Give Back Cincinnati - Habitat Ecuador

Day 7: Last Day at the Work Site

2005-10-07T18:19:00.000-05:00

Last day on the worksite. Well it had to come sometime, and honestly the work has been very tiring, so part of you welcomes the final day on the job site, but most of you is dreading it. You've now worked hard for 5 days, and along the way made great friends with those you've traveled with, the homeowners, and the local workers.

But we've made great progress. The floors now look like floors. The freshly poured cement covering up the rock jigsaw puzzle we put together the previous 2 days. But it's been a lot of work.

Take a look at this picture, the mess of water, sand and gravel is how you mix concrete in Ecuador. Quite a bit of back breaking work. Including mixing the gravel and cement mix by shoveling the entire pile 2 feet to the right, twice!

One thing we were definitely be glad to be finished with was 'THE HOLE'.
Now 5 days into it the hole is 6 feet by 6 feet by 7 feet deep. Here is Chad tossing out the last couple shovels full of dirt.

But when it's done it's done. Here is the gang taking satisfaction in the completed work. The end of the digging had to be one of the best feelings of the entire week! Of course the picture was fun, but watching
everyone try to get out of the hole was classic! Brie is getting the heave-ho by Chad and myself. Luckily there were no broken bones involved.

Now that the hole is finally complete it was time to leave. Time for a last semi-group picture before we said our goodbyes to the family. Here Selam, Brie, and Sue hang out in front of our week's worth of hard work, and our new friends.

Now came the hard part. We presented some small gifts to the mother and
the three daughters. Nothing too special, backpacks, crayons, and the like. But then the mom said her thanks. I'm pretty sure there were tears in the eyes of at least 75% of the group. When someone tells you that you are 'like angels from heaven dropped down to build her a home', it's hard not to be emotional.

Before we headed home for one last night at Campo Alegre, Maggie took in the sights one last time.

Day 6 - Habitat Catamayo Party

2005-10-06T13:31:00.000-05:00

Day 6 was another day at work, but I'll spare you additional worksite pics until the last day on the job site tomorrow. Best part of day 6 was the party that the local affiliate threw for us. We received certificates for our work, and had a little 'pre-party' at the hotel before heading into downtown Catamayo to catch the night life.

Here is a team shot of all the Give Back Cincinnati volunteers, along with the Habitat Ecuador volunteers, and at the front left is the mom, 2 little girls, and teenage daughter. It was so awesome to see them all come out and welcome us to their country. It's not something they had to do, but was definitely appreciated.

And here is a close-up of the family saying a few words of thanks before we all climbed in a van to head to the bar. It was a great
motivation every day to see the family when we arrived to work on the house. I could use a similar dose of motivation every day at my job!

Once we left the hotel is when the real party started. This 'bar' was something to see. Minus the 12 of us, and the Habitat Ecuador volunteers there would have been no one in the place. But that might have been for the best.
First shot here is my new 'Ecuadorian Hair Cut'. Notice the likeness to Mr. T. I did this after we learned that we had successfully gotten tickets to the Ecuador/Uruguay Futbol game on Saturday (I'll explain later this week why
this game is so important, and why I felt it necessary to do something this off the wall). The plan (and you'll see pictures later in the week) is to paint the Mr. T portions of the head like an Ecuadorian flag...it's a sight to see. All the Ecuadorians thought I was insane...which I suppose I am.

Here is the gang on the dance floor of the 'club'... getting it done Ecuadorian style. (Left front is Maggie, then Selam, Jessica and Lea. In the background you'll catch a glimpse of Sue and Chad). The ladies in our group were certainly the hit with the latin lovers. Here is just a sampling of one Don Juan making his move on 3 seperate occasions (w/ Jessica, Bridget and Brie)(Click for full-size):

By the end of the night things were getting really wild. I'll leave you with one last picture... the rest are not for public consumption :)

Maggie and Chad performing their trademarked dance move.

Day 5 - Visit to School

2005-10-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday and we're reaching the half way point for the work week. We start the day off with a trip to a local school, and this day will prove to be my favorite day of the week. I apologize in advance for what is likely to be a long post filled with many pictures!

We arrive at the one-room school house to the delight of about a dozen kids. They range in age from about 8-12. We brought some school supplies, some candy, and most
importantly ourselves. After a brief Q and A with the kids, we terrorized the teachers by suggesting we go outside for a couple games. This basically put an end to any chance that this school day would contain reading, writing and arithmetic.

We first played a game of 'cat and rat'. It's a game in a similar nature to 'duck, duck, goose' except the cat and mouse are pre-determined, and it's the job of the cat to catch the rat, and the job of everyone in the 'ring' to make sure the cat can't catch the mouse. Tough to describe, but hilarious to watch. After a couple rounds of this and some public humiliation of Johnmark who took 10 minutes to catch an 8 year old boy, we
busted out the Frisbees.

I'm fairly certain that this is the first time any of these kids had seen a Frisbee, but it didn't take them long to figure it out. They were quick studies and they loved them. I am pretty sure they would have continued to toss frisbee until the next day had we been up for it. It wasn't just the Frisbee's they were enamored with.... Digital Cameras were perhaps the hit of the day.

At first it began with a desire to see the picture after it was taken in the LCD screen (Lea being harrased by the gang to the left). But it quickly grew to a class in photography. They certainly weren't shy in front of a camera, and were great shots from
behind the camera. I allowed my camera to be taken hostage. About 15 minutes and 80 pictures later I retrieved the camera. I must say that some of the best shots of the week came at the hands of these kids. I'll put some of them here for you to enjoy. Click on them for bigger versions.

After school it was back to work. We headed back to the worksite. Half of the brick walls were up and it was time to start chiseling out the light socket and conduit lines so they could run electricity. Doesn't look hard but the chisels were pretty much rounded at the tip.

Day 4 - The Morning After

2005-10-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

2nd Day on the worksite. I'm pretty sure that I'm not the only one on the team that woke up with more sore muscles than I've had since I was 15. But it doesn't take long to forget about the soreness when you get to the job site and see the house waiting for you.

We certainly got a lot of work done on day one, and the momentum carried to the second day on the job site. We were able to clear out the foundation, and prepare to place the rocks for the floor. This serves as the foundation for concrete to be poured over. It's a time consuming process to make the rocks fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. But the end result is quite impressive to see.

Not to be outdone the team continued to trudge on in the back making some serious progress on the 240 cubic foot septic tank hole. Here Maggie, Brie and Bridget survey the progress.

Ultimately it was another fruitful day. Lots of progress was made and we are starting to understand the magnitude of the work in front of us. But at the end of every hard day of work it's nice to know that $1 22 oz pilsners, cool nights and hammocks await our return. Johnmark and Lea stake claim to their MVP Hammock status.

Day 3 - First Day on Worksite

2005-10-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Day 3... First day on the job site. I think we were all excited to get up and get rolling on the first day. This will be somewhat short lived, and we'll all be beat by lunch time. But was exciting to get to the worksite, meet our work managers and get started with the heavy lifting. As you'll see in the pictures to come, this is not the type of work site your used to seeing in the US. No OSHA, no hard hats, and most importantly no power tools. This is brute force home building, and don't expect to see crown molding, or even dry wall. It is literally bricks and mortar, but it's a sturdy house and much better than a family living in a spare room in their mother's home.

The ladies (Diane Burke, Sue Wernke, Selam Daniel, and Jessica Avery) got us started. Task #1 was to clear out 6 inches of dirt from the floors, so that the rock and concrete foundation could be put in. Simple task except the dirt had to be shoveled out, placed in a wheel barrow, and wheeled 100 yards down a hill into a ravine.

At the back of the house, the team begin digging out (by shovel) a 6 foot by 6 foot by 7 foot deep hole for a septic tank. You'll see from the picture here, there is plenty more to go before this task is complete! Chad takes the first few whacks as Maggie and Briget await to jump in.

This was all before lunch, and as we made it back to the house for our first meal, it was a pleasant surprise to find a home cooked 3 course meal awaiting. The staple of all meals was a chicken-broth based soup. This was followed by a hearty meal, always with rice, but alternating between chicken, pork, beef and seafood. We were amazed the variety and quality of food provided for us at lunch. And for whatever reason the meal at which desert was served was always lunch, not dinner... but that energy boost was always welcome as we prepared for the afternoon of work.

Day 2 - Party at Night

2005-10-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

I will post more in the coming days, as although I am doing the journaling after the fact, I'll just post as if it's a one-day-at-a-time post. That'll save me some time and hopefully allow you to follow a day at a time, rather than trying to read through a lot of long blog entries.

Day 2 didn't end at the home, as we were treated to a surprise party thrown by volunteers for the local Habitat Catamayo affiliate. They treated us to some salsa lessons, a few traditional songs, and a keen interest in American music and dancing style.... though it's pretty obvious that the latin culture, music and dancing was far superior to ours.

(traditional songs in spanish being taught by a volunteer)

(It didn't take long for our Ecuadorian friends to become favorites with our women volunteers... I mean, come on, they can actually dance... Sue Wernke (blue), Samantha Horton (white jacket), and Lea Katynski (yellow shirt) learn a few dance steps.)

Day Two - Traveling to Catamayo and Loja

2005-10-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

Day 2... We leave Quito for Catamayo, our destination and location of the home we will be building. We have nothing planned for the day, but the agenda consists of visiting the city of Catamayo and the capital of the province, Loja. By the end of the day we'd play a pick-up game of futbol, meet our family, and check into what can only be described as an Oasis for Ecudoar - Hostel Campo Alegre - Happy Camp.

So we checked into our hotels and got our roomate assignments, strangely enough the 3 guys on the trip of 12 ended up as roomates (who woulda thought). Jessica Avery and Chad Schenk didn't waste long to make use of the hammocks.

After a brief moment taking in the beauty of our hotel, we set out for a walk up to Catamayo to use phones, check out the market and have a snack. The 10 minute walk was our first introduction to the Ecuadorian exaggeration, as it was 2 miles and a solid 40 minute walk to town.

After the walk we caught a ride back to the hotel in the back of a truck, and then made arrangements for our driver to take us 40 km away to Loja. In Loja, we visited a beautiful park, easily 15 acres in size. It took us only about 5 minutes after we pulled out the soccer ball to convene a pick-up game of futbol with some local Lojans. (Maggie in red pants, and Lea in
background are showing the boys how it's done).

After we couldn't play any longer, we caught the bus back to Catamayo to visit our work site, and to meet the homeowner. It was at this point where I think it finally hit me that I was in Ecuador and going to spend a week helping to change the life of a family. I don't think a better family could have been picked. The three girls (Liliana (15), and daugthers Joselin (7), and Magali (5)) could not be any more wonderful.

Selam and the family posing in front of the recently started home.

First Night - Oct. 1st

2005-10-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

Well we arrived late, but we weren't about to waste our first night in Ecuador. So about half the group left to head out to a salsa club (I believe named Seseribó) at the recommendation
of our friend Maria (native Ecuadorian who recently moved back to Quito, Ecuador after a 3 year stint in Cincinnati at Chiquita).
We were introduced to our first 'Pilsener', which apparently is the national cerveza of Ecuador. Now these are big beers. I'm not talking 16 ouncers, every place we had one of these they were double duecers.... a full 22 oz beer.

We also got our first taste of Ecuadorian prices. These large beers at a nice salsa club like Seseribo were only $1.50 (the most expensive price we found for beer all week). Chad Schenk, Maggie Brennan and Brie Rogers seen above enjoying the first of many to come for our Ecuadorian adventure.

Right about this time is when we all should have went home. The 'sipping' tequilla, was brought out... the fact that there is 'sipping' tequilla in Ecuador is all you need to know about the way they drink! Notice Johnmark's face for an idea of how tasty the sipping tequilla is.

Yeah! More Info

2005-09-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but hopefully many of you will check back and start reading again, as I am going to update more regularily leading up to the event, and I understand there will be an internet cafe not too far from us in Catamayo, so I will try to do several updates from Ecuador!

Only 2 weeks until we leave. I can hardly believe it. Today we recieved information about the family we will be helping.

Here you see a picture of parents Paula and Oscar with son Liliana (15), and daugthers Joselin (7), and Magali (5). More pictures in future posts!

Day 100: Challenge Complete

2005-08-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

I did a couple victory laps around Northside to get up to that final 85 minute time, and boy did it feel good! 100 days later, the challenge is complete. 30 minutes a day doesn't seem like it would be that hard, but carving out 210 minutes a week to ride a bike is more difficult than I had ever imagined.

I want to thank everyone who followed along with my blog as the weeks went on and especially those who pledged... I'll be sending out emails to those that sponsored me. I didn't quite make the $3,000 mark, but we came pretty darn close. It means a lot to me that so many people contributed, whether it was $0.01 or $0.10 a minute it was greatly appreciated! The families in Ecuador will be especially excited for the donation.

I'll keep this blog alive through the trip to keep you up to date on the team's happenings, and will hopefully get some pictures from the trip up here.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 85 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2984 Minutes
Today's Distance: 24 Miles
Total Distance: 793.5 Miles

Day 99: No Sleep, but Biking to Do

2005-08-21T15:54:00.000-05:00

Well, my flight is set for 5:30 AM tomorrow AM. And somehow I'll need to catch a quick nap before doing the 85 minute ride tomorrow. It's a long trek, but what has to be done has to be done!

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2899 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 769.5 Miles

Day 98: Long Day

2005-08-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

Bachelor parties are fun, but man do they wear you out. I don't recommend 3 day weekends in Vegas and Montreal on back to back weekends... fun as it is, I'll be ready to fall over by the end of the weekend.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2899 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 769.5 Miles

Day 97: Off to Montreal

2005-08-19T15:52:00.000-05:00

I will be in Montreal all weekend... no bike and likely no sleep. I'll catch up on Monday for my final ride!

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2899 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 769.5 Miles

Day 96: Long Day for Monday

2005-08-18T17:33:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, Montreal is this weekend... so since this is Day 96, after today I'll only have Monday to finish the challenge. And while I stepped it up a little today, the reality is, I'll have 85 minutes to go on MOnday... not insurmountable, but definitely a good ride. Lucky for me I have monday off. Unlucky for me, I'll have just spent all weekend drinking at a bachelor party... win some, you lose some!

BTW... Spanglish is a great movie!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 60 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2899 Minutes
Today's Distance: 16.0 Miles
Total Distance: 769.5 Miles

Day 95: Ecuador Meeting

2005-08-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

Tonight is our bi-weekly Ecuador team meeting and tonight is Spanish night... the first of a few basic spansih lessons... so now I can say "How do you say..." and then make a gesture. For example... Cómo se dice and then point to my eye... which they'd then respond 'ojo'. I think this will be the most important phrase to know... with 'Como de dice' in my pocket I should be able to traverse my way trough Ecuador.

¡Ése es todo para ahora!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 40 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2839 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.6 Miles
Total Distance: 753.5 Miles

UPDATED: Forgot to change to 2839, but fixed.

Day 94: Short Week

2005-08-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I just got back from Vegas, but this weekend is Montreal for Bachelor party #2, and as this week is my last week, I need to get some minutes in before I head out for the weekend.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 40 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2799 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.6 Miles
Total Distance: 743.9 Miles

Day 93: Back in One Piece

2005-08-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

Made it back all in one piece from Vegas. A little catch up to do on the challenge as we enter the final week of the challenge. I'm pretty excited about the final as that will kick off the rest of the final planning for the trip, and put an end to the fundraising cycle... I'll also of course have to start collecting so be prepared if you sponsored me :)

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 51 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2759 Minutes
Today's Distance: 13.1 Miles
Total Distance: 734.3 Miles

Day 92: Vegas

2005-08-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

More riding tomorrow, after I get back from Vegas on the Red Eye

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2708 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 721.2 Miles

Day 91: 10 Days Left - Vegas

2005-08-13T18:33:00.000-05:00

Only 10 days of riding to go... Vegas today and tomorrow.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2708 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 721.2 Miles

Day 90: Headin' to Vegas

2005-08-12T18:31:00.000-05:00

If anything can be said about Vegas, it's that it is bound to be interesting. THere is never a dull moment in the city....

Heading out for Brent's bachelor party and it should be a blast... no riding on Saturday or Sunday.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2708 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Distance: 721.2 Miles

Day 89: Service Travel Concert

2005-08-11T18:29:00.000-05:00

Mark September 10th on your calendar. The Service Travel team is throwing a huge party at a Lunken Airport hangar, and we want you there! More details in the near future, but mark your calendars for now.

Today will likely be the last day off, other than the days I am out of town for the 100 day challenge.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2678 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 713.2 Miles

Day 88: Assassination of Richard Nixon

2005-08-10T18:21:00.000-05:00

I haven't commented in quite a while on any movies I've watched downstairs. I am watching the Assassination of Richard Nixon. Can't say it's a great movie, but it is actually intersting to me that this list piece of history is something I had never heard before. I wouldn't call myself a history buff, but seems like this is something I'd have heard of before.

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 32 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2678 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.6 Miles
Total Distance: 713.2 Miles

Day 87: Bengals Training and Bike Double Duty

2005-08-09T18:14:00.000-05:00

Spent the day down at Bengals training camp, what a great trip. It was a totally different experience than going to the game, much closer to the action. It almost feels like being in the practice.

Since I took the afternoon off, I rode the stationary bike in the morning and then rode the bike to volleyball in the evening.

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 74 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2646 Minutes
Today's Distance: 20.2 Miles
Total Distance: 703.6 Miles

Day 86: Winding Down

2005-08-08T18:06:00.000-05:00

Only 14 days left in the challenge. So far things are on pace, though I do have some challenges coming up to stay on pace, as I'll be in Vegas Fri-Sun this week, and Montreal Fri-Sun next week for bachelor parties, so I'll have to do a little double duty to stay on pace.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 36 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2572 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.8 Miles
Total Distance: 683.4 Miles

Day 85: What a Ride

2005-08-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

The Morning Glory (although WAY TOO EARLY) was amazing. What a different place the city is at 5:45 in the morning. Completely quite, everything is still. And then the ride starts and before you know it the sun is coming up and creating an erie calm feeling. It doesn't take long before you start seeing people and cars out and about.

It was amazing to see a collection of 2,000 cyclists of all levels out that early to take a long bike ride. You had options of 10, 13, 25 or 28 miles. With the longest including a 3 mile trek up to the top of Devou in Covington... a grueling ride, but well worth the early morning view.

I once again recognize my need for a road bike.. .even treking along on my mountain bike I was able to do okay.. .completing the 28 miles in just under 1:45 minutes.. not super fast, but considering the very slow start with all the cyclists, not too bad (the first 13 miles took just under 60 minutes). I finished about 50th out of 1200 or so that did the entire race.. not too bad for the kid on the moutain bike :)

In addition to the race, I rode my bike to and from the event for another 17 minutes and 4 miles... total: 32 miles, and 2:02. I am not just 14 minutes off pace!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 122 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2536 Minutes
Today's Distance: 32 Miles
Total Distance: 673.6 Miles

Day 84: Give Back Golf Outing

2005-08-06T07:58:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most fun things I do all year. It raises money for Give Back which is a big plus, but even if the CSL Golf Outing benefited another organization, I'd still go. It's an absolute blast. An early start, a few too many beers, and poker in the evening means no time for biking, but that's okay since tomorrow is the Morning Glory Bike Ride.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2414 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 641.6 Miles

Day 83: PTO - AKA Forced Vacation

2005-08-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

I guess I couldn't complain, but my companies new policy of 'use it or lose it' vacation time means I'll be taking pretty much every Friday and Monday off the month of August. Some of that works out, as I will be in Vegas and Montreal this month for bachelor parties, but it also means some time off with nothing planned. That's something I don't think I've ever done in my professional career...taken a day off just because.

Anyway, it allows me to go two things I love today, go for a nice long morning bike ride and then tee off for 18 in the afternoon... maybe I can get used to this not working thing :)

Oh... and saw wedding crashes tonight... very very funny. More than I expected.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 72 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2414 Minutes
Today's Distance: 22 Miles
Total Distance: 641.6 Miles

Day 82: Rest Before the weekend

2005-08-04T07:52:00.000-05:00

I have two big rides before this weekend on Friday and Sunday, so I am going to take it easy Thursday night. Spend a little time around the house, as we're ripping down the wallpaper in the kitchen, with the hope that it's all done by labor day for our annual party...

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2342 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 619.6 Miles

Day 81: Ecuador Team Meeting

2005-08-03T07:45:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned in an early post, that buying my airline ticket triggered my awareness that I was actually going to Ecuador. However, I still don't think it's quite hit me yet that the team of 12 are going to be the folks I am in Ecuador with. The group is really starting to come together and feel more comfortable with each other (something that I think the give back trips give a huge benefit over going on a trip where you don't meet your team until you arrive in the destination country). Selam has done an amazing job at creating some simple 'get-to-know-you' type team building exercises. I can say that I usually think those types of things are cheesy, but these are really fun, and it gives you a great insight into the dynamics of the group.

Our next fundraiser is next Sunday, if you like cornhole, check out the event on the give back website.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 37 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2342 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.8 Miles
Total Distance: 619.6 Miles

Day 80: More Utility Biking

2005-08-02T07:41:00.000-05:00

Today I continue my new found love of utility biking. It's just great to incorporate some exercise into everyday life. Sure, I could get to volleyball about 5 minutes faster if I drove, but biking allows me to exercise too.

I wish I could ride to and from work more often, but the searing heat even at 7:30 AM, makes it difficult since work does not have locker room facilities. I'm pretty sure my co-workers wouldn't appreciate me coming in drenched in sweat.

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 35 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2305 Minutes
Today's Distance: 10 Miles
Total Distance: 609.8 Miles

Day 79: Home Stretch - Last Month

2005-08-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

Well, the 100 day challenge kicks off it's final month. The challenge ends Aug. 23rd (but not my biking, I'm hooked!). I know I have a lot of biking this month to catch up on some missed time. However, to prepare for this, I'm going to take the first day off. Morning Glory is this Sunday, and that should be my longest ride yet!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2270 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 599.8 Miles

Day 78: A New Route and a pool party

2005-07-31T11:29:00.000-05:00

Pulled out my trusty 'safe bike routes' map provided by OKI, and looked for a new ride.. and I found an awesome little loop. Starting at my place in Newport, heading down to the newport riverfront, and then along Dodd Ave in Bellevue and Dayton... this dumps you to Route 8, which I took along the river all the way to 275, then up and amazingly steep long hill on River Road.. It was an 8degree grade for like a mile and a half.. i thought my heart was going to explode. But once that dumps into Ft. Thomas it's smooth sailing. All the way bake to Newport...

Now... it's off to a pool party with my nieces and nephew... I can't remember the last pool party I've been to and I'm pumped!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 57 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2270 Minutes
Today's Distance: 16 Miles
Total Distance: 599.8 Miles

Day 77: Golf, Findlay and Grilling

2005-07-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

First weekend day I can remember with absolutely nothing on the calendar... so what did I do? Fill it with stuff :) First I hit the links with a good friend Greg. Then I came home, and went with Melanie to Findlay Market... man I love that place. We went late (3 PM) and the place was still packed. Picked up some lunch meat, fresh italain sausage and went back home for lunch...

Then I had a break for a couple minutes so I did some yard work for an hour, hit the stationary bike (Blade 3 on the DVD... cheese-ball action movie, but it certainly passes the time), and by that time it was time to fire up the grill... Great day and great weather!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 41 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2213 Minutes
Today's Distance: 11 Miles
Total Distance: 583.8 Miles

Day 76: Wedding #3 and Airline Tickets to Ecuador

2005-07-29T11:11:00.000-05:00

Finally bucked up and got the airline tickets to Ecuador. Head down to Miami and direct to Quito International Airport, Ecuador. I think that was one of those moments when you finally realize something is actually going to happen. I mean, I've known I was going to Ecuador for months now, I applied with Habitat, filled out my contact info... even faxed in my passport information. But the flight purchase was when it really hit... I'm going to Ecuador. But it's not apprehension, it's total excitement. Not only am I going to Ecuador, but I'm going to be able to help out people who live there, make a real impact on real lives, and learn about the culture of the country from the people who live there... how exciting!

Read more about my thoughts, this blog, and the biking challenge in an article by Maggie Downs in the Enquirer. Great story, though I think the comments about the trimmed hair and the button down was a slight dig ;) Pretty funny though, as catching me in 'business attire' is a rare occasion :)

Also this evening...we went to our 3rd wedding of the summer. Only 6 more to go, though we won't be able to attend the next two weddings.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 25 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2172 Minutes
Today's Distance: 7 Miles
Total Distance: 572.8 Miles

Day 75: Melanie's B-day

2005-07-28T11:08:00.000-05:00

Today was my wife's 'golden birthday'... I didn't know what that was either, but apparently it's when you turn 28 and your birthday is on the 28th, or 29 and your birthday is on the 29th. So my golden was last year, and as far as I can tell it doesn't mean a thing, other than something to talk about for 5 minutes ;)

The birthday was a lot of fun (well I hope Melanie had fun)... she picked dinner (Ambar up in Clifton), and then we met a bunch of friends at Hofbrahaus. Lot's o' fun, but no biking.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2147 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 565.8 Miles

Day 74: Neglected Yard

2005-07-27T11:02:00.000-05:00

Well, I figured it's time to get back in the yard. With work, the biking challenge, give back cincinnati, project lily pad and hanging out with Melanie and friends the yard took a back seat... especially since it was 100,000 degrees the last couple weeks, efforts to keep things green were futile anyway, unless you were to make it a full time job.

So I hit the yard to pull some weeds, water some plants and see what could be saved!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2147 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 565.8 Miles

Day 73: Utility Biking

2005-07-26T10:59:00.000-05:00

That's what I've learned it's called. When you ride your bike not specifically for exercise, but for a combination of exercise, recreation AND transportation. So I guess each Tuesday evening I am 'Utility Biking', when I hop on my bike in Newport and start pedaling for Lunken and our Sand Volleyball league. Sure I get some exercise out if it. It's a 9 mile, 27 minute long ride. But it also gets me to my volleyball game, so it's function is transportation... what a novel idea.

Once the challenge is over I am going to look for more ways to incorporate biking into my daily life, it makes exercise so much easier and less time consuming.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 27 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2147 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.0 Miles
Total Distance: 565.8 Miles

Day 72: Peddling and Going Nowhere

2005-07-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

First time in almost a week I headed to the basement to pedal some. But it is unrelenting hot everywhere... even in the basement. So even being inside it was a pretty brutal ride.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 62 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2120 Minutes
Today's Distance: 16.8 Miles
Total Distance: 556.8 Miles

Day 71: Tee Time

2005-07-25T20:51:00.000-05:00

First time I've played since last years Give Back Cincinnati golf outing that i've hit the links. I figured it was time to get ready for the next event on Aug. 6th, so I needed to practice a little.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2058 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 540.0 Miles

Day 70: Shake It in Northside

2005-07-23T20:48:00.000-05:00

Back out on the bike. Made the trek up to Northside to visit my favorite record store. Made for a nice trip of about 18 miles round trip, and I stopped in to treat myself to a new CD... I have a feeling I'll be making this trip more often.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 65 Minutes
Total Minutes: 2058 Minutes
Today's Distance: 18 Miles
Total Distance: 540.0 Miles

Day 69: Third Times a Charm

2005-07-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

For the firt time I think in the 100 day challenge, I've gone 3 straight days without getting on a bike or heading to the stationary bike.

This time the culprit was legitimate. It was our first of 3 group fundraisers. It was a simple happy hour at Jefferson Hall sponsored by our friends at Christian Moerlein. The event, which charged participants a $10 donation and included drinks and pizza was a raging success. For a simple happy hour we were able to pull in 130 folks for the evening and it was a complete blast. I appreciate everyone who came out to support us. Stay tuned for the next event Sunday, August 14th for a cornhole tournament. Should be lots of fun.

Back on the bike tomorrow.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1993 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 522.0 Miles

Day 68: Date Night

2005-07-21T20:40:00.000-05:00

The heat is giving me a beat. I'm having a tough time being able to get a bike ride in outdoor without melting. And I need a break from the stationary bike in the basement.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1993 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 522.0 Miles

Day 67: Paint the Town - Supplies Supplies

2005-07-20T20:34:00.000-05:00

We finally got around to getting together to wrap up the Paint the Town supplies. more than a month later we organized Rob's basement back into a useable space and supplies inventoried. We are talking about 800 paint brushes, 300 paint trays, 25 first aid kits, 40 caulk guns, 50 cans of bug spray and hundreds and hundreds of ladder hooks. We are talking serious painting supplies, but the re-use of supplies is key for Give Back to be able to continue to grow that project. Unfortunately it also means no riding today.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.74 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1993 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 522.0 Miles

Day 66: Riding to Volleyball

2005-07-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

I love the idea of being able to bike commute to things. The first easy thing I've done is to start riding from home to the sand volleyball courts for Tuesday leagues. It's only a 9 mile ride and a great bike route with a lane that can be used for parking which keeps down the number of cars coming up behing you.

Had a great ride out there today averaging nearly 20 mph on my mountain bike :)

I've also updated with some new pledges... we are getting close to that $1.00 per minute goal. Help me get the last 28 cents!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.72 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 26 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1993 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9 Miles
Total Distance: 522.0 Miles

Day 65: Advisory Board Meeting

2005-07-18T22:20:00.000-05:00

No riding today.. had our 3rd quarter Advisory Board meeting for Give Back Cincinnati. It's always a pleasure to be in the room with those talented group of individuals.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1967 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 513.0 Miles

Day 64: Tour de Loveland

2005-07-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

Sounds cheesy, but it's an actual annual event in Loveland with lots of races. In conjunction with this, the Cincinnati Cycle Club has a group ride (not an official race) in the morning.

I joined for my first group ride. I stuck with the lead group for the first 20 miles, before dying on a group of 5 climbs. It was about 4 miles until the peloton caught me and I rode with them for the final 6 miles of the race.

Everyone there was very friendly, and all were genuinely amazed that I was able to keep up on my mountain bike :) Yet another reason to get a road bike.

I had a blast in my first group ride, and I'll say, drafting is so amazing, you wouldn't think that it could help as much as it does, but those 4 lonely miles felt like they lasted for days.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 110 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1967 Minutes
Today's Distance: 30 Miles
Total Distance: 513.0 Miles

Day 63: Biowheels for New tires and a helmet, and Bluegrass at Findlay

2005-07-16T22:12:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day. I must say there is just no good way to ride from Newport to Clifton.. .no matter which way you go, you end up with a giant hill to climb to get up to clifton.

I made my way to Biowheels in Clifton, a great little bike shop. I decided it was time to loose the nobby offroad tires for some more slick tires for the mountain bike (though ultimately I'm going to need to get a road bike if I keep riding outside). I also decided a bike helmet was in order now that I am riding outside. And it's required for any Cincinnati Cycle Club rides (of which I am doing my first on Sunday).

After the bike shop I had lunch with Melanie and my brother-in-law, and then rode to Findaly Market for some bluegrass and to meet my friends KJ, Craig and Suzanne... a great start to the day.

Finally, we had the family renunion with Melanie's family and my first chance to see my niece Isabella. Good times.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 60 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1857 Minutes
Today's Distance: 17 Miles
Total Distance: 483.0 Miles

Day 62: The Summer of Weddings

2005-07-15T22:10:00.000-05:00

I'll try to be nice with this post, and just say... Who came up with the idea for a couple's wedding shower? And if it's going to happen, couple's shower should be definied as the women doing a traditional shower thing, and the guys heading to the golf course for 18 and a few rounds :)

Anyway, the result was a second day in a row without biking. But the weekend is going to be big, with trips to clifton and findlay on Saturday, and my first 'group' ride on Sunday.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1797 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 466.0 Miles

Day 61: Paint the Town Celebration

2005-07-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

We had an event tonight at Harry's Pizza to say thanks to all our committee members, team leads, board members and others that helped behind the scenes to make PTT possible. It was a great night, but it meant no biking!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1797 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 466.0 Miles

Day 60: Final Details Service Travel Fundraisers

2005-07-13T22:04:00.000-05:00

The team has created 3 'Fun'-raisers for people to participate in. A happy hour where a $10 donation gets you drinks, food, and music. A cornhole tournament with some great prizes, and a fall charity concert. These should all be a lot of fun, and a low impact way for people to help out the team. As a matter of fact, most events will be cheaper than your average night out and you'll get a lot more.

Be sure to stay tuned and watch for details to unfold! The Happy Hour is first up at Jefferson Hall on Main St. July 22nd.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1797 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.8 Miles
Total Distance: 466.0 Miles

Day 59: Cincinnati Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Council

2005-07-12T21:37:00.000-05:00

The Cincy Bike PAC is a group that meets monthly to discuss issues related to biking and walking in the region. Specifically they look at and discuss projects like bike lanes, safe bike commutes, and bike paths. It's a small group, but a great group of interesting folks.

I got some really great information about projects out there in the works, and Don Burrell of OKI (Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana regional council of governments) is a member and very up to speed on what is going on in the city. I also picked up some maps and other items that detail good routes to bike. Lots of fun.

It was raining, so I rode in the basement, otherwise I would have riden over to the meeting at City Hall.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 34 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1764 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.0 Miles
Total Distance: 457.2 Miles

Day 58: Short Ride in the Basement

2005-07-11T21:35:00.000-05:00

Short Ride in the basement.

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1730 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Distance: 448.2 Miles

Day 57: Sunday Afternoon Relaxing

2005-07-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

We all need a little relax time... today was the day for me. Just hanging out with the family.

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1700 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 440.2 Miles

Day 56: Weekend Bike Ride

2005-07-09T20:05:00.000-05:00

I'm really enjoying the outdoor rides, so much that I think I may go to BioWheels soon and see about getting a cheap road bike. It will be better than treking along on a mountain bike.

Today I road from my house in Newport all the way along Eastern Ave to Lunken Playfields, and road around the bike trail at Lunken. Though riding on the street isn't my favorite, there isn't a lot of traffic on Eastern, so it wasn't bad. It's my longest ride yet...

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 90 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1700 Minutes
Today's Distance: 22 Miles
Total Distance: 440.2 Miles

Day 55: Weekend with Friends

2005-07-08T20:01:00.000-05:00

Seems like so much is going on that sometimes it's hard to make time to get together with everyone. So it's nice when there is a weekend that not a lot is going on, so that you can spend the evening with friends.

Melanie and I are going to dinner tonight with KJ and Suzanne, and then on Saturday with Greg and Meg... We haven't seen either in too long. I really look forward to it.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 37 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1610 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.8 Miles
Total Distance: 418.2 Miles

Day 54: Clean Teeth

2005-07-07T19:59:00.000-05:00

I forgot how much I enjoy going to the dentist. Clean teeth are always good. So Clean teeth and a quick bike ride, I'm healthy all the way around.

Now I just need to schedule my doctor appointment so I can get my shots and physical for the trip to Ecaudor.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1573 Minutes
Today's Distance: 7.8 Miles
Total Distance: 408.4 Miles

Day 53: Meetings Galore

2005-07-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

No time today to hit the bike. I've got a meeting for the upcoming Mayoral Forum that Give Back and Legacy are working on, and then an Event Comittee meeting for Give Back...

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Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1543 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 400.6 Miles

Day 52: Back to the Basement

2005-07-05T17:00:00.000-05:00

As much fun as the ride was yesterday, I will find it difficult to make time in my schedule to do a ride like that during the work week...but the bike in the basement certainly makes it easy to get a quick ride in.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 26 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1543 Minutes
Today's Distance: 6.9 Miles
Total Distance: 400.6 Miles

Day 51: 4th of July - Long Ride

2005-07-04T16:56:00.000-05:00

Went out to Milford, OH to ride the Miami Valley Bike Trail to Loveland. This trail will eventually be part of a 350 mile rails-to-trails bike path from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. What a great ride that will be! For now the path runs about 70 miles from Milford up to Springfield, OH.

It's a ton of fun... we rode up to Loveland, grabbed some lunch at a great brick oven pizza place (The Works) and then rode back to the car in Milford.

Riding with the wife is a little slower, but still a great workout, and she did awesome for not riding much. Plus, there is a LOT to be said for a road bike for speed... riding those mountain bikes even on a paved trail is a challenge. But I look forward to doing it again.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 100 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1517 Minutes
Today's Distance: 18.0 Miles
Total Distance: 393.7 Miles

Day 50: The Half Way Point

2005-07-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well... It was the half way point, but I spent the day relaxing, hanging out with the nieces and nephew and getting ready for my first bike ride with the wife during this challenge tomorrow.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1417 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 375.7 Miles

Day 49: New Car

2005-07-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

To help with my 'cycling habit' I got ride of my Toyota Corolla and got a 2005 Toyota Matrix. While not a lot bigger, the hatchback and fold-flat seats allow me to fit two bikes in the back. This will make it easier for me to get to interesting places to ride, and should get me out of the basement a bit more for the 2nd half of my 100 day challenge. But because of the wedding this evening, I only had time for a quick ride in the basement today.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 37 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1417 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.9 Miles
Total Distance: 375.7 Miles

Day 48: Getting Ready for the Weekend

2005-07-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

Taking the day off to get geared up for the holiday weekend. It's the first of 8 wedding weekends over the next few months. This weekend is my friends Tony and Emily, who are getting married at St. Monica/St. George where I was married. Tonight, they have invited everyone out for a pre-celebration at a UC staple...Christy's. Should be fun.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1380 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 365.8 Miles

Day 47: Dinner at Home

2005-06-30T19:43:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't know the last time I actually ate dinner at home...not only at home, but made at home. Funny how that works... I don't feel like I eat out that much, but whenever I stop and think its been like a week since the last time it happened...

So, it's the little things like that which are exciting to me.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 34 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1380 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.2 Miles
Total Distance: 365.8 Miles

Day 46: Maria our Ecuadorian Host

2005-06-29T18:31:00.000-05:00

Had our bi-weekly Ecuador Travel meeting tonight. Maria, a friend of one of the traveler's, came over to speak to us about Ecuador. Was great to have her there and hear her talk about her country... just made me even more excited to go. She also made some traditional Ecuadorian food (Ceviche) which was fantastic. Can't wait to get in country and enjoy the culture and the food... perhaps the most exciting part of the trip for me!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.54 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 37 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1346 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.8 Miles
Total Distance: 356.6 Miles

Day 45: 2 Years

2005-06-28T18:28:00.000-05:00

Today is my second wedding anniversary... great stuff. Hard to believe we've been married for 2 years already... not a better person I could think of to spend the rest of my life with! Probably why it doesn't seem like 2 years, it's all been great!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 31 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1309 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.2 Miles
Total Distance: 346.8 Miles

Day 44: Poker Night

2005-06-27T18:26:00.000-05:00

Haven't played poker in at least 2 months. It'll be great to get the group together again. But want to get a quick ride in before everyone comes over to avoid falling further behind.

Update: the wife won the poker game... not too bad with 11 folks playing...

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 25 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1278 Minutes
Today's Distance: 6.6 Miles
Total Distance: 338.6 Miles

Day 43: Markets on Main and Findlay

2005-06-26T18:24:00.000-05:00

Rode my bike up to the outdoor markets on North Main st. and then to Findlay Market. It's a great ride through the city, and great to see the vendors and folks in the city. I plan on making this a regular weekend trip!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 40 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1253 Minutes
Today's Distance: 10.6 Miles
Total Distance: 332.0 Miles

Day 42: Lily Pad @ Findlay

2005-06-25T18:21:00.000-05:00

Had a meeting today with Bob Pickford at Findlay Market about Project Lily Pad. It was really just an update as Bob is already excited. We just need to finalize plans and then get the routers up and running. Should be live in a matter of weeks at the market and elsewhere...

not that it has anything to do with Ecuador or my trek to 2,984 minutes, but I'm excited about getting wifi all over our region!

But in the basement, I hit the bike again!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 43 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1213 Minutes
Today's Distance: 11.7 Miles
Total Distance: 321.4 Miles

Day 41: Another Day Off

2005-06-24T18:17:00.000-05:00

Okay... This will cost me later, but the weekend is packed with stuff going on. Final Friday, Panegyri Festival, etc.... I'm going to take a little time off and start back at it tomorrow.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1170 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 309.7 Miles

Day 40: Back to the Basement

2005-06-23T18:11:00.000-05:00

Another day in the basement... a little catch up to do, but I'm not going to do it all at once.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 37 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1170 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.9 Miles
Total Distance: 309.7 Miles

Day 39: Day Off

2005-06-22T18:10:00.000-05:00

Took a day off to rest a bit. Back at it tomorrow.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1133 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 299.8 Miles

Day 38: Flights to Ecuador

2005-06-21T17:57:00.000-05:00

It's time to start looking for flights down to Ecuador. I am going to go ahead and bypass those lovely flights that make a nice stop in Bogota, Columbia. Not that I think anything would actually happen, but Columbia doesn't seem like the most American friendly place to be.

I am likely going to join a couple of the others for an extra day or two post Habitat to see a bit of what Ecuador has to offer. Should be fun.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 34 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1133 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.1 Miles
Total Distance: 299.8 Miles

Day 37: Give Back Board Meeting

2005-06-20T17:54:00.000-05:00

Joined the Operational Board of Give Back Cincinnati as we celebrated the success of Paint the Town, and rehashed things that we can do even better next year as we expand the program. If you've never heard of Paint the Town, check out our website and get your company involved next year... it's a great event that makes a major impact on individuals and communities through exterior painting of low income owner occupied homes.

Then of course we headed to Hofbrahaus Newport to finish the evening off!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 31 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1099 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.4 Miles
Total Distance: 290.7 Miles

Day 36: Father's Day

2005-06-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

Another day with the family... always good to hang out with the parents, brother, sister, and my 2 nieces and nephews... hanging out with a 4 year old, 3 year old and 11 month old is a great way to put things into perspective!

And it was back to the basement going nowhere after a couple great days on a bike... but you have to do what fits in the schedule, and for me being able to hop on the bike at 10 PM in the basement is typically what works best.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1068 Minutes
Today's Distance: 7.9 Miles
Total Distance: 282.3 Miles

Day 35: Rest Day

2005-06-18T17:50:00.000-05:00

So this is the beginning of the busy season, and I have a feeling my Saturdays for the next few months are going to look a lot like this... Niece's birthday party, Bachelor party, Meredith's going away party (moving to Providence, RI), and Rivertown Breakdown concert... all in the same day... unfortunately I couldn't make it to all of them... And I didn't get a chance to log any minutes.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1038 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 274.4 Miles

Day 34: St. Charles Day II

2005-06-17T17:46:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned, I enjoyed the bike path so much, I came back for a second day.. getting up at 6:30 AM to do a quick morning ride... this time heading North along the river.

I've been lax on the updating the pledge status... thanks to several recent pledges from Rob Kuhn, Spark Cincinnati, Gale Smith and Brad Arthur! Help me get closer to my goal of $1.00/minute and $2,984 for Habitat Ecuador, pledge today!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.53 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1038 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Distance: 274.4 Miles

Day 33: A Real Bike with Wheels!

2005-06-16T20:08:00.000-05:00

So the hotel I am staying at in St. Charles, Il has bikes you can borrow. And there is a great bike trail along the Fox River in town. So I hoped on after classes, and went for a ride... i was so enthralled with being on a real bike going past real things for the first time in like 2 weeks that I just kept going.

I rode through historic St. Charles (which by the way is a great little town), they had at least 5 pedestrian bridges crossing the river over 3 miles. And there were at least 15 riverside bars/restaurants. I can't call it a vacation destination, but it was definitely fun!

I enjoyed myself so much I am getting up early tomorrow to take another ride before class.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 85 Minutes
Total Minutes: 1008 Minutes
Today's Distance: 19.2 Miles
Total Distance: 268.4 Miles

Day 32: Service Travel Meeting

2005-06-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

The group got together for our 2nd meeting as a team. The focus was on individual and group fundraising. We've got some pretty fun group fundraising ideas in the planning stages, so stay tuned to see how you can come out for some fun, while supporting a good cause at the same time!

Had to head to the airport to go to Chicago for training, didn't get in until 11 PM, so I only had time for a short ride on the stationary bike at the hotel.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 20 Minutes
Total Minutes: 923 Minutes
Today's Distance: 6.4 Miles
Total Distance: 249.2 Miles

Day 31: Volleyball Wash-Out

2005-06-14T20:02:00.000-05:00

So the Tuesday volleyball league got rained out and it wasn't even raining... apparently the horrible rain storm that blew through left about 4 inches of water sitting in the volleyball courts. It rained so hard in the afternoon, we couldn't see the ground from the 16th floor office. Pretty crazy!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 903 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.5 Miles
Total Distance: 242.8 Miles

Day 30: Application to Habitat

2005-06-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

I filed my official application to Habitat International Today. Now I just need to fax in my waiver, and send them my passport info and I'll be official. I'll have a lot more time to dedicate to this trip, and the challenge now that Paint the Town is complete... I am ready to go, and look forward to holding some great fundraisers with the rest of my team. They should be fun events, so you'll get more than your monies worth if you attend... stay tuned for details!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 870 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Distance: 234.3 Miles

Day 29: Catch Up Time!

2005-06-12T17:29:00.000-05:00

Well.. 3 days off in the middle of a 100 day 2,984 minute challenge hurts your efforts, so I figured I'd try to make a serious dent in the effort on my first day back.

So back to the cardio cinema (my 13 inch TV and DVD player in the basement), and Netflix. Not exactly the most exciting movie, but I watched the last 75 minutes of the Butterfly Effect as I was trying to play catch-up.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 82 Minutes
Total Minutes: 840 Minutes
Today's Distance: 22.2 Miles
Total Distance: 226.3 Miles

Day 28: Paint the Town!

2005-06-11T17:27:00.000-05:00

I am sure those that read this blog will be glad this has come and gone. I should mention it a lot less often, but you should all go to www.givebackcincinnati.org soon and check out the pictures from the day... Give Back volunteers are absolutely amazing. 7 hours, 625 volunteers and 25 homes with a fresh coat of paint! Amazing!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 758 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 204.1 Miles

Day 27: Ladder Drop Off

2005-06-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, this is officially the hardest I've worked since starting this challenge without logging minutes. We loaded up two rental trucks with 180 ladders, drove to Madisonville and unloaded them at 11 of the 25 houses. Now we did have 8 people helping, but this was truly a workout.

However, I will stick to my guns of only logging minutes that involve running, biking or walking for this challenge..

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 758 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 204.1 Miles

Day 26: PTT Goodie Bags

2005-06-09T17:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I didn't get a chance to do any exercise today. The goodie bag assembly line started at 6 PM, and it took until after 11 to complete. Amazing how long it can take to stuff 24 items into 700 goodie bags. Everything from bumper stickers to flyers, to pens to Charmin Bears were dropped into these bags for the volunteers to enjoy. And after a night like that I hope they enjoyed them!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 758 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 204.1 Miles

Day 25: One Quarter of the Way

2005-06-08T17:21:00.000-05:00

Another day in the quest to 100 days and 2,984 minutes of exercise. Another day of Paint the Town prep, as the team leads all came by to collect their bins. I did a quick hope on the bike before going over to help deliver the bins to the team leads.

I am right on track so far (8 minutes ahead of schedule), but I know the next few days are going to set me back.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 31 Minutes
Total Minutes: 758 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.4 Miles
Total Distance: 204.1 Miles

Day 24: PTT Supply Bin Creation

2005-06-07T17:19:00.000-05:00

Lots of fun sorting paint brushes, garbage bags, rollers, cleaner, drop cloth and the like in a dark damp basement. Not exactly strenous, but tiring none-the-less.

Started off the afternoon with a ride on the bike, assembled the bins, and then went to play a couple games of volleyball... a full night!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 727 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.9 Miles
Total Distance: 195.7 Miles

Day 23: Paint the Town Week

2005-06-06T17:15:00.000-05:00

The preperation continues for Paint the Town. Monday is an off day, Tuesday is Supply Bin sorting (putting all the supplies needed for each of the 25 houses in their own bin). Wednesday is Supply Bin pick-up by each of the team leads. Thursday is goodie bag assembly (700 goodie bags), and Friday is Ladder Distribution to all the homes. Then Saturday is the big day with 625 volunteers converging on the 5th/3rd Operations Center in Madisonville for registration and then off to the houses to start painting.

It will be quite a week, but it will be all worth it by time Sunday rolls around and 25 homeowners have freshly painted homes!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 43 Minutes
Total Minutes: 694 Minutes
Today's Distance: 11.6 Miles
Total Distance: 186.8 Miles

Day 22: Final PTT Prep Day

2005-06-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

We had 40 volunteers out on 6 houses on the first real summer day for Cincinnati. 90 degrees and the classic Cincinnati Humidity, it was clear that summer is officialy here.

Great day again for PTT, and again with lots of physical labor on my part but no minutes to show for it. I hope I don't regret the decision to count only Walk/Bike/Run minutes. :)

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 651 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 175.2 Miles

Day 21: Last Down Day before PTT

2005-06-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

I know, I know... all I ever post about is Paint the Town (there is a reason for that). But Saturday is my last day without any PTT related item on the schedule until June 11th. But a Pain the Town down day is a Trip to Ecuador Exercise day...

So I hit the bike and loved it.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 651 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.5 Miles
Total Distance: 175.2 Miles

Day 20: Power Washing Homes

2005-06-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

I may need to re-think the physical labor not counting for minutes idea. I spent from 8 AM - 4 PM doing some serious physical labor. Nothing like standing on top of a roof or a 40 foot ladder with a industrial grade power washer. It's all you can do to keep from being pushed off the ladder. But we got to 7 homes, and that'll go a long way in allowing our volunteers to complete their painting of 25 homes on June 11th.

So, although I spent 7 hours doing hard labor, and could hardly move my shoulders, I will accrue no miles or minutes for Friday June 3rd.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 618 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 166.7 Miles

Day 19: Paint the Town

2005-06-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

That's basically the only thing that occurs in my non-work life right now. With Give Back Cincinnati's largest event of the year coming up next Saturday, I pretty much eat and sleep Paint the Town. It's going to be a great event this year with 25 low-income owner-occupied homes in Madisonville getting a facelift in one day. We'll have 625 volunteers in the community make a big difference.

So between work, planning for Paint the Town, and exercising for this challenge, I am all but tapped out!

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)
Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 618 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.1 Miles
Total Distance: 166.7 Miles

Day 18: Back to Work

2005-06-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

What's the worst part of a long weekend, it gives you more time to realize how much more fun it is to sit around and do nothing. Then you realize you have to go back to work... Why can't I be independently wealthy, then I could travel the world doing Habitat type work all around the globe (and not have to fundraise to make it happen).

Oh well, back to work it is and back to the exercise.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.39 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 588 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.1 Miles
Total Distance: 158.6 Miles

Day 17: Memorable Memorial Day

2005-05-31T13:34:00.000-05:00

Indeed it was... spent another afternoon at Taste of Cincinnati, and then helped Give Back Cincinnati volunteers collect the 'extra', 'leftover' (call it what you will)food from the vendors for the Drop In Center. It was a unique experience to say the least. All the vendors were very supportive (combination of doing hte right thing and reducing their workload since they don't have to haul off and dispose of the food). What was interesting was the age-old battle of giving the food to the hungry man directly in front of you, or transporting it up the street to the center that feeds the hungry man. To avoid an absolute riot, we decided to stand our ground and instruct folks to head over to the drop in, where we'd be taking the food in 20 minutes.

But it was a rewarding experience, and we put the food that would otherwise have become garbage to good use.

Click Here to Learn More and Pledge!
Total Pledged/minute: $0.38 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 558 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.9 Miles
Total Distance: 150.5 Miles

Day 16: Double Dip - Taste of Cincinnati

2005-05-29T18:58:00.000-05:00

The 25th Anniversary of Taste of Cincinnati was today, and it was a beautiful day for it. The event is the longest running culinary street festival in the entire country. I took the opportunity to ride my bike over to the event and home.

I then did another ride in the basement, making the day a double dip. The roundtrip to the taste was a more liesurely 10 mile ride taking a little over 40 minutes. Then I made up for the off day yesterday by riding for over an hour on the stationary bike.

All in all a good day, and I'm back on track (actually a little ahed of schedule).

Total Pledged/minute: $0.34 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 103 Minutes
Total Minutes: 525 Minutes
Today's Distance: 27.1 Miles
Total Distance: 141.6 Miles

Day 15: Day of Rest - Family Picnic

2005-05-28T18:55:00.000-05:00

I had the family (mom, dad, sister, nephew and 2 nieces) over to the house for a little picnic, so I decided to take a 'day off'. I intend to begin riding my bike to work daily next week, and that should actually make my quest a little easier, as it will be about 20 minutes of daily riding for the round trip. It's so nice to be able to ride a bike to work in less time than it take most folks to drive to work. It's a definite benefit to living in Newport.

Total Pledged/minute: $0.34 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 0 Minutes
Total Minutes: 422 Minutes
Today's Distance: 0 Miles
Total Distance: 114.5 Miles

Day 14: Ecuadorian Music

2005-05-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Those that know me well, know that original live music is one of my passions. So as I was getting ready to head out tonight to see a bluegrass band (Comet Bluegrass All-stars), I decided to look into Ecuadorian music, specifically more traditional Ecuadorian music.

From what I can tell from most of the bands online that bill themselves as 'traditional' in the Ecuador market, it's very vocally driven, with a lot of finger picking guitar background.

I'll be on the lookout for some local festivals that include music while I am there.

Total Pledged/minute: $0.34 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 33 Minutes
Total Minutes: 422 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.7 Miles
Total Distance: 114.5 Miles

Day 13: Flights to Ecuador

2005-05-26T20:50:00.000-05:00

So looking for flights to Ecuador, and I am going to go out on a limb and say that I'm going to eliminate the flights that fly through Bogata Columbia. I mean, I don't think I'd get shot in the airport, but if a plane into South America was going to be hijacked, I'm saying the columbia flight is the best chance of that... So I'll take my chances through Miami or Houston insead!

Total Pledged/minute: $0.31 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 38 Minutes
Total Minutes: 389 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.5 Miles
Total Distance: 105.8 Miles

Day 12: Service Travel Kick-Off

2005-05-25T21:42:00.000-05:00

First meeting of the 'team' this evening. Went through all the logistics around flights, applications, fees, shots, etc. We're ready to roll as a team. More to come on events we'll plan...

Total Pledged/minute: $0.29 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 30 Minutes
Total Minutes: 351 Minutes
Today's Distance: 8.0 Miles
Total Distance: 96.3 Miles

Day 11: Weddings and Bachelor Parties

2005-05-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

I just realized that a significant portion of my 2,984 minute challenge is going to be maintaining the pace through the summer months as the bachelor parties and weddings start kicking in. I can forsee a lot of late nights, followed by some rough biking. But I'll just have to factor that in to my plans.

Total Pledged/minute: $0.29 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 35 Minutes
Total Minutes: 321 Minutes
Today's Distance: 9.5 Miles
Total Distance: 88.3 Miles

Day 10b: First Day of Pledges

2005-05-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

I'll get back to posting about Ecuador later this week. We have our first meeting of the Service Travel team tomorrow night (Wednesday). I'm looking forward to getting to know the group, it's a great bunch of folks, and I'm excited about taking the trip with them.

The first official day of pledge gathering has been fantastic. In just 24 hours since I sent out the email launching the pledge website on givebackcincinnati.org, I have received an additional pledge of $0.25. I still have some work to do to get to my goal of $1.00 per minute and $2,984 raised for Habitat (and a lot more running/biking). But this is a great start!

Total Pledged/minute: $0.29 + ($1 per pound lost + $0.01 per mile)

Today's Minutes: 41 Minutes
Total Minutes: 286 Minutes
Today's Distance: 11.4 Miles
Total Distance: 78.8 Miles