Three years ago, when Scott and BR announced they were forming a Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge cycling team, I thought to myself, “I listen to Scott and BR and I have a bike. I could be on that team.” I never got around to applying and when I heard the amazing resumes of the people that they selected, I thought I would never be able to do this.

My wife Paula encouraged me to sign up each of the last 3 years, so I finally sent in my application since it now required less than 56 words. I never thought they would pick me, but lo and behold in June I heard my name on the radio and they picked me.

Apprehensively, I showed up for the first ride. I was thinking, “can I ride with these guys?” and why are they asking me to fundraise? I figured I had nothing to lose. The worst thing that could happen is that I get into better shape. My plan was to keep showing up until they told me to get lost. There were originally 30 of us radio people. Now I can say I’m in the top 10.

The first 2 rides I got dropped from “Scott and BR” group. Each week I noticed my cycling get stronger and stronger. I decided to get a fundraising page. I could raise some funds. I’m so excited to have raised over $3100!

The CAF is an unbelievable organization. The rides are so organized. The 4-6 hours riding just fly by. The ride leaders are such nice people. I’ve learned so much from them. It feels good to get into the fundraising spirit after a year off. 2006 and 2007 I raised money for MS. So far this year I’ve almost surpassed both years combined.

The contest, immunity challenges, and fundraising have been a great distraction that I may be embarking on a 620 mile bicycle ride. I don’t think it has actually sunk in how far that is.

In college, my friends G and Suz made the ride from the Bay Area to San Diego, so guess I figured I would do the ride someday, and I figured what better way than on the Scott and BR cycling team.

If you would like to donate to CAF in support of my ride: http://mdc2009.kintera.org/markvd