Cowbells Baby!

I would like to thank all of you who so generously supported my first ever charity ride, the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure in Napa Valley. Special thanks goes out to my wife who helped me send the word out, took care of the logistics and planning.

After watching Pacquiao's amazing fight with Hatton last night we arrived at Napa around 10pm. This morning as forecasted, the roads were pretty wet and there were some light rainshowers. I registered on time by 8:45am and kicked off the ride around 9:00am.

While it was slightly drizzling for the first 5 to 8 miles of the 25 mile route (this was my first time to ever ride under the rain), the weather actually turned out to be pretty good. I suspect that there would probably be more participants if it was not for the weather but I still experienced the camaraderie among fellow riders nonetheless. Temperature was much better than when I rode the same route two weeks ago under a heatwave. Today was actually enjoyable.

As I approached the finish line, I was quite overwhelmed by emotions as I heard a familiar clanging sound I first heard from the Tour of California earlier this year. But this time, it was those red Tour de Cure cowbells from friends and families cheering us on. That did it for me and that is why I sped away from the finish line crowd. Hahaha!

Needless to say, it was the perfect ending to a wonderful ride. We then went out to celebrate at a grill nearby.

Thank you very much!

-kyo-

Off to the Start Line

My Podium Girls! (I bring my own)

Cheers!