XX1090 2010 Scott and BR winner!

Hi everyone, we reached the final XX1090 Scott & BR show studio appearance this year. Chris and I were the last one's standing after 28 other radio contestants. I will miss coming in the studio and hearing both Pratty and Skip getting scolded by Scott and BR between segments, the 60 degree studio with the six flats screens. Mike Henderson and Adam Beck made it to the final elimination as well. I was able to meet Lauren Hinton, Director of Marketing for CAF during our studio visit. After some delays we were on the radio once again. This time I was less nervous while answering question from Scott, or at least I though so. After a quick synopsis on how Chris and myself made it this far. It was time for the "bobbett" to be wielded for the last time to announce the winner. On cue, with the survivor music in the background Scott handed the envelope to BR to open. And he literally just opened it and handed it back to Scott. After what felt like an eternity, Scott announced......Chris Glossner is the winner of the 2010 XX 1090 Scott and BR cycling spot.....Right away I congratulated the person who I feel deserved it a little more than I since Chris was able to collect the 10k on his own. But to be second place with a trip down the California coast is not a bad consolations prize. Since this might be the last time I get to see BR, I had to get a couple of his football cards signed. Also had the CAF banner signed by both Scott and BR which was really cool. I am relieved that the radio contest is over and we now get to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

QMDC Week 19 Back to Back Century

Good Evening. With last week's nerve racking announcement over and being one of two finalists left. I had to honor a promise I gave to several G3 riders and ride leaders. I told them If I made the top 3, I would color my hair CAF blue and yellow. So with a little blonde hair color and blue and yellow hair spray color, one side of head was blue and the other was yellow. The yellow didn't turn out as bright as I expected but the blue was very visible. Several riders saw the color and commended me for keeping my word. I never colored my hair funky colors before so this weekend will have several firsts, and will be very memorable to me in so many ways.
Coming into this weeks ride, I didn't know what to expect. I have never ridden over 100 miles and let alone riding another 100 the following day. I just had to be ready and come mentally prepared. Extra incentive at the end of the day one was Terranea resort. (visit http://www.terranea.com/.)

The day started well but the forecast called for upper 90's for the weekend so we were all planning for a very warm ride even during the mostly coastal route. The ride up hit no snags. When we got to SAG #1, we were met by the 1978 NBA MVP and advocate / spokesperson for CAF, Bill Walton. He rode with a couple of CAF riders but said he prefers to ride at his own pace. It was amazing to see Bill on a bike and you would never know he was a avid cyclist just by looking at him. But with a long journey ahead, the group saddled up and continued on.

Passing the coastal cities of Dana Point, Laguna Beach and Newport beach. We were greeted by picturesque coastal beaches and cliffs along the route. When we reached Hungtington beach, we made it to SAG #2 with Lunch. SAG angel Tina supplied us with drinks and Subway sandwiches. Yummy! Thanks Tina. With only 30 minutes to spare, we were back on Highway #1 and headed north passing Seal Beach and Long Beach. When we reached downtown Long Beach, the heat caught up with us and everyone was feeling it. It felt like walking right under a heat lamp riding through downtown Long Beach till we got to the bottom of Palos Verdes Drive.
Before making our accent on Palos Verdes road toward the resort, the group stopped for a quick refill on everything we could get our hands on. Even the ride doctor, Mike Mchale grabbed a slurpee with me and Francesca. Lets just say, it was hot. This was the first time I didn't get "brain freeze" while downing the slurpee. Of which fellow rider Tracy treated most of the group. Thanks Tracy. Soon we were back on the road heading to our final destination. The road was a little cooler since there was some tree cover, but with a constant grade. It felt like I was not pedaling at all. After riding 95 miles already and the heat beating down on us. I was thinking that I could not wait to see the resort already. My body must have turned on the overdrive just to get to the finish since I was able to hang with the first couple of riders from G3 who separated and wanted to pick up the pace. On our way up, we met with G1 ride leaders Chance and Joe and Coach Pat Jack and they lead us to Terrenea resort.

Chris was already waiting since he attacked the hill from the very beginning. My roomy Brian was there as well to greet me since he rode up with Group 2. I have to admit, I was tired but not to the point of collapse. The weeks of training really paid off.


After I checked in the room and got my bag. I wanted to see the sights around the resort. So after a quick shower and change of clothes I was off to explore the resort. While Brian took in some much needed "recovery" drinks called Fat tire with G2 riders. I decided to go sight seeing and take pictures since in less than 24 hours we would be checking out. The greeter at the reosrt took a picture of me with Catalina Island in the background overlooking the ocean in the lobby. I also went down and walked through several trail heads leading to and from beaches and cliff viewing area around. It was breathtaking and I really wish I could have taken my wife with me. She would have loved it as much as I did.
Later that night we had a reception and no host dinner in the hotel. It's always nice to see the group in normal clothes. Even better was to meet some of the families of the G3 riders. From Mrs. Hower to Mrs. Nasielski and the kids. It was really great seeing some of the riders better halves. I hate to admit it but I was really looking forward to the dinner part of the evening. I can only take in so many recovery drinks, gels and bars. Dinner was pasta, salad and veggies and was it delicious. As everyone made it through the dinner we were introduced to Virginia Tinley, Executive Director of CAF and co-chairman Dean Roeper. We were presented with a short year in review video of the events CAF hosted the past year.




Through out the night we were introduced to several speakers. We listened as John Siciliano reenacted the night he was involved in the car accident that cost him his leg, but later inspired us with his paralympic and hollywood sucess. Then we heard a little from NBA great Bill Walton and Ron Kovic. Who is Ron Kovic you say? You might had heard of the movie by Oliver Stone starring Tom Cruise called Born on the 4th of July. Well, Ron Kovic was the person who Oliver Stone based that movie on. Bill Walton also intruduced us to his wife Lori and one of the greatest NBA Hall of fame players and coach, Bill Sharman. Mr. Sharman was way before my time but with the invention of the World Wide Web. I saw the legacy Mr. Sharman created in the game of basketball. After desert I decided to call it a night and headed back to the room. My roommate Brian talked for a bit about life, cycling and riding with CAF. But we were both tired from the day ride and festivities so it didnt take long till we both crashed.

Day two was upon us and my body was a little sore which was understable. I had a very light breakfast to make sure the stomach doesnt give me any issues along the ride. I am amazed how my body has recovered in such a short time frame. Like coach Pat said, Recovery is the key to successful back to back rides. After a short debriefing by Coach Pat in the hotel lobby. We were ready to hit the road again. As fast as we rode into the lobby, we were as fast if not faster leaving it behind. A short but definitely a memorable stay.

The day two of the route was exactly opposite of day one. So naturally it felt like a shorter ride. One thing we didn't have today was the mid 90 degree temperatures in Long Beach. Nevertheless the sun was out already and it was still going to be a warm day again. We had been fortunate since the group has not had any real mechanical issues or delays of any kind. Except for me forgetting my gloves in SAG 1 which was SAG 2 yesterday. Riding without gloves felt different, but was good change. About 6-7 miles after the first SAG, the group experienced a scary moment. Fellow MDC rider, Chin crossed wheels with another rider then went over his handle bars and literally flipped then landed on his neck. OH NO! The worse sight you could ever see is a fellow cyclist on the pavement. We all went in to action, ride leaders contacted the police and fire trucks, rolling SAG with Mike and Christine was notified, several riders redirected traffic and fellow MDC rider Jeff Krebs attend to Chin since he is a doctor. All signs were good since we all heard him laughing and moving his extremities. We still had to take Chin to the emergency room to run further tests to make sure he was ok. He was in good spirits as he left with the emergency response personnel.

The group was split up so others couldstart heading to the SAG two. I decided to stay with Mike, Jeff and ride leaders Mike H and Jack N. I knew they were going to need help pulling to catch up with the rest of G3. So for the next 20 miles we were on our own. With all of us taking turns pulling the group, we were able to catch up to the group at Dana point, sooner that the anticipated SAG two meeting. From there we met up with co-chairs Dean Roeper and Scott Rhodes who were moving from group to group to see how everyone was doing. We filled them in regarding Chin and expressed their concern. Once we made it to SAG 2, we heard news Chin had negative results on all the tests and he was later cleared to leave the hospital. Between SAG 2 and Solano beach, everything was a blur. My rear end was sore, legs were twitching from all the catching up we did. I decided to just keep my head down and cycle through it. Next thing you know, I was greeted by the my wife and daughter along with Chin and the rest of G2 riders just hanging out. WOW! I cant believe I did it, back to back double century and I feel great. Not like the feeling I got after running 26.2.

This was has to be one of the most challenging rides I ever had to do. I am glad I did it and I look forward to riding down the coast in a couple of weeks. Knowing I can ride back to back does wonders to my mental ability. I can't say it enough but this ride was epic and was glad I was able to share the expirence with other several riders in the group also new to the century mark. Congrats to everyone, good to hear everyone made it ok. Now its time for me to rest up since we have our FINAL RADIO visit on Thursday, where we find out if Chris G or Mark E is to be crowned 2010 XX1090 Scott and BR cycling winner.

OMG, The final two!?

OK I don't even know where to begin. What started with 30 contestants back in June is now down to 2. And who would have known I was able to hang on as long as I did. This weeks eliminations had to be the hardest. I heard earlier this week that fellow finalist Keith Jensen had to pull out of the running for the covenant Scott and BR radio champion. I was surprised and kind of disappointed since he put in a lot of mileage during his 24 hour bike ride with Group 1 Leader Joe Weickgenant. I hope to one day be able to ride Double and Triple Centuries like he does. With Keith giving up his spot, what was once five contestants before the XX1090 promotional challenge is now down to four. Which means that by the end of the radio show today, we will know who will be that much closer in winning the top spot as the 2010 XX1090 Scott and BR radio winner.
The group has gotten accustomed to how the radio spot works. We knew it was going to be fast and if you blink or used the bathroom at the wrong time you can miss it. I made sure the little one was awake and ready to get out the door by 6:30am. By 6:50 I could hear Scott getting ready to "bobbit" two more radio riders. This is what we as radio riders has been working for the past 4 months, not to have you name called...Scott and BR typically get the stress level up by fumbling with the child proof envelopes on air....then the fourth place finalist was announced....Danielle Weickgenant, had been eliminated....but just as fast as Danielle's name was called, the second envelope was handed and then the name was read.....Brian Meyers, had been eliminated. I was waiting for some dramatic change or surprise to the name but nothing.
Scott and BR just went on to the next segment. WOW! So the last two finalist are Chris Glossner and Myself. Chris, last years radio contestant who had to drop out last year due to medical reason was on a mission this year for getting that final spot. So much so, that he started his fundraising campaign right before the actual MDC rides even began. Assuring himself that if he was not chosen, he will still be able to make the ride down the coast come October.
I still, as I am writing this blog can not believe to have made it this far. I know I have done a lot in this contest that has made me put myself out there and have helped my team whenever they have needed me, but I am still in awe. Danielle and Brian are both amazing riders and are great to be around. Danielle was always there to offer a hand with any group project that needed attention. Even during work she took the time to help us out. Brian as well went above and beyond, printing most if not all the flyers for our fundraisers and starting the team blog page and basically became the webmaster of the Scott and BR cycling team.
Since there is still a chance that Brian and Danielle can go to SF, I will try my best to collect more funds as much as possible so the next radio rider can make the trip. For the G3 Riders and Ride leaders that heard me promise something on week 17 ride if I make the top 3 at least. You will see this weekend that I am man of my word. This contest has been a very humbling experience and one I would most certainly never forget.

XX1090 CAF Promotion challenge

Good Evening Friends. I wasn't able to make it to Week 18 Fallbrook ride due to prior engagements in Northern California. This was the last long scheduled ride before the back to back century ride. The week before I left for wedding, we had a scheduled radio visit. The radio group was advised that there were would be two contestants eliminated. This was difficult to imagine since we have gotten really close and everyone is working hard to make sure everyone is able to go on this amazing trip.
During the live XX1090 Scott and BR show broadcast, we were individually handed envelopes with names. Brian was called first, who called Danielle's. Oh no! Could it be that our lone woman of the group was "bobbetted". Then Keith was called second, who announced Brian's was eliminated as well. Can't be Brian the Blog Guru and website expert and Danielle, the group some what appointed secretary / admin really ousted....No so fast....Scott then called yours truly "me" to the mic and had me open an envelope as well? Could it be, three radio contestants gone after today? I opened the envelope and it had Chris Glossner's name on it. Automatically I was excited knowing me and Keith's names weren't called yet. But at the same time skeptical since this is a radio show and there were NO RULES. When Chris was given an envelope to open, I knew that we all had to somehow eliminate each other. Sure enough Chris eliminated Keith. Then Danielle was given the last envelope with...my name on it? Scott said all 5 remaining contestants had been eliminated which was the bad news.
The good news was that since we all were equally eliminated, we were all given a second chance to continue on. Though there was a catch. The group was given XX1090 banners to get our creative blood flowing and promote the radio station and CAF. This task was limited individual contestants so we could not combine efforts to promote the station. What was I to do since I was going be out of town. And this week's ride and wouldn't even be in San Diego to promote the station. I had a daunting task ahead of me. But with a little brainstorming session, maybe a trip out of San Diego was a blessing in disguise.
Scott had mentioned numerous times that the station signal could reach the Bay Area. Once I got there, I turned on the radio and to my surprise there it was, xx1090 AM reaching San Francisco. Next, I wanted to make sure I got people's attention without having to be loud or have banners all around me to get noticed. I came up with a super hero character name XX Super Cyclist. The costume was fairly simple, a banner used as a cape, a wiffle ball bat with the banners and of course, San Diego sports team paraphernalia along with my CAF cycling gear and my character was born.

I lived in the city of Sunnyvale just 40 minutes southeast of SF. So I am quite familiar with their sport teams. Since I am football fanatic at heart, I decided to visit Candlestick park or Monster park. It was way too early as the pictures were not coming out as great as I anticipated. Next was where the SF Giants, AT&T Park.


If your not baseball fan, I am sure you might have heard at least the Padre's are vying for a spot in the playoffs. With the San Francisco Giants in our review mirror,what better time to rally behind the Friar boys. I walked around the park and was greeted by several walkers, bikers and runners. I also got the attention of morning commuters since it was still a weekday. Took pictures with Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichals all along the park.

I then continued to Pier 39 for several other SF landmarks such as the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli and the Beach St Cable Car turnabout. Not to mention there were plenty of people walking around to see how desperate San Diegans could get in order to promote a radio station. I loved the peddling for CAF contributions. I might have not netted much but at least people saw me and no other street performers to take the crowd. Lombard street was several blocks up but I knew it was worth the trip since it's the only Zig-Zag street of it's kind in California as far as I know.
After several more photo ops, I decided to pack up and make our way to the famous Golden Gate bridge. The problem being its San Francisco the fog pretty much hindered any photo opportunity I had of the famous bridge. If you've visited the city between fall and winter seasons, you know what I mean.
I then decided to end our day in Oakland -Alameda Stadium, some of you might know it as Mcafee Stadium or The BLACK HOLE. That's right, Raider nations infamous stadium. Along side Oracle arena where the Golden State Warriors call home. I have never felt so scared in my life wearing a charger jersey in a stadium. I can only imagine if there were 50,000 screaming raider fans and it was game day what would happen to me. At least I get to say I wore my charger gear in McAfee stadium, with being stabbed, kicked or spit on.


When I got back to San Diego, I decided to also get my daughter involved. So XX Super Cyclist was back in town with trusty sidekick Win in tow around Mission Bay. With the XX1090 / CAF SAG wagon prepped and ready to go, We went up and down the bay waving the XX1090 flag and Win saying hi to every man, woman, child and even dog that passed us. Thanks for your enthusiasm Winter, you make a great sidekick.


After running around the Bay Area, Mission Bay and 800+ photographs later. I was ready to call it a day. Coming into this weeks task I was really hesitant and reluctant on how successful the outcome would be. I just wanted to know I gave it all I got and Scott mentioned "be yourself". I hope to show that through the pictures I took I can promote XX1090 and CAF in a tasteful and yet fun way. I think I was able to accomplish both at the same time.

If you would like to see more videos. Please click on my youtube pages to the right of the page.