, missed the ride, missed the companionship. On the bright side of things, you are a stronger person and a stronger rider for it! That's what counts in the end. :D

[maryellen]

I definitely feel as if I'm not running on a full tank, psychologically or physically.

Yesterday I did a century--it was the first century I did (last year) and I didn't want to miss it this year, even though it was just 8 days after the aids ride. It was hard (especially the first 10 miles when my knees and quads were saying "what, she wants us to do this again?"). Hard to keep going without the support and companionship. I'm glad I experienced that psychological barrier--I can't imagine any ride I do will ever match the aids ride (except for next year!) so I better get used to it!

*And* it was wonderful to be back on the bike for an extended ride. Riding is an amazing experience for me. Every time I get on the bike.

[MM_QFC!]

I can't imagine any ride I do will ever match the aids ride (except for next year!) so I better get used to it!



Full on agree w/you there! There is nothing like the camaraderie on an AIDS ride, is there?
Did you prepare at all for "re-entry". I learned that lesson after my first AIDS ride in 1997 and I didn't have a clue that it would be a transformative experience for me. When I returned to work the day after, I remember biting my tongue when a staffmember started whining about something that seemed so insignificant compared to the experience that I just had and I wasn't prepared for it. From then on, for each ride aftermath, I have been better prepared for it though and just being aware that there is a need for some re-entry time and space makes a difference.
Happy trails,
Mary

[Trek420]

maryellen "I definitely feel as if I'm not running on a full tank, psychologically or physically."

I've read this is common when athletes train so hard for a specific event or goal once you're done it (yeah!!!) lots of us feel let down. I think it's because for so long the focus has been this one thing and now it's over.

For me after the ride it felt all I did was train-eat-sleep-uhm work some for years... and it's just as important to feel what's there now and not just rush right out to find something to replace it.

Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, you did it, you deserve that, you're a hero! But also it's normal to feel down and or miss the ride/event. :cool: :rolleyes:

[maryellen]

I returned from the ride on Saturday afternoon and didn't have to go to work until Tuesday so that helped. Guess there is a point when you have to bite the bullet and deal w the fact that the ride is over. And doing a century yesterday helped me adjust!

[bikerz]

Hey Trek -

For Bike Against the Odds (Oakland Oct 9) I have raised $1000 (met my fundraising goal - yay!)

There may be a few more donations trickling in over the next month or so...

[Trek420]

bikerz "For Bike Against the Odds (Oakland Oct 9) I have raised $1000 (met my fundraising goal - yay!)"

yay! met it? you smashed it.

ahem, too bad we didn't get you on the Velo girls team. oh well, see you there anyway.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,000 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$60.563
Have I missed anyone?

[maryellen]

Maryellen $7,689 for Empire State Aids Ride

[bikerz]

Hi Trek -
My total for BAO is $1065, and holding - I don't epxect any more donations before the ride... But I beat my goal by $65! yay!

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1515 Geochick for the MS 150 Jack and Back
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,065 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$62,140
Have I missed anyone?

[geochick]

Have I missed anyone?


I'm at $1515 for the MS 150 Jack and Back, but I have a couple promised donations that I haven't received yet. We've got 2 weeks 'til the ride, so I'll let you know probably the first week of October.

[mainerider]

I'm at $5,500 for the PMC. Most of my checks are in but I do expect a few more.

[bikerz]

my final, final total was $1215

[cycling@42]

I raised $825.00 for the Tour of Hope Fundraising Ride from Columbia, MD to DC. It was to have happened last Saturday but it was rained out...I'm VERY disappointed but happy to have raised the money for such a cause.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$825.00 Cycling@42 for the Tour of Hope Fundraising Ride
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1515 Geochick for the MS 150 Jack and Back
$5,500 Mainerider for the PMC
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,065 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
$1,125.00 tomgirrrrl for BATO
$150 Trek420 for BATO
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$69900
when do we want to cut this off for the year? winding down?

http://home.pacbell.net/dita_rae/alc4.html
I'm 2nd from the right with the vest and sunglasses, Bikerz behind me and to the right. And Bikerz, see, you were not the only one in red!

[wavedancer]

You can add my $570 for The Last Gasp, Cape Cod, MA.

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$825.00 Cycling@42 for the Tour of Hope Fundraising Ride
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1515 Geochick for the MS 150 Jack and Back
$5,500 Mainerider for the PMC
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,065 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
$1,125.00 tomgirrrrl for BATO
$150 Trek420 for BATO
$570 Wavedancer for The Last Gasp, Cape Cod, MA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$70400
when do we want to cut this off for the year? winding down?

[bikerz]

Ummm - small correction - BikerZ - $1215 for BATO...

[tomgrrrl]

my BATO total was $1275.....

[Trek420]

girrrlz, I hate to do math before I've had coffee :o ok

[tomgrrrl]

:) :) :) Your math is perfect!!! My total included a couple checks I got at the end....

Ellen

[Trek420]

tomgrrrl]:) :) :) " Your math is perfect!!! "

LOL, thanks. I'm probably within 100 grand of the true total + or - ;)

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$825.00 Cycling@42 for the Tour of Hope Fundraising Ride
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1515 Geochick for the MS 150 Jack and Back
$5,500 Mainerider for the PMC
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,215 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
$1,175.00 tomgirrrrl for BATO
$150 Trek420 for BATO
$570 Wavedancer for The Last Gasp, Cape Cod, MA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$70590 going once, going twice?

[profàvélo]

MS 150 Breakaway to the Beach
$1,334.00

[Trek420]

$1151 from AKroadie & loni a combined for the Lung Association
$3200 Betagirl for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America
$701 Bike Momma for the ACS
$825.00 Cycling@42 for the Tour of Hope Fundraising Ride
$525.00 Audio-A and Cycling@42 for TDC amd
$9978 Amici Veloci Team, betagirl, nuthatch & technotart for MS
$1515 Geochick for the MS 150 Jack and Back
$5,500 Mainerider for the PMC
$2851 newfsmith for the pan mass challenge
$8,230 Hillslug & Upnorth for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
$5625 Preeder for Team in Training
$750 (at least) Kryn for ride for missing children
$19,163 fromTE ALC4 team
$7,689 from Maryellen for Empire State Aids Ride
$1,215 + Bikerz for Bike Against the Odds
$1,175.00 tomgirrrrl for BATO
$150 Trek420 for BATO
$570 Wavedancer for The Last Gasp, Cape Cod, MA.
$1,334.00 profàvélo for MS 150 Breakaway to the Beach
---------------------------------------------------------------------
$71924 going once, going twice?

[Trek420]

Do we wanna do this list again?

[Trek420]

I think it would be fun to see how much TE members raise on *all* fundraising rides in 2006. Did we beat 2005?

[Toni]

I've raised $7,796.11 so far for the Tour de Pink this Sunday, it's a Breast Cancer ride in Texas. I will continue raising money until Oct. 15, 2006. Trying to hit $10,000. I can do it!!

[Trek420]

Toni, woo hoo! I know you'll acheive your goal. Have a great ride Sunday:)

$7,796.11 Toni so far for the Tour de Pink

[Aggie_Ama]

$7,796.11 Toni so far for the Tour de Pink
$400.00 Aggie_Ama for BP MS150 (Houston to Austin)

[midgetcycler]

I have raised $185 for the Tour de Pink. Doesn't come close to Toni's tally, but it counts!! :D

[Trek420]

$7,981.11 ~ Midgetcycler & Toni so far for the Tour de Pink
$400.00 ~ Aggie_Ama for BP MS150
$2685 ~ tygab Pan Mass Challenge

[tygab]

$7,981.11 Midgetcycler & Toni so far for the Tour de Pink
$400.00 Aggie_Ama for BP MS150

OOO, cool idea? Can we make an 06 thread? Someone should start a thread and keep it sticky for every year. Maybe more will respond that way. Anyway you can put me down for $2685 for my first Pan Mass Challenge this year....

[Trek420]

will do :D