LAKE OSWEGO, OR, July 31, 2009 - As I follow a caravan of Autodeskers out to the middle of Oregon, the car dashboard tells me it's 97 degrees. This does not bode well for tomorrow when most of us will be riding our bikes a hundred miles. The organizers have decided to start an hour earlier than previously scheduled to reduce time under the baking sun. I'll gladly give up an hour of sleep for that!
We arrived at the campground around dinnertime. Plenty of time to register and get the bike ready. I'm riding a borrowed bike (thanks to Sal Bondi!) which saves me from having to fly my bike from California, for which United charges a princely $80. Also, I am loath to rent a bike for the ride after a bad experience 2 years ago on the same ride when the bike shop fought me for alleged damage to the bike frame. I swear it wasn't me but I almost ended up BUYING that bike!
Autodesk donated our team jerseys this year. Thanks, Buzz! Autodesk is also matching employee donations.
I wrote the names of the people who had written to me when they found out I was riding for MS. I'll be wearing their names on my jersey and they will also be in my heart. They are:
- Greg Drown
- William (Bill) Foss
- Michael H
- Lauris Hawley
- Mrs George McAdam
- John Roberts
Team fundraising has been spectacular -- especially considering the current state of the economy. Team Autodesk is one of the top -- if not the top -- corporate fund raisers. Good job, team!
We'll be suffering tomorrow, to be sure. The distance, the heat... But still, we are the strong ones, the healthy ones. It's good to be able to convert some of that effort to help those not as fortunate.
A special thanks to all who contributed to the cause.
See more about Team Autodesk here:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/ORCBikeEvents?team_id=166731&pg=team&fr_id=10121