I'm back for 2014, Million Dollar Challenge is right around the corner

After some serious thought and not a little bit of apprehension and some counseling from Darcy, I'm in for 2014. I like to think that I have a soft cycling schedule for 2014 so far. Two big trips, one to Belgium with CCSD to ride two sportives, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Flèche Wallone. The second is CAFrica. Challenged Athlete Foundation's 20th anniversary trip to South Africa is an amazing adventure from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. Not bad really. I'm very excited. But committing to do MDC and our own little trip to the pain cave we call 'Tour de Carne Asada' makes the 2014 commitment daunting.

Last year, I pedaled 1,152 miles and climbed 73,560 in 11 days in October. We raised over $28,000 from 110 donors. I could not have done any of it without your help. We done good. But now the issue of 2014 arises. Registration opened for the Million Dollar Challenge today. I'm in. I also convinced a good friend and business partner to go all in this year. He's gonna have a blast.

But I need some company for the trip north. The Tour de Carne Asada leaves Santa Barbara and travels to the start of MDC in 5 days. It adds 500 or so miles and 50,000 feet of climbing if you are also doing MDC. It's not a small effort. I'm willing to lead a small contingent on this journey, if your interested, please signup on my mailing list and we'll keep you in the loop for developments. Once again, Cycling Camp San Diego (ccsd) will do the support for us and arrange lodging. There is a fee but it will depend on how many Carne Asada meat lovers we can find to share the pain…. err, miles.

So 2014 is shaping up. I have a bunch of fun travel ahead in 2014, I'm gonna learn how to train on limited miles this year! Oh boy, this could hurt come October.

Link to Tour de Carne Asada email signup form

Tour de Carne Asada 2014

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Day One... Santa Barbara to Santa Maria.

Fabulous weather greeted us for the first pedal strokes of our northbound journey. The views from Painted Cave were stunning as we threaded our way over the top of Santa Barbara and down toward the Figueroa Mountain climb. That climb was the real deal. Like really tough, long and did I mention long. Then after a incredibly beautiful but bumpy descent, we hit the wind we've been warned about. It was blowing down Foxen road, which brought us all the way to Santa Maria. But nothing that a little mexican food couldn't cure. We'll hit it again tomorrow. 90 miles, and 7,000 feet on tap. Hopefully if we get an early start, we can avoid some of the afternoon wind. We'll see. 

Cody Stevenson