Well, it has been some time since I added anything to the blog!!!  Today, however was an incredibly special day!!!!

We began the day at my house by waking three sleeping heroes....these were three injured Marines ( Dave, Josh, George, Major Coner) from Team Semper Fi who graciously agreed to share the experience of the Ride for Semper Fi.  Now I will tell you that these guys are no doubt heroes...but they wake up like anyone else....sloooooooowllyyyy and in need of caffeine!!!!  The wake up call for our new found friends came at 4:30 am!!!  We had a big day ahead of us and the need to pack the RV and get moving was mission number 1!

We arrived in Scottsdale at DNA cycles about 6:15 am.....to say it was hectic would be putting it mildly.  We had forty riders, families, caterers, and TV crews all converging on us at once.  Like last year we learned that flexibility would be the key to success.  After discussing the situation we just decided to adapt and overcome!

We began the opening ceremonies with the awarding of the colored jerseys.  The colored jerseys were given to our riders who had shown an incredible commitment by raising more funds for the IMSFF than any of the other riders.  This year we chose the colors Red. Blue, and Yellow.  The Blue jersey which was the 3rd highest money raiser stood for being cool under pressure.  David Kistner, our number 3 money raiser definitely fit that bill!!! the red jersey which stands for confidence and passion went perfectly with rider Bill Berg who is without a doubt one of the most compassionate and committed people I have ever known.  The yellow went to my friend Cyndi Thomas.  Cyndi has only been riding a bike less than 9 months and signed on to this event with a confidence that was inspiring.  She jumped in with both feet and not only raised the most money, but helped raise corporate sponsorships as well....she is without a doubt, deserving of the Yellow jersey.

Next up for the morning was Lt Col Paul Thompson.  LtCol Thompson had the great opportunity of introducing one of the founders of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Wendy Lethin.  Wendy is not just one of the founders, she is in my opinion a surrogate mother for many Marines who pass through the doors of the Injured Marine Fund.   For Wendy, her job is not just to raise money for a charity.  When you watch Wendy with these young heroes her passion and love for these young people literally shines through every time she greets them with a hug.    We ndy told the audience of the importance of our mission at the fund.  She spoke about the need for support as many more young heroes are returning today from battle with injuries that will impact them the rest of there lives.  We had an opportunity because of Wendy to meet one young hero who has been dramatically impacted.  This young mans names is Ronny Porta.  Ronny was invited with his mother to attend our opening ceremonies.  Ronny and his family immigrated from Lima, Peru in 2000.  He explained to us how they had seen the American dream and how they cherished the good fortune of being able to come here.  At 17, Ronny decided to give back by joining the Marine Corps.  In 2003 Ronny was severely injured and literally clung to life for months.  He explained to us how much the fund and this ride meant to him.  He told us that everything we were doing and everything the fund is doing made all that he has been through worth it.  He is without a doubt one of the most incredible people I have ever met in my life.  After 91 different surgeries, he told me not to worry...he "heals well."  What you find out with Ronny is that no matter the situation, he always has something positive to say.....he is an inspiration to all who meet him.

Next up came a police escort and the start of a 112 mile bike ride to Quartzite, Arizona!!!  The day was beautiful and we had the great fortune of leaving under police escort...courtesy of the Scottsdale PD.  The Scottsdale PD are incredible!!!!!  We continued our journey onward toward Wickenburg under blue skies and light winds!  The day continued on nicely with good fun...jokes in the peloton and 40 people just enjoying the opportunity to be outside and on a bicycle.

It was amazing how fast 112 miles came and went.  We finished the day by packing all the bicycles and riders up into Vans for our final transition leg in to quartzite.  The riders were tired but you could feel the energy in the peloton.  We finally found our way to the Super 8 in Quartzite!!!!  Small hotel...you bet...but with great people who were anxious to see us again this year.

Finally, we made our way to Silly Als pizza...where the beer is cold, the owners are great, and the Pizza is great!!!!!  The team had an opportunity to give out our first award of the trip.  I spoke to the group about Don Eldridge, the owner of DNA cycles.  If you don't know Don but get a chance to meet him you will find out that he is one of the most generous people you will ever meet.  He never meets a stranger and is always willing to help when someone is in need.  We presented Don with a poster thanking him and DNA for all there support for the RFSF. 

We finished th evening with a talk from LtCol Thompson about the young Marines who were joining us on our trip.  Josh, Dave, and George are all young men who have given selflessly to this country.  They all have suffered injuries that will impact their lives forever.  The amazing thing is their attitudes.  Even after coming through the difficult challenges they have faced they are still positive and they are adapting to our team very quickly.  Each of us are honored to ride with them.  Josh, George, and Dave all took a few minutes to tell the group about their story and what the IMSFF meant to them.  The stories of each of these young heroes were touching.  They each expressed gratitude for being on the ride.....it is us who should be thanking them.....and we will!!

Yesterday we started a bike ride with forty riders........what I saw as we finished the day is 40 riders becoming a team!!!  Well, this is it for now.  If you are reading this I will apologize for how choppy this is!!!!!!!!!  Entries after 112 miles and at 4:15am don't always make a lot of sense!!!!! 

Today....we go to Brawley....it will be a great day!!