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.

"Changing Gears, Changing Lives"

For the last few months I have been sharing my journey through the QMDC Scott & BR Radio Show Challenge. You've read my stories about the rides we've gone on and the bake sales I've done. I made a fool of myself advertising the Scott & BR show and CAF at Lucha Libre. Now this journey is soon coming to an end. The last email I received from last year's winner Adam Beck ended with a question "What have you done for CAF today?" I started to brainstorm and the first thing, which is something I do almost automatically everyday, was I tell someone about CAF. As I continued to think about the things I have done for CAF, it soon became a question of what has this competition done to me.
"Changing Gears, Changing Lives," is the CAF slogan. I can truly say that it has changed my life. Before this competition I was never the person to actively advocate for a cause. I would be the person who donated or actively passed along other requests for fundraising and helping causes, but never the person to initiate such an act. I am now that person. I am a volunteer and hopefully a person that my daughter can look up to and follow the path of service and good will.
Not only has it changed my life, but it has also changed the lives of others in my family. Throughout the last couple of years my wife and my daughter have been by my side helping me train for many runs and especially this competition. During the beginning stages of this competition my wife was inspired to run a half marathon. To continue with the spirit of giving and to credit her inspiration, her first half marathon will be Silverstrand in November, which benefits CAF. So when I'm not on my training rides or working, I am helping her train for her first big run.
Volunteering at the inaugural CAF Para triathlon Camp was one of the most inspiring things I've done in my entire life. Being there to help as athletes learned skills that will last them a life time was amazing. Giving me that opportunity was a blessing and I hope to continue helping whenever CAF needs me long after this competition is over.
One person who also supported me through this journey is my boss Peter. During our last fundraiser the Poker Ride, he and his daughter came out to show their support for the cause. They welcomed riders as they came to SAG #3. Peter's daughter is just starting to ride. I hope that seeing the riders that day inspires her to do more and see that anything is possible if she just tries.
As each week's ride brought lessons about riding and being a part of a team. It also brought me closer to friends I have met through this competition. We still have a month of riding till the end goal of SF to SD, so if you're a QMDC rider and I haven't met you yet, I hope I get the opportunity to meet another person who cares about this great cause.
Tomorrow is elimination day at the radio station. So I will end this post for now, and hoping that my competition is not ending tomorrow. There is so much more I have yet to learn and want to do for CAF. I have met so many amazing people and look forward to riding with all of you next week. For all of you who have taught me priceless lessons in riding and for all that continue to be an inspiration to me and my family, thank you.

2010 Poker Run Fundraiser

Welcome to the 2010 CAF Scott and BR cycling Poker Run Fundraiser. This was a very successful event not just for the financial aspect but also great since there were people we recognized from the QMDC ride group, Alumni's and as well as new smiling faces. Adam Beck (2009 Radio Winner and G2 Ride Leader) and Brian Brillo from last years radio group. Making an appearance were radio contestants Todd B and Dave M (with his son) supporting the remaining five in the group. Also from the MDC group, Chintan, Shelby, John, and Fred made it out to support the radio group. There were at least 20 diverse riders that day, I saw a mountain bike and couple of tri bikes as well. Nice to see that the message of our event not only reached the road cycling community. The ride was a moderate 39 mile loop starting from Carmel Valley, through San Dieguito Rd, 4S ranch, Penasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa and back to Carmel Valley. Several hills to give riders a bit of a challenge and for the brave souls that wanted to, we had a optional in and out ride up to the 67 via Scripps Ranch Parkway. The SAG angels for Sundays ride were Danielle and Joe (that's right I'm calling you an angel Joe for not riding), Keith's wife Esther and my angels Cristal and Winter. Thank you all for keeping us hydrated and fed throughout the route. Also a big thank you Shrek and Chocolate Muffins for keeping a 2 year old happy and entertained for most of the morning. It was great riding with several old buddies of mine that I haven't had the privilege of riding with in a long time. Educating them of what I am doing and what it was for was also a great feeling. Thanks Chris, Dave, Pat and Ben. The event ended without a hitch. No flat and accidents to report which is fantastic news. Congratulations to the winners of the poker run. Our very own Fred and Chintan won with the worst hands. John C from was the QMDC winner. A San Diego Cycling club rider wont the grand prize. All the riders were deserving of the prizes. Thank you all again for coming out and supporting CAF and the radio group.

24 Hour Scott and BR Radio ride

Earlier this month fellow radio contestant Keith Jensen made an on air commitment to Scott and BR. He proposed to ride his bike for 24 hours in hopes to get people in the radio world involved and help CAF raise funds. He was taking pledges to this trip so that it was well worth it. The weekend before the big day Keith and Joe rode up the coast to map out a route that would be safest and also well lit in a event that something was to go south. Keith mentioned he met some great riders and were able to get sponsorship along the way. While I wasn't able to take extra time off work to help pull Keith and Joe on the epic ride. I was able to help out by riding with them when I got off work. When they were on their way back from Orange county and battling a nasty head wind. They made quick pit stop in Oceanside, so I was able to meet up with them and ride down the coast till we took a nature break at Swami's. Where Esther was relived of her SAG duties and was joined by Danielle to take over. As the three of us rode down to La Jolla, we were joined by fellow radio contestants Jesse M and Dave M. We made a quick stop for a quick bite for Keith and Joe since they have been riding hell of a lot more than we have. After just minutes we made it to Fiesta Island.
This is where we spent at least 2 hours riding around safely and without traffic or head winds to worry about. The only set back is after seeing the same rock and same tree after several laps can get to you. Dave, Jesse and myself offered our fresh legs to pull while Keith and Joe continued to ride. But my ride had to be cut short, I had work the following day and had to be up in 5 hours for daddy duties as well. Brian met up with rest of the group to ride the rest of the night. They rode well into the early morning until they rode as a group to La Jolla cove where Scott was swimming for the radio station event called Great Friend and Great Whites. Thanks for giving your minds, bodies and rears for CAF and the Scott and BR cycling group. Way to take one for the team.

CAF QMDC Week 17

No, you didnt miss QMDC Week 16 post. I missed week 16 ride so I wont be able to tell you how it went, but according to my colleages, it was recovery Kelly's loop ride. I also missed out on a great post ride breakfast at the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (See Week 12).

This weeks ride is called Ranger twist, 84 miles and 3400 feet of climbing. The ride started at Solano Beach on a nice cloudy and cool morning. Up the 101 then east on the 76 bike path until we reached Bonsall for our first SAG. It's mid morning and still no sun which is a great change since typically by now the sun would have appeared beating down on us. Now comes the climbing, we headed east on Lilac towards old 395. Then travelled north until we hit Ranger Rd (Ranger Twist) the West on E Mission Rd. What I noticed in my blogs is that as the weeks pass, the blogs about climbing gets shorter and smaller. I hate to admit but to everyone out there who wants to be a better rider. The only way to get better at something is to do it over and over again. The climbs have now become easier, breathing is more controlled and legs are cramping less. Hydration and strength training also have a part in this but putting it to use every week is key. After riding down pretty back country roads where trees surround the road overhead like canopies. We where now at the second SAG. From here we have to climb smaller rollers on our way back to the coast via Vista and San Marcos. As I looked around, most of the entire group made it back together. No FLATs (See Week 15), and no accidents both mechanical and physical to the group. I have notice that the entire group and individually everyone has progressed from the training. It was great riding last week but I have to say I will be missing next weeks ride. Another wedding to attend to in Northern California. But I will be riding the back to back century the following weekend. I hope to catch everyone then.