I promised more posts and I intend to deliver. So the Tour de France has finally started and it has me jacked up to ride my bike. I got out of work a little early today so used that as an excuse to get in a little training. We went out for a 45 mile ride and averaged 17.3 mph. Not to bad for me. Won't be able to get a ride in tomorrow, gonna head down to Mattapoisett for the Mattapoisett Road Race where Annie will be ripping it up. Back for a long hilly ride on Saturday. Have a great 4th. Ride On!

So yet again I am way behind in both blogging and writing thank you notes.  If you read this I apologize.  It's been a while so what has gone on over the last couple of months.  Most importantly we (you and I) have now raised over $6,800 for the PMC and are well on our way to $9K.  There was Buddy's Bash in May.  Thank you to our sponsors who helped us raise close to $1,500 in raffle donations.  Please click on the links below and check them out.  Special thanks to Don Ball and my parents who helped with the cost of the food.  We couldn't put on this great party without your help.  And of course Annie, who does 90% of the work putting on one of the best party's of the year. 
  
Crossroads Cafe in Acton
Elements Massage
Colonial Spirits
RJ Bradley's Ski Shop
Wachusett Brewery
Littleton Sub Shop
Quail Ridge Golf Course
Marx Running and Fitness
Acton Boxborough Farmers Market
Eastern Mountain Sports - Acton

 As you can see, I have also been riding my bike.  My mileage has been pretty good but I always want more.  I am currently at 795 miles for the year.  My original goal was to be at 2000 by the PMC but I think time is going to run out on me.  My new goal is 1250.  I think that is realistic and will get me in pretty good shape.  Did I mention that Jordan has been training for the PMC 2027??

Here she is on her new Barbie bike.  Hard to believe this is her second bike and that she out grew the first.

Thanks for reading.  I am going to try to be more diligent in getting posts up.  Also, my friend Mike Dow is riding in his first PMC this year and is blogging at:  http://mdowpmc12.blogspot.com/
Check it out, it is a great read.

Ride On,
Steve

Easter!

Here is a picture of my bike at the Acton Boxborough track, newly named the Richard E Dow Track after a man that inspired me to run as hard as I could and a man who lost his struggle with cancer at much to young of an age.  I stopped by the track on my Easter morning ride.  I wasn't sure what to expect but it was both a bit sad but surprisingly a bit uplifting as well.  Uplifting because a man that meant so much to AB track, to students at ABRHS and to me will be remembered forever.  I will bring Jordan to that track when she gets older and will explain that Daddy used to run around here while Grammie and Grampy used to yell and scream.  I will also explain all the great friendships that were forged while spending countless hours running around and around (and probably fooling around a bit too!).  But most importantly I will explain to her why "Uncle Dick's" name is on the front straight and how he was a special man who inspired and mentored many. 
So I only got one ride in this weekend.  It was a 35 miler through the hills of Harvard with new team member Chris Joyce.  I am already feeling a little better and am looking forward to warmer weather and longer rides.  We had a wonderful Easter with an egg hunt, french toast and a great family dinner.  Jordan entertained during all of it.  I hope your Easter was special as well. 
Three goals to speak about. 
1.  I have raised a little under $1000 towards my goal of $9000
2.  I lost 1 lbs on my way to 159
3.  I have a total of 81 miles on the bike so far this year.


Bye for now.
Steve

First Training Weekend

So finally I got out on my bike this weekend.  Very busy weekend with two bike rides sandwiching my parents 50th anniversary.  First to explain the pic on the left.  This is what I feel like right now and especially while out on my bike Saturday.  For the riding....  My first ride of the year was a nice 18 mile ride through Harvard.  It was tough.  I am always amazed that I feel so bad on the first ride back.  My second ride was a little better.  28 miles with Team Lick and it was much more enjoyable.  Another tour of Harvard but at a much nicer pace.  We had a few new members of Team Lick out there and it was great to meet the 'new blood'.  It is going to be an amazing year!  But the real reason for the ride is to raise money to fight cancer so on Saturday morning I sent out fundraising letters.  I really am hoping to raise over $9K this year.  I also have two personal goals that I am going to share here in the hopes that a little external motivation will help me.  The first is that I would like to get in 2000 miles before the start of the PMC.  I will be tracking my progress here and can say that I am already 2% towards my goal.  The second goal is to get my weight down under 160 lbs.  This one will be a little tougher but I am committed.