I am looking forward to beginning the Challenged Athletes Million Dollar Challenge this coming Saturday with our first ride of 88 miles from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. I remember last year leaving shrouded in fog with police escort past the Golden Gate Bridge through Presidio Park and exiting the city. The first day finished in the sun of Santa Cruz and I thought this isn't so hard. Half way through day 4 I was not sure I would make it through the day.

My training this year was not as consistent as last years due to injury and losing 14 pounds over two weeks as a result of acquiring a parasite on a recent trip to China. Despite those setbacks I feel better prepared for this years ride. Given the dynamics of our training group we have rode hard and fast on every training ride. Funny how that works when one of your ride leaders happens to be a guy who broke his femur in a bike race and comes back in 4 weeks and is always out front with the rest of us chasing.

I am excited to start the ride and look forward to spending time with the Challenged Athletes, Bill Walton, and the staff. This year we plan on taking our time and enjoying the ride. At least that is our goal, however, I am sure there will be a few miles where we are racing down the coast to see who finishes first.

John Sarkisian, CEO of SKLZ is participating in his second Million Dollar Challenge bike ride for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.