As I enter the month of December I needed 320 miles to get to 4,000 miles.. I felt confident I would get to 4,000 miles.. But I was looking at alot of work and I had to stay focus.. As we all know December is a cold month.. There was plenty of time I could of talked myself out of a ride.. Most of the time its not the tempeture that gets you.. Its the wind.. It doesn't matter how many layers I wear.. When the wind can gust up to 20-25 miles it can make it alot colder.. temps that just eats at you.. The 1st weekend I did over 100 miles putting me in good position.. the 2nd week I did 71 miles putting me less than 150 miles.. the 3rd week I did only 40 miles.. As of December 18th I only needed 109 miles and looking good.. But 2 things happenned.. I could fell myself getting sick and it was rainning alot more.. especially when I could ride.. plus the shortest days with the least amout of sunshine.. so 6 days latter I still haven't been on the bike.. So I knew in order for me to get to 4,000 miles.. I needed to go to the docter so on December 24th early in the morning I went to Urgent Care.. So I could get the medicine I needed to feel better.. I also thought doing over 100 miles in the final week would be only fitting.. On Christmas Day.. still not feeling good I went out for a 21 mile bike ride.. the next day.. My neighbors Ray, Mike, and I did a 21 mile ride.. Its always great to ride with friends.. After these rides I only needed 68 miles.. On Thursday I was able to get a solo 15 mile ride.. Then Friday I got a solo 19 mile ride.. this ride was a fast pace ride.. I hit a rythem early and never let up.. I only wanted to do 15 miles.. but I stayed out for a extra 4 miles.. even though it was dark.. I was starting to feel alot better.. So here we are.. On Saturday, December 31st needing 33 miles for 4,000 miles for the year.. My friend Scott called me 2 weeks earlier saying he wanted to be with me when I pass 4,000mi.. So we met at Jim's house at 11am.. The weather was awesome.. around 60 degrees and sunny.. Scott says to Jim and I he had a surprise for us.. so when we hit 4,000mi. we pull over.. Couldn't help me think what is Scott up to.. alittle more than 2 hours later.. we hit 4,000 miles.. we pulled over for alittle high five.. when Scott pulled out a bottle of champange and glasses.. we had a toast to health, family, and friends.. What a great idea Scott had.. We finished with 48 miles.. putting me at 4,015 miles for the year 2011.. Not only did I pass 4,000 miles.. I finished with 125 miles for the week and 334 miles for the month.. What a phenomenal year for cycling.. Back in January I would of been happy passing 3,000 miles.. When I looked at a map.. 4,015 miles is like getting in my car in Waxhaw, NC.. and driving to Alaska.. thats along ways.. who knows whats in store for 2012.. Today I turn 51 years old.. And I've been blessed with a great gift.. and thats my health.. God bless America.. I like to wish everyone a blessed 2012.. Be Safe..
My friend Ray said it best.. 3rd time is the charm.. This will be my 3rd "24 Hours of Booty" ride.. this time I will make no promise of miles or funraising goal.. I will raise money.. but I'm going to enjoy the event.. Hopefully its under 100 degrees, last time it was closer to 110 degrees.. Cycling is my thing.. I'm very passionate about cycling.. Its not my favorite thing to ask for money for charity.. but I do.. cause I'm trying to turn my passion into money.. to help people who have come down with a cancer.. This will be my 5th cycling event.. where you were required to raise money.. I've personally raised over $5000 for a variety of charities.. Personally, I love challenges.. If I can turn a challenge into money for cancer or a organazition who helps people.. I'm up for it.. One idea is to bicycle ride from Charlotte NC to Charleston SC.. Leaving Charlotte NC at sunrise and arrive at Charleston SC before sunset.. same day.. Well getting back to the event "24 Hours of Booty".. It doesn't matter if I train or not I will do 200 plus miles.. My team (Diamond Springs) will just go with the flow.. I like the idea of bicycling the 24 hours and letting miles add up.. And letting the dollars add up.. so if any one can find $5, $10, or $25 please let me know.. or you can support my team or me.. This is only one of a hand full of 24 hour events.. this will not be the last time I mention this.. be safe...