ALMOST TIME

i will be on the road in 48 hours. Only rode 10 miles today at a slow pace. Had patients today, then did radio talk show on 94.3 ( Greenville Grapevine with Jennifer Little) to promote the ride.  We put up a banner by the road in front of the office  with the website on it.  Debbie also had cards made up with the website, blogsite and how to donate on them. We passed some out to parents at work today but they are mainly for Cody and I to pass out as we run into curious people along the way. We have patients tomorrow but it will be a final packing day and time for tying up loose ends. I am doing a presentation for the kids at the Boy and Girls Club after work. Going to teach them about "paying it forward", and i will give a new bicycle to the child who shows the most promise with many "random acts of kindness" in the month of May.

5 Days to Go

THE RIDE
Last week i rode 580 miles on my road bike. With only 5 days to go its time to start letting the legs start to reenergize.  Marathoners call it tapering. Getting in shape for any athletic event occurs weeks, even months before the event; with biking, the long rides , the speed rides, the rides with groups and especially the endurance rides ( those long lonely rides by yourself for 5-7 hours) are what allow you to take on a 1200 mile challenge. One can not improve his skills, talent, speed or endurance in the week before, the only thing that can happen are injuries. So today i rode to Hamilton, a short 60 mile ride and came home and started packing, went to The Bicycle Post and got final tuning on both bikes. Tomorrow will be 30 miles, Sunday 20, Monday and Tuesday 10-15 miles, and Wednesday May 2 I leave for Key West.

THE PURPOSE
Last night many attended a big fundraiser for the 5 Pitt County Boys and Girls Clubs. Easily the highlight was  listening to Kirk Dominick give an account of how he went from the lowest part of his life to eventually becoming the national runner up for Boys and Girls Club youth of the year, but more so how the club shaped his character, values and life skills. The B and G Clubs allow disadvantaged kids that chance to make a better life for themselves by academic development, teaching healthy lifestyles and character development. Closing my orthodontic office and undertaking this physical challenge is really a fundraiser plus a chance to talk to 2000 kids at 10 different clubs between Greenville NC and Key West Florida. Please make a donation to help make a difference for these kids. Moneys will go to the Boys and Girls Club of your choice or funds will be divided up amongst the clubs.

.........more to come   Dennis

The Purpose

"Riding For a Reason" is an opportunity to raise awareness for the Boys and Girls Clubs on the east coast of the United States.  On Wednesday May 2nd, I will be leaving on my bicycle from my orthodontic office on a 1200 mile journey from Greenville, North Carolina to Key West, Florida.  My goal is to raise $100,000 to distribute to the various clubs on my route. Donations made will remain in the state from which you reside to benefit the Boys and Girls clubs locally. However, if you would like to have your donation benefit a club not on my route, you may specify that in a memo line.  I will also be doing a presentation at each club on health, nutrition, bicycle safety, and oral health.  Some of the anticipated stops along the way include:  Myrtle Beach, SC; Savannah, GA; Jacksonville, FL; Merritt Island FL; Palm Beach, FL; Miami, FL; and Key West, FL.  Please make a difference and donate to such a great cause!