I have been cycling regularly and feel pretty good about my progress to this point. I've ridden in nearly 100 degree weather and torrential downpours and both were fun. Have to get busy fundraising though.

I did take a little time off from cycling to walk in the Race for the Cure in Taft, CA to help raise funds for cancer research. It was a great event and had the best time walking with and visiting with great friends. Thanks to Sarah and Beth for getting me involved! They're the best!!!

Just signed up for the 2009 Best Buddies Challenge - Hearst Castle the weekend after Labor Day. For anyone who has never ridden this ride, it is one of the best anywhere and I highly recommend it. Not only do you get a great ride but you also help a great cause. Riders are also treated to great food (bbq at Hearst Ranch) and a first class private concert (Blackeyed Peas 2008) and tour of Hearst Castle. This year's band is yet to be announced but they will be a headliner again. For those who don't ride there are family rates, runner, walker rates and this year, Sebastian Siegel (now appearing on LOST) will lead TeamOxy's runners and walkers as part of the team. Hope to see you participating and for those who can't I hope you'll become one of my sponsors for the event. Just click on the donate link to the right. Training starts today!

Senator Rodney Ellis after a ride around Havana on Easter Sunday before mass at the National Cathedral. Only one bike available..... :-(

Not much success at either since my last post but I promise to try. Missed the BPMS150, was in California. Ended up being a one day affair though. Too much rain on Saturday. Work has to start now to get ready for the Best Buddies HC ride in September. I have lost 6 lbs so time to build on that and get in real shape for the 8,000+ feet of elevation change.

I desperately need to not only update this blog but get my butt back on the bike!!!!

Sorry for the delay in updates to the site. With hurricane Ike hitting Houston upon my arrival and not having power it's slowed updates. I have a generator running and broadband is back up so I'll update the blog this week with some great content and photos. Off to clear the tree limbs out of the back yard now. Look for more on the Best Buddies Hearst Castle ride this weekend. I might even throw in some hurricane photos taken from my bike. They're becoming more fashionable in the neighborhoods with the power off and gas stations closed.

Tonight was the kick off for the Best Buddies Challenge with a VIP reception hosted by California First Lady, Maria Shriver at Chateau Julian Winery in Carmel. Every year this event reaches new heights. This year the event was again attended by Clint Eastwood, Rob and Cheryl Lowe, Carl Lewis, The Shriver family, Senator Rodney Ellis and others. We all enjoyed several songs performed by Kenny G who attended with his family.

Kenny G and one of the buddies from Seattle

Tomorrow morning the 100 mile ride kicks off at 7am, headed south to Hearst Ranch in San Simeon. The rides are great, but for those running, it will be a once in a lifetime experience, Carl Lewis will be leading the run!!! Again, thanks to everyone who has donated to my participation in this event. I hope to see those funds continue to grow throughout the weekend. Thank you so much!

What a great day! The wonderful folks to the right added another $2000+ to the fundraising. You and those others on the list are just incredible. Your contributions mean so much to the Buddies. It's going to be a great weekend and great success for Best Buddies as well as the Taft College Transition to Living program.

In addition to the record funds we have raised this year for Best Buddies, the Best Buddies organization has made a significant donation back to the Taft College TIL program in support of the Buddies associated with their incredible program.

I hope to see our fundraising total continue to grow through the ride and beyond. Donations may be made through the month of September.

Again, thank you all for your support, from both me and all of the Buddies!!!!

I'll do my best to update the blog during the weekend so you can see the daily events.