Discovery suspends Basso

Team Discovery Channel has suspended former Giro d'Italia champion Ivan Basso from competition as CONI, the Italian Olympic Committee reopened their investigation into his connection with Eufemiano Fuentes, the infamous sports doctor at the center of the Operación Puerto scandal in Spain.

Basso, who was signed in a controversial move earlier this year, was Discovery's pick to replace seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

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Is this a just move by Discovery that is good for the sport? Or, an unfair example of the dangerous game of "guilty until proved innocent" that violates an athletes rights and hurts competition? What do you think?

UPDATE - Basso and Discovery part ways, Operation Puerto reopens and Hamilton named again

Matching Gifts and Avoiding Spam

Matching Gifts

We've just added a section on matching gifts to the website. Check out Matching Gifts to find out what and who they are, how to utilize them and the procedure for applying them to your fundraising.


How to Avoid Spam

Are you having trouble with your donation request e-mails not reaching their intended destination? They may have been labeled as spam.

E-mail spam involves sending nearly identical messages to numerous recipients by e-mail. Spam is basically any unsolicited bulk e-mail.
Depending on the subject line, certain words and terms used within the body of your e-mail message and the recipients email account provider, your message can trigger spam filters.


There are a number of ways to help your e-mails get through the filters. You can contact--via phone or some other forgotten primitive means--your friends and family, asking to be put on there safe-list. Avoid use of phrases that directly request money. "Give $50" for example. Some filters can be avoided simply by writing out fifty dollars.

Try not to use words and phrases commonly used in spam solicitations such as "dear friend", "amazing", "promise you" and "click here". In addition, avoid attachments and using HTML in your messages.

If you still are having trouble, use Lyris.com's free Content Checker which, using the universal rules of Spam Assassin--a program regarded as one of the most effective spam filters. Simply enter your message text and it will tell you how your e-mail scores as well as suggests some changes to make.



As always, if you have comments or questions regarding these subjects or anything about the ride, please let us know. Post it here or contact us.

New title sponsor

After many great years of wonderful support by Volvo, the BBC: HC has a new title sponsor, Audi.

While we'll fill you in on all that means to you shortly, check out their cars at here in the meantime. Just watch your keyboard doesn't get too much drool on it.

This year, don't forget the kids

After last year's ride we got a lot of response from people who wanted to bring their families but couldn't justify the high fundraising commitment. In an effort to meet the needs and desires of our riders, we've introduced the Cycling Family Registration, a special fundraising rate specifically for families.

The Cycling Family rate includes four ride registrations, limited edition cycling jerseys, gift bags with premium items tour of the Hearst Castle and admissions to the post-ride party for two adults (19 and over) and two children (18 and under). The registration fee is $200.00 for all four participants and the fundraising commitment is $3500.00. Sign up here!

Bear with us

This is a work in progress which, we will have up to par shortly.

While we may not have daily, snarky commentary, we will endeavor to provide continually updated information on the BBC: HC, Best Buddies and related goings on, while offering a space for you to share your opinions, suggestions, experiences and/ or snarky commentary.

Thanks,
The Rides Team