Watch Team Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital on the road to the Hearst Castle

Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port now a century!

That's right, the 2008 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port is a little bit longer and will now be 100 miles. After eight years of 90 miles from Boston to the Cape, riders will have to push those pedals a few more miles before they can enjoy clam, lobster and The B-52's.

Check out the route map

For those looking for a shorter ride, the 20-miler is still available. See you on May 17.

ABBC: HP - The B-52's to play

Are you ready for a little "Love Shack" Hyannis Port?

That's right, the B-52's have agreed to perform at the 2008 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. The hit-makers behind "Love Shack", "Rock Lobster" and dozens of other chart toppers will be performing for participants in the ninth running of the event which will be held on Saturday, May 17 2008.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Dear Riders,

What a great ride! The fourth Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle proved to be the most successful fundraising event in the history of our organization. We can’t take credit for that--it’s you who made that possible.

You should be proud of your commitment to people with intellectual disabilities. Your hard work fundraising and training for the ride proved that you care passionately about Best Buddies and our mission. This event would not have been so successful without your contribution.

Based upon your recommendations last year, we worked hard to enhance and improve the ride overall in the key areas you recommended. For example, last year many riders suggested that we invite professional cyclists to participate in the ride and that we should look for a classic rock group to perform. As a result professional cyclists from teams, T-Mobile, CSC, Kona, Tibco and Jelly Belly participated this year along with Cheap Trick as our musical entertainment.

How did you feel about the professional cyclists participation or Cheap Trick? In an effort to continue to improve, please take a few minutes to fill out our anonymous SURVEY . The results generated from the surveys help us make improvements and enhance all aspects of our future rides. Once you've completed the survey you'll be sent a confirmation email containing directions to the picture gallery of this year's ride.

Whatever the distance you rode, and whatever the amount you raised, take heart in knowing you have made a difference in the lives of so many people with intellectual disabilities that Best Buddies serves. Thank you so much for your support of people with intellectual disabilities. We are incredibly grateful and look forward to seeing you next year!

Speaking of next year the 2008 ABBC: HC will be on September 6, the weekend after Labor Day. We know that it’s a long ways off, but if you had fun go ahead and REGISTER !

With respect and admiration,

Mark Lewis, Ride Director

Michael Collins, Ride Operations Director

Richard Fries, Marketing Director

Dylan Taylor, Regional Ride Director

Alan Sakell, Rider Financial Coordinator

CSC send David Zabriskie and Lars Michaelsen to the ABBC: HC; but the real stars are the Buddies

David Zabriskie and Lars Michaelsen of CSC join the ABBC: HC, but the real stars are the Buddies

Now you'll have the chance to ride along with a few more pros as David Zabriskie and Lars Michaelsen of Team CSC are all set to ride in the 2007 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle. Zabriskie, the only American to win a stage in all three Grand Tours (Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a Espana), is the reigning United States National Time Trial Champion and a past wearer of the yellow jersey in the Tour de France . The recently retired Michaelsen is a past stage winner of the Vuelta a Espana and twice placed fifth in Paris Roubaix .

The two CSC riders will join an all-star cast of cyclists at the 2007 ABBC: HC. T-Mobile's Belgian legend and Olympic medalist Axel Merckx, Olympic medalist Mari Holden, two-time National Champion Kimberly Baldwin, Kim Anderson and Aaron Olson, along with Jelly Belly pros Alex Candelario and Mike Jones and Kona's United States National Mountain Bike Champion, Ryan Trebon, will be riding.

Yet the real stars on the road to the Hearst Castle won't be the Tour de France veterans or the Olympic medalists, they'll be the 30 intellectually disabled Best Buddies program participants--the Buddies. Buddies like Michael Kelly, of Los Angeles, who will return to once again ride the full 100 miles with his Buddy, James Stankard of San Francisco.

Thanks to everyone's hard work fundraising, you've helped put smiles on the faces and friends on the minds of hundreds of thousands of people just like Michael who ordinarily might not have those opportunities. This year Best Buddies programs will impact more than 350,000 people with intellectual disabilities world wide, and it’s you we have to thank for that!

On behalf of Best Buddies International, we thank you for your fundraising efforts. Keep it up, and we will see you at the ride!

North California Training/ Group Ride - Saturday, August 25 - 9AM

This Saturday we will be having another BB Training Ride. Ride distance will be approximately 40 miles, terrain will be hilly and pace steady.

We will be leaving the Fort Baker/ Bay Area Kid's Museum parking lot at 9AM.

Directions to lot:

BB Bay Area Training Ride - Saturday, August 18 - 9AM

This Saturday we will be having another BB Training Ride. Ride distance will be approximately 30 miles, terrain will be hilly and pace steady.

We will be leaving the Fort Baker/ Bay Area Kid's Museum parking lot at 9AM.

Directions to lot:

Southern Califonia Cyclocross Ride and Clinic

Southern California BB Training Rides

15-mile ride route map

100-mile and 62-mile ride route maps

Discovery to disband; Brajkovic to T-Mobile; Hincapie too?

You've probably heard the news--Team Discovery will disband at the end of the year. Tailwind Sports the owner/ manager of the team has given up on the search for a new sponsor and decided to pull out of the sport.

Read More

This leaves a market flooded with riders, staff and management. Riders without a team for 2007 include recent Tour de France winner Alberto Contrador, American superstar Levi Leipheimer and American National Champion George Hincapie.

2007 Tour de Georgia winner Janez Brajkovic has already landed himself onto T-Mobile, and it's rumored that Hincapie will be headed that way himself.

Where kit do you want to see Hincapie riding in next year? What about Leipheimer?

SoCal Training Ride Tomorrow - Wednesday, August 15

Join the Women's Cycling Challenge for women's specific training ROAD rides departing from InCycle – Pasadena every Wednesday evening from now on out 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.

Lots of fun events can be found at: http://www.womenscyclingchallenge.org/
Questions: Contact - Dorothy Wong - 626/797-8950

InCycle Pasadena
E. Colorado Blvd #1 Pasadena, Ca 91106
Cannondale Test Ride Station- Full Service Repair Shop
Ladies Only 10% Discount for all WCC Ride Participants!!!

Southern California Training Ride - Wednesday, August 8

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.

Lots of fun events can be found at: www.WomensCyclingChallenge.org

Questions: Contact - Dorothy Wong - 626/797-8950

InCycle Pasadena

E. Colorado Blvd #1Pasadena, Ca 91106

Cannondale Test Ride Station- Full Service Repair Shop

Ladies Only 10% Discount for all WCC Ride Participants!!!

Merckx retires on top

Axel Merckx, who'll you'll soon have the chance to ride alongside down the Pacific Coast Highway, has officially retired Wednesday, on his 35th birthday. Merckx went out on top, winning his last race by out sprinting breakaway Johan Van Summeren (Predictor-Lotto) at a criterium in Lommel, Belgium on Monday.

RYAN TREBON JOINS THE ABBC: HC!!!

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.

SoCal Training Ride this Wednesday and every Wednesday from here on out.

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.

Lots of fun events can be found at: www.WomensCyclingChallenge.org
Questions: Contact - Dorothy Wong - 626/797-8950

InCycle Pasadena
E. Colorado Blvd #1
Pasadena, Ca 91106
Cannondale Test Ride Station- Full Service Repair Shop Ladies Only 10% Discount for all WCC Ride Participants!!!

Your thoughts on the Tour

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!

Riders - reserve your transportation today

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.

SoCal Training Ride - Saturday, July 28

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.

What a day

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

ABBC: HC calendar

Get on our , and keep up to date on training rides and other important dates for the 2007 ABBC: HC.

Merckx update, shoddy tactics by Astana

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.

Update on T-Mobile Training Ride - Saturday, July 28

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.

Merckx and T-Mobile Update

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Merckx update

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!

Tour de Fat - this Saturday, July 21

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

Training Ride this Saturday, July 21

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.

Start Directions:
Take 101 to Lucas Valley exit, west on Lucas Valley Rd, and right onto Miller Creek Rd;
-or-
Continue on Lucas Valley Rd to Right on Nicasio Valley Rd to Nicasio for start of shorter version. Helmets required. Any questions please contact Ride Leader John Steinberg (510) 207-4951 or minimalist1@sbcglobal.net.

This route is about 65 miles some climbing.

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.

Thanks,

Michael

Lodging Update

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 will win the Tour?

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!!

Training Ride Tomorrow

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.

More Training Rides

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.

Training Rides - Sunday, July 15

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.

VIVE LE TOUR!!

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!!

New rider blog, Team Oxy raises $40K in one day!!

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!!

Hotels updated

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 the 2007 ABBC: HC!

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.


####

Have you booked your lodging yet?

Best Buddies has secured Room Blocks at a number of Monterey/ Carmel and San Simeon/ Cambria area hotels. In order to secure the special Best Buddies rate, please make sure to ask for the Best Buddies Room Block.

A full list of Best Buddies hotels and rates are now listed online.

Friday, September 7 - Monterey/ Carmel

Saturday, September 8 - San Simeon/ Cambria

Please note the drop date of each hotel. If your room is not booked before this date, we cannot guarantee availability or pricing.

If you have any questions about hotels please contact Dylan Taylor, DylanTaylor@BestBuddies.org or 415.503.1776.

T-Mobile riders confirmed

We are very excited to announce that ProTour rider and 2007 Giro d"Italia finisher Aaron Olson of the men's team along with Kimberly Baldwin and Olympic medal winner and long-time Best Buddies supporter Mari Holden of the women's team are thus far committed to riding in the 2007 ABBC: HC.

Check back for more info and more confirmed riders from T-Mobile and CSC.

This Just In: CSC riders to join the ABBC: HC

CSC, the number one cycling team in the world is sending riders to the 2007 ABBC: HC.

Team CSC

Which CSC rider(s) would you like to see at the ABBC: HC? Let us know in the "Comments" section.

Breaking News: T-Mobile riders to the ABBC: HC

In addition to the 30 odd member T-Mobile team who for the past few years have attended the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle, the T-Mobile Professional Cycling Team has committed at least four riders.

Stay tuned to find out which T-Mobile riders will be in attendance.

T-Mobile Professional Cycling Team

Who from T-Mobile would you like to see at the ride? Let us know in the "Comments".

Training ride this Saturday, June 16

We will be riding this weekend, weather permitting.

More details.

ABBC: HC participant competing in the RAAM

Joe Petersen (pictured above), a participant in the 2006 Volvo Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle with Team Oxy who blazed down the 100-mile course in under five hours, is no stranger to going fast.

The Bakersfield resident, an eight-time California State Time Trial Champion, is for the ninth time competing in the grueling Race Across America, the premier ultra-distance endurance bicycle race in the world. Beginning in Oceanside, participants have a simple objective - ride some 3000 miles across the country to a finish in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Last year saw the 49-year-old Petersen, and teammate Kevin McNulty, set a new record in the two-man team competition, completing 3,043 miles in 6 days 11 hours and 24 minutes for an average speed of 19.58 mph. This year, they return to the two-man competition hoping to top their own record.

Rumors that Petersen is using the RAAM merely as preparation for the 2007 ABBC: HC , could not be confirmed, but TeamOxy captain Bill Dykes says that Petersen will be there on September 8 and maybe even RAAM partner McNulty.

We wish you both the best and thank you for your support!

You can follow them with live updates on the RAAM homepage or daily results and reports at Cyclingnews.com.

Bikely.com

Looking for a route in your area? Want to show your friends where you rode this past weekend. Then check out Bikely an interactive ride sharing site.

Here's the HC course below.

2007 Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle

http://www.bikely.com/

Training Rides return June 2

We'll be riding again on June 2 and meeting at the Fort Baker lot at 9 a.m. for now. Nothing formal, the pace and distance will depend on the group's interest-call it SF collectivism done right. But, plan for 1.5 hours or more and, as we will be riding in Marin County, hilly terrain.

For more info, email Dylan, or comment here.

Additionally, if you have your own rides or are looking for people to ride with, let us know. Comment or hit up the "Bulletin Board" at the ABBC: HC site.

Postcard from the 2006 ride

A rider relaxes at the finish., originally uploaded by bestbuddieschallenge.

Training Ride postponed until 5/12, Best Buddies getting ready for Hyannis Port

Training Ride postponed

The BB training ride that is scheduled for this Saturday, May 5 has been postponed until next Saturday, May 12. We apologize for any inconvenience to any one's schedule and look forward to having you all join us then.

That ride will leave from Fort Baker, just across the Golden Gate Bridge, at 10 am for two to three steady hours of riding through the Marin hills. If anyone has a route suggestion for this ride or for future rides, please let us know. Additionally, if you have your own ride and would like to let everyone know about it, email it to us or comment with all the details here.

Find out more at Training Rides

Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port only two weeks away

Best Buddies supporters in the North East are gearing up for the return of the Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port on Saturday, May 19. Now in its eighth year, the 2007 ride will be one of the biggest fundraising events in Best Buddies history as over 700 cyclists will take to some of the most beautiful New England roads for 90 or 20 miles from Boston to Cape Cod in support of enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Following the ride, participants will enjoy a clambake and a concert by the one-and-only Rick "Jessie's Girl Springfield.

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.

Read More

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