Opening Blog Message

Hello and welcome to my "Training to Make a Difference - 2009" blog. The objective of this my first blog twofold. First, it will serve as a chronicle my training efforts on behalf of the charities I have chosen to support this year. Second, the blog will inform from time to time about the specific charities I have chosen.

Today is my first ever blog entry and it focus on my first "official" training ride of the season. The ride was a leisurely 20 mile effort undertaken in mid-60s weather in January. The weather was fantastic after all the freezes of 30 degrees over the last month or so.

I have a ton of work to do on the bike so that I can get into condition to take part in four cycling fundraising events. The first is the "Breakaway from Cancer" coming in February in San Francisco. The second ride supports "Best Buddies" an organization that assists those with intellectual disabilities. This ride take place in Cape Cod, MA on May 30, 2009. For my third effort, I will captain the Hill Physicians Medical Group team at the May 2009 Tour de Cure which raises funds in support of those who suffer from diabetes. My final cycling effort of the year is Team in Training's - America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Team in Training serves the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raises funds and awareness for those with blood-related cancers. These are cancers that primarily impact children, but do not discriminate and attack adults as well. I work as a mentor to assist participants to have decided to "pick a fight with cancer".

I hope you will view this blog from time to time and both enjoy the posts and be inspired to give, participate, or both.

May 2009 find all who view this blog happy, healthy, and thankful.

Cheers,

Jeff