Mountain bike and cyclocross star Ryan Trebon, who just captured the Short Track National Championship will join the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle on September 4. To join Ryan in making a difference visit http://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/.
More information coming.
Join the Women's Cycling Challenge for women's specific training ROAD rides departing from InCycle – Pasadena every Wednesday evening beginning 7/25 and departing promptly at 6:00pm during daylight savings time.
Ride: Pasadena and surrounding areas. Ride varies each week and will cover different riding aspects as we train for the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle or if you simply want to improve your cycling… PLEASE JOIN US!
When: Every Wednesday starting on 7/25 and will start promptly at 6:00pm for approximately 1.5 hours. ** Meet at InCycle Pasadena (Green Street Parking lot).
Where: All training rides will depart from InCycle Pasadena.
**Helmets required. Bring plenty of water, spare tube/tire kit for quick repairs.
Did it seem like they were going to bust a different contender each day?
Was it the best Tour de France ever?
Who looked like a star of the future?
Favorite team?
Best stage?
Who was the star of this year's Tour de France?
Are you more likely, less likely, not at all likely, very likely or have no opinion toward obtaining your own homologous blood transfusion?
Let us know!
Please take a minute to fill out this form to reserve your transportation options. The following is the schedule of available options.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7* - Best Buddies is offering a shuttle for rider coming from Southern California. The shuttle will depart from the Hearst Beach parking area in San Simeon, located directly across Highway One from the Hearst Castle, (overnight, secure parking is provided) at 12:00 PM going directly to Carmel where riders will have an opportunity to register. This shuttle will then depart to Monterey making one stop at the Casa Munras and Travelodge Hotel (please visit our Lodging page for hotel contact information) all riders taking this shuttle should make plans to stay at one of the above hotels. We will also have a shuttle that picks these riders up at 4:45 AM on Saturday and brings them to the start line.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - In addition to the traditional 9:00 PM, post party shuttle back to the 15 and 100-mile Start Lines, Best Buddies has added a 5:30 PM return shuttle* to both the 15 and 100-mile Start Lines. Please note that the 5:30 shuttle does NOT allow any time to attend the post-ride BBQ and concert.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 - Just as in the past Best Buddies will have a 1:00 PM shuttle back to the 15 and 100-mile Start Lines.
*Both the Friday Shuttle and Saturday's 5:30 PM shuttle have limited availability and will be given on a first come, first serve basis.
The SCNA Women's Cycling Challenge is holding a Training Ride and cycling clinic this Saturday, July 28.
The event, held in conjunction with Jax Bicycle Center and Best Buddies will be held at the Jax Bicycle Center in Long Beach at 3000 Bellflower Boulevard. It will feature a 8:00 am Ladies Ride (Beginner & Moderate Paced) followed by a 10:30am continental Breakfast & Tech Tips Clinic that will cover topics such as how to fix flats fast, bike check 101, the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle and women specific training tips from Carmichael Training Systems. Special guests include Paramount Racing Women’s Team. Afterward there will be a benefit drawing and silent auction.
Sponsors of the ride and clinic include Jax Bicycle Center, Best Buddies, ClifBar, Carmichael Training Systems, Detroit Coffee and Kool n' Fit Sport.
All levels of riders are encouraged to attend and helmets required. Bring a friend and be automatically entered into our grand prize drawing!
Hope to see you SoCal riders there!
Contact Dorothy for more information.
Quite the Tuesday--Alexander Vinokourov and Lindsay Lohan were both busted earlier today.
Tour officials revealed this morning that the 31-year-old Kazakh's blood test, taken after his victory in stage 13's time trial, revealed signs of homologous blood transfusion. Vinokourov and his team, Astana, were promptly ejected from the Tour in yet another sad recent chapter in the cycling the world.
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Los Angeles Police Department announced earlier this morning that Lindsay Lohan, and actress from movies such as "Mean Girls" and the upcoming "I Know Who Killed Me" was arrested early this morning and charged DUI and possession of drugs. She was released earlier today on $25,000 bail in yet another obvious chapter in the celebrity world.
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Get on our 
, and keep up to date on training rides and other important dates for the 2007 ABBC: HC.
In today's stage 11, Axel finished with the second group 3 minutes and 20 seconds down on stage winner Robbie Hunter as the peleton was split by echelons some 50 miles out from the line. He's now in 75th place, 58 minutes and 59 seconds behind yellow jersey Michael Rasmussen who comfortably finished in the front group.
The big loser today was Frenchman Christophe Moreau of AG2R. Moreau, who in June won the prestigious Dauphine Libere had been displaying some excellent form and was a clear favorite for the overall. It was Moreau who lit up the race in stage 8, repeatedly attacking the leaders on the final climb only to be chased down by Alejandro Valverde of Caisse Espagne and Cadel Evans of Predictor-Lotto.
The big victim of Moreau's relentless attacks on stage 8 was race favorite Alexander Vinikourov who was the victim of a crash earlier in the week that left him bruised and bandaged.
Earlier in today's stage Moreau tangled with one of his own AG2R teammates and was at the back of the field being attended to by the doctor's car when Astana, the Kazakhstan rider Vininkourov's team, lit up the front and split the field. Astana continued to drive the pace and were soon joined by the likes of Discovery. By the end of the stage Moreau, along with CSC co-leader Frank Schleck of Luxembourg, had lost over 3 minutes and he tumbled down the standings to 14th place, 6 minutes and 38 seconds back.
As fellow Kazkah Borat might say "Very nice.....NOT!!"
Read more
What do you think, were Astana's tatics fair? Do they need be fair? Let us know by Commenting here.
Here are all the details for the T-Mobile get together/ training ride from Michael Edwards. Remember all are welcome.
NOTE: START TIME CHANGE
Remember this is not a race, just training. Ride at your own pace.
We’ll meet at the Orinda Bart Station (www.bart.org) around 8:30am for an 8:45 start time.
This route is about half the distance (49miles) and over half the climbing (3500+) of the Best Buddies 100m route. THIS IS NOT A FLAT RIDE.
Be sure to bring the following:
- Spare tube and/or patch kit
- Bike Pump
- Helmet
- Water
- Snacks i.e. Banana, Bar, Gels or whatever.
All are welcome.
Also, on Saturday August 4th, the Marin Cyclist is having their annual Marin Century Ride. If you’ve never done a large organized ride before, here’s a good on to start with http://www.sextonarts.com/marincentury/ . It has different routes for different experience levels.
Comment or Email DylanTaylor@BestBuddies.org for Route guide and more info.
In the wake of team leader Michael Rogers loss and the inexperience of the talented youngster Linus Gerdemann, Axel has taken over as captain of the T-Mobile.
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Axel finished stage 10 comfortably and now sits in 73rd place, 55' 39" back of yellow jersey Michael Rasmussen of the Rabobank team.
In other T-Mobile news is was announced this morning that German rider Patrick Sinkewitz falied an out of competition doping test. The test was taken June 8 during a T-Mobile training camp. Sinkewitz's A sample returned a raised testosterone level. He was immediately suspended indefinitely by T-Mobile. Sinkewitz was already out of the Tour having collided with a spectator following Sunday's stage 8.
While this is undoubtedly more bad news for T-Mobile, having lost captain Rogers to a crash while he was virtually leading the Tour, it's even worse for German cycling fans. The country's TV networks have suspended their coverage of the Tour, making good on a threat they'd voiced at the beginning of the race.
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Axel and the rest of the riders are enjoying a well needed rest after two tough stages in the Alps.
In yesterday's stage 8, T-Mobile lost their captain Aussie Micahel Rogers to a dislocated elbow that he suffered in a crash on a descent. At the time Rogers was looking strong in a chase group that included eventual stage winner Michael Rassmusen and was the virtuel maillot jaune.
After the crash Axel kept the yellow jeresey, Linus Gerdemann, in contention and in control of the maillot blanc (white jersey of the best overall rider under 25), pacing him as far up the climb as he good.
Currently Merckx is in 67th place at 33' 31" back and the young, outspoke anti-doping advocate Gerdemann is in 2nd at 43".
Allez Merckx! Allez Gerdemann! Allez T-Mobile!
The San Francisco Bike Coalition is hosting the San Francisco stop of New Belgium Brewing Company's Tour de Fat this Saturday, July 21 at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park.
The "Ballyhoo of Bikes and Beer" will feature a number of fun rides from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and old-style revival with performances by The Sprockettes, a minibike dance troupe from Portland; The Handsome Little Devils, a retro-vaudeville act; and the Mission's own Lord Loves a Working Man, a nine-piece Southern Soul and 60's R&B band.
Costumes and bike decorations are suggested.
Get out and ride!
All the relevant info
From Michael Edwards:
Grizzly Peak Cyclists Monthly Metric: Heart's Desire
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Miller Creek Community Center for 9:15 departure; or meet at 10 at Nicasio for shorter version (45miles). Ride to Heart's Desire Beach, return through Olema and Samuel P Taylor Park.
The Silver Surf in San Simeon is sold out.
Friday Lodging
Saturday Lodging
Please let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance with anything.
Who do you think will wear the yellow jersey into Paris? Let us know.
Exciting finish today with former World Champion Tom Boonen taking the finish and wresting the green jersey back from Erik Zabel. Axel Merckx , who will he riding in the ABBC: HC on September 8 is currently in 45th place overall, 1'14'' down from Fabian Cancellara of Team CSC.
Look for tomorrow's opening Alpine stage to shake things up. Go Axel!!
Two Best Buddies rides tomorrow:
At 10AM from the Fort Baker/ Bay Area Kids Museum lot - led by Beth Ercolini of Team CA - the plan is for 30 flat to moderately hilly miles (Paradise Loop) with a 12 mph to 14 mph average.
At 11AM from the Forst Baker/ Bay Area Kids Museum lot - led by Dylan Taylor of BB - the plan is for a couple of hours of flat to moderately hilly riding with a steady pace. Late start so we can all watch the end of the Tour stage.
Email DylanTaylor@BestBuddies.org for more information.
Nancy Yu, of Team T-Mobile, invites everyone to a few Friday rides that she's running.
FRI JUL 13 5/TM/46 Temescal Loop
Meet at the Lake Temescal parking lot off Broadway in Oakland for a prompt 10 a.m. departure. We will ride thru Montclair, up BBR and Skyline. Descend Golf Links Rd into the Oakland Zoo. Lunch stop at the Bagel shop on MacArthur. Continue up Lake Chabot Rd into Castro Valley. Climb Redwood back to Skyline via Pinehurst. Descend Tunnel back to the starting point. Bring H2o, snacks and lunch or $ to buy. Questions: Nancy Yu at nancyyu7@hotmail.com or 510-697-7736.
FRI JUL 20 5/TM/38 Wildcat to S Park and Claremont
Meet at the Park & Ride lot on Castro Ranch Rd/SPDR in El Sobrante for a prompt 10 a.m. departure. We'll climb SPDR, Wildcat and S Park Dr to Grizzly Peak. Descend Tunnel Rd for lunch on Domingo St before climbing Claremont and Grizzly Peak back to Wildcat and SPDR. Questions: Nancy Yu at nancyyu7@hotmail.com or 510-697-7736.
FRI JUL 27 1.5/T/41 Point Richmond
Join me on this easy paced ride out to Pt Richmond for lunch at Little Louie's. Meet at the foot of the pedestrian bridge on Addison in Berkeley (near the Aquatic Park) for a prompt 10:00 a.m. departure. We'll ride out along Frontage Rd to the Emeryville Marina, down University and around Ceasar Chavez Park before looping back to hop on the Bay Trail out to Richmond Marina Bay. Bring H2O, snacks, lunch or $ to buy. Questions: Nancy Yu at nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com or (510) 697-7736.
Hope to see some of you guys out there.
Michael Edwards of Team T-Mobile sent in this info about some upcoming rides:
Best Buddies riders,
THIS SATURDAY, JULY 15 we’re meeting at the Miller Creek Fire Station around 9:00am for a 9:30am start time. This route is about 65 miles—flat with some very good climbs. It’s a chance to get in some distance along with some challenging climbs
Be sure to bring the following;
- Spare tube and/or patch kit
- Bike Pump
- Helmet
- Water
- Snacks i.e. Banana, Bar, Gels or whatever.
- Money
All are welcome.
Directions: Take 101 North to Lucas Valley Road, Left on Lucas Valley Rd to Miller Creek Rd and right on Miller Creek.
Also, on Saturday August 4th, the Marin Cyclist is having their annual Marin Century Ride. If you’ve never done a large organized ride before, here’s a good one to start with. It has different routes for different experience levels.
Here are a couple of other good organized tours (not races) for riders with different riding experience. They have good Sag Support and frequent rest stops.
The Tour de Max is Sunday, August 12, 2007. There are shorter distance options. A rider's account of 50+ miles of the Tour de Max 100k.
The Holstein 100 Bicycle Ride is Saturday, August 18, 2007 (3 weeks before the Best Buddies). We have signed up for the 100k route. There are shorter distance options available
Additionally, all of Team T-Mobile will be meeting Saturday July 28th. This will allow each of us to gauge ourselves a good month before the event. This is a 49 mile route with a 23 mile shorter option. All are welcome to join.
Michael
Let us know by commenting here or emailing DylanTaylor@BestBuddies.org if you’d like more information or a route map/ ride description.
Watch the Tour de France every morning live at the Velo Rouge Cafe. Velo Rouge is showing Verus coverage of every stage, live, starting when they open at 6:30 a.m. Drop by on your way to work or enjoy a leisurely weekend breakfast while watching all the action.
The excellent cafe is located at Arguello and McCallister right across from Golden Gate Park. Plenty of bike parking out front, even more great food inside (they serve Blue Bottle Coffee).
Vive Le Tour!!
Our sincerest apologies for being late in getting this up, but Bill Dykes, captain of TeamOxy, has an excellent blog.
In his words:
"This blog will keep you updated as I prepare for the various bike rides that support those in need. Next on the agenda as far as fundraising rides is the 2007 Audi Best Buddies Challenge-Hearst Castle ride from Carmel to Hearst Castle, California."
Head on over and check it out, great work Bill!
Speaking of great work by TeamOxy, the current number one fundraising team raised over $40,000 for Best Buddies with a great event in Bakersfield on June 23. The event, which featured a BBQ, silent and live auction was organized by TeamOxy member Alan White in conjunction with Taft College's Transition to Independent Living program was held at the home of Stan and Bonnie Ellis. Special thanks to everyone involved! And wait to go TeamOxy!!
The hotel information has been updated.
FRIDAY NIGHT
- Monterey Travelodge – Group Code: "BEST". When calling please ask for "Carol".
SATURDAY NIGHT
- The Best Western Cavalier has sold out.
- San Simeon Lodge – prices are now $85 - $95
- Orchid Inn – Sold out of Main Building rooms. Rooms available are at $159 + tax.
- Sands by the Sea – prices are now $69 - $79
Axel Merckx to ride in the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle
T-Mobile teammates Aaron Olson, Mari Holden, Kimberly Baldwin and Kim Anderson to join
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic medalist Axel Merckx, the son of legendary Eddy Merckx, will wrap up his season at the fourth Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle on September 8 where he’ll be joined by his T-Mobile teammates.
The 34-year-old Belgian is currently competing in his ninth Tour de France, and is the reigning Olympic Bronze medalist and winner of a stage in the 2000 Giro d’Italia. In 1998 he finished 10th in the Tour and in 2005 took a memorable, solo victory in stage five of the prestigious Dauphiné Libéré. His father, Eddy, is widely considered to be the greatest cyclist of all time, winning both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia five times.
The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle (ABBC: HC) is a five-star, charity cycling event chaired by California First Lady Maria Shriver that supports Best Buddies International, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. All of the money raised by participants in the ABBC: HC goes directly to Best Buddies programs.
Beginning at the Chateau Julien Winery in Carmel, Calif., participants head 100, 62 or 15 miles down a stunning stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway to the Hearst Castle where a one-of-a-kind celebration awaits them. At the finish riders enjoy a complimentary hot shower, professional massage, and a gourmet lunch with an open bar at the beach below the Hearst Castle. Then, they head up to the Hearst Ranch for a gourmet BBQ that’s followed by a private concert by rock legends Cheap Trick.
Joining Merckx at the event will be his American teammate Aaron Olson. T Mobile will also send members of its world class women’s team, including Mari Holden, Kimberly Baldwin and Kim Anderson. Holden is a past Olympic silver medalist and long-time Best Buddies supporter. This will be her third year participating in the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle. Baldwin is a three-time U.S National Time Trial Champion and the talented Anderson is a three-time member of the U.S. World Championship team
For more information on the ABBC: HC or to join Merckx, Holden, their teammates and hundreds of others in making a difference visit www.BestBuddiesChallenge.org or call 800.718.3536.
About Best Buddies
Best Buddies ® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment.
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,300 middle school, high school, and college campuses across the country and internationally. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States. The organization has accredited international programs on six continents with additional country programs under active development. Best Buddies six formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e -Buddies® and Jobs – will positively impact more than 350,000 individuals this year.
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