Call to Readers (Trek 100)

OK, if you're anywhere near the Milwaukee area and you ride a bike... There is a good chance you'll be riding it at the Maccfund Trek 100 ride. If you haven't (or even if you have), please read on.

I started with the Trek 100 in 2002. It was my first year doing the 1/2 ironman distance triathlon in Racine. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get in some bike miles. Additionally, triathlon hadn't provided me a way to give like a charity ride. My father passed away in 2001 from cancer. And while the Maccfund is for childhood cancer, I find it provides me some connection to raise the money. I mustered up a few hundred bux in donations and headed off to the event. Under-trained but ready for a long day of riding and plenty of stops for food, my coworker and I stood for the pre-ride talk. I was not prepared for some of the gut wrenching stories and thank yous from children and other affected by cancer. On the ride, I was unprepared for those out working the aid stations. Parents who made me feel like I was helping save their kids by riding that day. I was in awe of the courage I saw in kids faces that day. Here I was out doing what I would do on a beautiful Saturday morning without the parade, only there was a parade. Whatever thanks they gave me for being there, I felt I owed them for my experience..

Stop the tape... I'm not this mushy. I'm a regular JWM, who works a regular job with a couple kids and dogs and such. Let's just say this one day knocks my socks off a bit.

Let's skip a couple years.. Who knows what I was doing, but I certainly didn't forget. Last year I put a shout out. I said, get me to (the made up number) 3000 dollars in donations and I'll ride the fixed gear on the 100k route. Well, I made it to nearly 1000 in donations (Thank you so much). I decided to go through with the fixed gear anyway (I'm sure I just wanted an excuse). I'm not much of a fundraiser. Last year was my first attempt at "not just raising the minimum plus a little". I was incredibly touched by the generosity of those that donated. Then, I showed up to toe the line at the start. When they started the pre-race chat, I actually thought, "Crap, I forget how emotional this is." Or something like that at least.

Fast forward to 2007.. The year of the Ironman (for me) and probably a few 100 mile rides before then. I want this hundred miler to count. I signed up for the "century club". It means, I pledged to raise 1000 dollars at a minimum. So, please.. I'm not a break your door down kind of fundraiser guy. If you read my blog.. or want to help kids with cancer.. or just thought this little blurb about me finding out the rewards of fundraising lightened your heart. Then click my donation page and send what you can.

Thank you in advance for your support. And if you want to come out and ride it with me, sign right up. There are tons of riders and great food and support.

Read more about MACCFund on their site.