7000 push ups! Knockin' em down - training for Nova Scotia

                                                                           

Back in December 2013 when I started rallying sponsors for the 2014 tour I made a promise I'd finish 10,000 military push ups in exchange for a $10,000 donation. USCCA stepped up with a generous donation and now I'm close to meeting my end of the bargain. I've been knocking out push ups since December - starting on my knees and building my repetitions from 15 to 20 to 25. Behind the scenes - I struggled during the winter months when the weather was miserable and I lost focus - but I'm back on track. Up to five sets of 30 military push ups each day - - or more!

I reached the 7,000 mark today. Feels like I've accomplishing something. I know it has definitely helped with my running and my confidence.

The tour leaves in a little over a month.  Stay tuned.....

Another nice donation

Hat tip to Duke Long, owner of Interstate Sawing Co. Inc. in West Bend, for a nice donation to the tour.
                                                                                 

Long has a strong bicycling history and I'm glad he believed in the tour to write out a nice show of support.

The extended forecast may include near 47 degrees on Sunday - - crossing my fingers that I can finally take the bike outside for a little spin!

New tour sponsor

Many thanks to the Kettle Moraine Detachment 1203 Marine Corps League for a wonderful donation and sponsorship of this year's Amazing Ride for Alzheimer's Tour.
                                                                          

To date the 2014 tour has collected $26,000 for Alzheimer's activities and entertainment at Cedar Community. Sincere thanks to the veterans at the Kettle Moraine Detachment 1203 for their support and others who have backed the tour.

Today marks 100 days and counting until I leave for Nova Scotia to pedal back to Wisconsin. I have 3,800 military push ups under my belt as I work my way towards a promised 10,000 before I leave.

Next tour - on the moon?

When I was touring in Germany in 2008 I stayed with a woman who lived in Prien am Chiemsee - about 65 miles outside Munich. She pulled me out of a cemetery as I was setting up my tent for the night. Christiane was a former flight attendant - back when stewardesses wore hats and white gloves and you could smoke on the plane. I remember she set me up with a flat in Munich a day before I flew out - it was her grandfather's place, overlooking the Englischer Garten. Christiane said, "If I ever hear of someone bicycling on the moon - I'll know it's you."

                                                                              

Spring training run - Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

Sunny skies and temps in the 50s today and FINALLY able to get a nice day of training outside!  Had this song in my head during my 5. 3-mile training run. Also a BIG sponsorship thanks to Thrivent Financial.

Seth Rogen fights for Alzheimer's research