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