Progress Report: Fund Raising for Make-A-Wish

Good morning, I was just listening to sports radio so i will write this as a sports radio host would. I'm not so sure i can't be happier about the total we've raised for Make a Wish so far (If you listen to sports radio have you noticed this ? Where do they find these guys). Translation: I'm elated with the donations. To date the total donations are $22,955. We are $2545.00 from granting 4 wishes to children with life threatening diseases. I will be taking donations throughout my ride. I am doing this because i plan to post pictures of me exhausted after riding 100 miles. Maybe seeing these pictures will cause you to feel sorry for me and donate. Or, maybe not. 

Thanks to all the generous people who have donated and to the companies who have donated products and services to my ride. I am extremely grateful. 

if you wish to donate you can do so here 

http://friends.wish.org/054-000/page/David-Weiss/Riding-for-Wishes.htm 

Of course this is not actually me as i don't have hair but you get the picture

Gong Show (or ceremony)

Hi All, In Europe a gong is used to open the financial Markets. Bell, gong, triangle, cowbell, pan flute, as long as it makes a noise whats the difference. Nasdaq does some sort of book signing thing to open the market (boring:). Anyway, on June 8 our Amsterdam market has booked me to participate in their opening ceremony, which includes me hitting the gong with a mallet. The ceremony will be broadcast on European financial channels so i have been watching gong show clips on you tube to hone my technique. Pretty sure i have it down. It will be a two handed backhand similar to what Agassi used in all the US Opens against Pete Sampras. If i miss the giant gong i've been told i can take more swings but i only get ten seconds to make contact. fingers crossed.

A gong

First Long Ride on the new Bike

I rode up to pound ridge on the Bike today, it was about 40 miles round trip. Wow, fantastic bike for touring. took it easy and was able to pedal up the hills without a ton of effort.  Only strange thing was getting to the gear shifters on the bar ends. Very old school but with thirty gears i think thats all they could do. By the end it worked out just fine.

Rewarding myself with Haagen Dazs Lemon and Mango sorbet (see below, delicious)

                                                 And me after the ride and a warm shower.

Bike, More Nice Folks, and Eggy Bread

The bike that will take me on my journey. She's all dialed in and ready. Ordered new Ortlieb panniers and tons of tubes today. About 6 weeks away from beginning the ride. 

If i don't get Chimayfaced in Belgium I am confident i can do it in 7 days. 

More nice people at Wilton outdoor sports offered to disassemble the bike and pack it for the fedex folks, Free of charge. Its nice to run in to nice people considering i work with a bunch of bums (kidding !) 

how do you say French toast in French ? Do they call it eggy bread like the english ? 

Rain and Such

  

Rode 25 Miles in the rain last night. Funny how it works. started raining a half mile into my ride and stopped a half mile from the end. Another good thing about being bald.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my two beautiful daughters who mean so much to me and inspire me. I love them both very much.

Kate (3 years old)

Adele (9 years old)

Dad and Kate

Dad And Adele

Alternative Training Workouts

For any of you folks attempting to train for a long ride when you leave for work before it gets light and get home close to or after sundown i have a great indoor workout.

I have an Erg (rowing machine) which is traditionally used by people who train for sculling or crew. But it can be used for other things as it really hits all major muscles and provides a great cardio workout. There are workouts that are designed specifically for cyclists. here is the workout  i did tonight:

5 minute warmup with a quick rest afterwards to stretch.
Row steadily for 8 minutes with 20 stroke hurts at 4 and 7 minutes.
row easily for 2 minutes.
row steadily for 7 minutes with 20 stroke hurts at 2, 4, and 6 minutes
row easily for 2 minutes
row steadily for 6 minutes at a higher intensity with 10 stroke hurts every minute.
row easily for 5 minutes to cool down.
after the 5 minutes i added 10 more minutes at about 2:25 1000 meter splits.

really concentrate on using your legs as this is really the correct stroke anyway. It really build up the legs, back, shoulders, arms, abs, etc.. while providing and excellent cardio workout.

Concept 2 Erg. Good stuff

50 Miles on Saturday

I rode 50 miles in CT on Saturday and unfortunately decided it would be a good idea to choose the route with the most hills. I guess for training purposes it was a good idea but my legs are pissed at me. Connecticut is definitely the right place to train for long rides. Many types of hills. rolling, long and steep, long and medium grade, etc..

Donated Bicycle and Shipping

Hi, I would like to thank all the folks at Bicycling Magazine and specifically Chris Lambiase and Nick Sowards for donating a 2012 Jamis Aurora Elite Touring Bike for my ride. And thanks to Jamis for manufacturing such a great bike. Its perfectly setup for this ride. 30 gears with a strong frame to hold my gear and a very comfortable riding position. I need all the help i can get ;)

I would also like to thank FedEx for shipping my bike and gear free of charge to Amsterdam and from Paris back to the states. Its very generous of them and have enjoyed working with Scott Fiedler and his crew coordinating this.

The children who benefit from the generous donations most important but its events like this that make one realize there are so many wonderfully caring people out there who want to help.

Thank you everyone !

Donated Jamis Touring Bike

Make a Wish Ride 2012

Hi all, I have been working with The Make A Wish Foundation for the past 12 years. I've planned rides and completed self supported bicycle rides to raise money for Make a Wish. Make a Wish grants wishes to children who suffer from life threatening diseases. over the past 12 years i have completed 4 rides and raised nearly $70,000. 

This year i am getting back on the road. After riding down most of the east and west coast of the US i've decided to take it oversea this time. On June 8 i will depart from Amsterdam and ride south to Paris France. I estimate the ride to be 550 miles and plan to finish in 7 days or less. 

Through the generosity of colleagues, friends, and family, we have been able to raise over $21,000. If we can get to $25,500 before i leave on June 8 we will have enough money to grant 3 wishes to children with life threatening diseases. If we get there, a very generous person will donate enough to get us an additional wish. Its very simple, these children are very sick, they need something to make them smile and be happy, and together we can do it. If you would like to donate you can go to my make a wish site. I would be very grateful for all donations  

Donation Page = http://friends.wish.org/054-000/page/David-Weiss/Riding-for-Wishes.htm

Blog Page = http://davemawride.blogspot.com/

Make a Wish Kid Catherine Mara at the NYSE

Thank You, 

Dave Weiss