Wow!  Only a few days left for the adventure of a lifetime taking part in the Million Dollar Challange!  Let's see, last time I checked in it was about six weeks ago when I thought I was dying from Bronchitis.  Boy, did that ever take a toll on me.  I was unable to train for over 3 weeks!  I believe I came back to a scheduled 85+ mile ride.  Although I did not participate in the full ride, I was able to complete 65 miles.  So I felt good about that.  I was a little weak but I felt I hadn't lost too much endurance.  That was until I rode in the following week's 96 mile ride from HELL!!!  It was hot and hilly! I struggled the whole ride.  I'm guessing around mile 80, I was still "attacking" 17% grade hills.  If you believe that, I have some well ...  If the heat and hills weren't enough, I was stung by a bee on my inner thigh with 1 MILE LEFT!  So, to say the least, it was a tough ride! 

As all our training rides were in preparation for our trek down the coast, the following week would provided us our first test - a Back-To-Back Century to Rancho Palos Verdes.  One Hundred Three (103) miles up and One Hundred Three (103) miles back in two (2) days!!!  I am proud to say - I DID IT!!!  Day One was challenging at times - we missed our 1^st SAG.  Day Two, as you can imagine, was a bit harder.  The legs and knees hurt the most at first but I was able to "work it out"!  It was really hot that Sunday so I have to throw out a shout-out to 7 Eleven!  They sell the best Gatorade EVER!!!  Once I refueled, and with the help of many of my fellow riders "pulling me", I made it back in one piece!  I'm still blown away I did it! Hehehe!

Our rides to date have been relatively short but enough to keep up the cardio and saddle butt!  My focus now is to get packed and not getting over-anxious!  I've had some excellent training and been given some great tips on the ride, therefore, I'll trust I'm ready! 

I'm ready to sit back now and enjoy the ride!  I plan on taking plenty of pictures and video so stay tuned!  I'll see everyone at the finish line.  PPpsss - Someone had me some chocolate milk at the end.  J

Tim Norris, Accounting Manager at SKLZ is participating in his first Million Dollar Challenge bike ride for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.