Howdy Hombre’s and Hombrette’s!

We’re rounding the bend on a week to go before the most beautiful and rewarding ride you’ve ever taken, and that means it’s time to talk schwag. You know, tchotchkes… Booty… Loot… STUFF!

For those who are new to our “Caravan of Crazies”, we hold nightly raffles at the Gear Truck after dinner- When we do, we raffle off lots of free stuff from “Our Friendly neighborhood ADA Guy”, as well as stuff donated by the likes of myself, and good, normal people such as yourselves. Here’s the idea that Barb S started several years ago- You might have a local landmark, famous “Hole-in-the-wall” eatery, or even local business that has a cool logo on hats or T-Shirts. Ask them if they’d donate one for a raffle prize, and we’ll make sure it gets to someone it probably won’t fit! Or, if they’re cheap enough, lay out a few bucks that you can write off to make the evenings more fun! Where we are all from such a wide area, it makes a plain ol’ t-shirt just plain fun!

Oh, and by the way… PACK LIGHT!!!!!

Keep the wind at your back, and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan

We’ve got the #1 Yellow Jersey up for grabs, and the #1 Bib within grasp! Check out our latest newsletters:
June 21st e-blast
June 23rd e-blast


Here we go!!!!

Hola Muchachos and Muchachettes!

Well, Stick a fork in the third annual event at Chez GearMan, We had a BEAUTIFUL day (I already forgot whose soul I sold for the weather, but whoever’s it was, it was worth it! Oh, and ummm, thanks for your sacrifice…). We had a GREAT day, with GREAT people, and a scenic, challenging, and enjoyable route! Our mechanic, Brian, was actually a little bored because with 30 riders, there wasn’t even a single flat (After the starting area). A couple areas were rough pavement, that was supposed to be re-paved by now- But you know how it is with Government projects, 5 months behind schedule and 5 times the budget… Sorry about those two roads… If it’s not done this year, I’ll re-route around them for next year.

Thank you all for coming, Thank you all for showing up prepared, Thank you for bringing a tuned bike, and thank you for bringing a great attitude! This event grew out of a few cycling friends from the NEC and a BBQ at my house after, to a fully staffed, local small-business supported ride.

All that said, it’s time for the Thank-You’s: I’ve got to first and foremost thank the most important person in my life, Lulu for her support and hard work throughout the whole process of planning, marking, and supporting this ride- I’ve got to thank my Mom, and my buddy Marcos for their time and efforts over the last few days leading up to the event, and even the day of the event… I’ve got to thank my Step-Father Mick, for his help getting the water flowing, and Brian, Karen, Faith, and Jim for being the most bodacious route support crew I could ask for.

As for local businesses that supported us, I’ve got to thank (In order of mileage along the route) Christine at Atkinson Country Club for allowing us to use their roads and grounds, and for being a pretty damned nice place to ride through and look at; Jeff and Deb at Discover Diving who, since I started doing this whole nonsense have been more than welcoming and courteous to our riders, even when it was a last minute ask; and to the whole crew at Prime Pizza who open both their hearts, and their doors ahead of schedule to accommodate our riders every need. I also need to thank Bill at Brookstone Park who, even though we didn’t end up needing it, offered his facility’s parking for any overflow vehicles.

I couldn’t do it without any of the people listed above, and I sincerely thank you all for your support and the use of your facilities.

Keep the wind at your back, and the downhills in front of you,
GearMan

Well, If you’re NOT signed up for GearMan’s training ride/BBQ/ beach day, then you’re going to miss out! 50 miles of hills that would beat the freckles off of an Irishman, followed by a swim in the warm waters of Big Island Pond, and later, a BBQ feast featuring smoked chicken, smoked kielbasa, smoked ribs, burgers, dogs, homemade pickles and relishes, homemade baked beans…
If you aren’t going to be there on Saturday, you’re going to miss out on a great training tool, and overall good time with good friends both new and old, and great food to boot!
But don’t worry… We’ll eat your share of smoked country style ribs, and save a space at the table for you next year!
The more the merrier!
You thought this was just a great trip for a good cause- But it’s a family! WELCOME to our family!
See you soon!
GearMan

It’s a week away from GearMans Third annual training ride/beach day/BBQ and I’ve got 24 yes’s and 18 maybe’s… Time to nail it down… If you’re going to join us, I need to know by Tuesday- Just click “Attending” on the facebook page. If you’re not going to make it, you don’t need to do anything- I just need to know how much food to buy.
IF there is bad weather coming in for the 18th, I’ll call it off by Thursday evening.
I’ll be sending an email out Monday or Tuesday with directions, we’re going with a 9:00 AM start.
Bring your bike, a helmet, a towel, and a chair. All food will be provided, Just kick in a donation to help cover the costs- Any overage will go to the ADA.
Oh, and bring your favorite beverage, adult or otherwise. If you’re coming with friends or team members, PLEASE carpool as I’m going to have issues with parking, and may need to have off-site parking for overflow.
See you soon!
GearMan

As promised, this week’s Team Week is kicking off in a BIG WAY! We’ve got an iPad2 that could be yours!

Check out the contest details here! If you did not receive this email last night, please let me know!

Here’s the skinny:
For every 25 emails you send (from NOW thru midnight, Thursday, May 26) from your Tour Center you will be entered to win an iPad 2!
• LOG INTO your TOUR CENTER via http://main.diabetes.org/nectourdecure
• SEND out 25 or more Emails via your Tour Center
For every 25 emails you send you gain an entry to win. *All emails must be through your Tour Center!

Already sent 100 emails to your contacts? Have ALL 100 people donated? Email them again! A duplicate email to the same contact still counts towards this contest!

All donations will help us get closer to the $260,000 fundraising goal!

Sage advice. Check out more advice within our latest newsletter! Click HERE for news, updates, and more re: the 2011 New England Classic Tour de Cure!