Just wanted to post this info as requested by another user.

From http://www.teamintraining.org/hm_tnt
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® is the world's largest endurance sports training program. The program provides training to run or walk a whole or half marathon or participate in a triathlon or century (100-mile) bike ride. Since 1988, over 220,000 volunteer participants have helped raise over $500 million.

By helping to raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and patient services, you'll receive:
Personalized fitness training by certified coaches for a period of four to five months
Training clinics
Your own personal Web site for online fundraising
A supportive group of teammates
Lodging and airfare to more than 60 accredited events in the United States and abroad.


On a personal note, I joined the team last year as a total novice. I wanted to get into cycling in a non-intimidating manner, and this really was the way to go for me. There is fundraising, and it seemed daunting, but I was able to do more than I thought. The team in Sacramento has two riding events to chose from this year. First is America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe in June. Which I did for the first time last year - wow.... And the second choice is the Group Health Seattle to Portland Ride in July. I don't know what events other chapters are doing this year, so if you're interested go to the website listed above and input your zipcode to locate your nearest chapter. Contact them and they can give you the scoop.

I know some folks who really aren't into this group, and that's fine. I needed the support and resources. We had seminars on basic bike maintenance, nutrition for endurance training, event day nutrition, and fundraising. US Cycling certified coaches are available for consultation on just about anything. And mentors are assigned to each rider for whatever support is needed. Our first team ride is this weekend, wahoo!