Mission Statement and Rules

"The odds of becoming a pro athlete: 22,000 to 1."

I have a chance to be the 1 of my 22,000 peers.

My checklist is solid: I have the talent. I have the drive. I have the work ethic. I have the guts.

If I were in a movie, that would be all that is necessary to make it (and I can guarantee that I would play "Rudy" much better than Sean Astin). In the real world, it takes financial backing and a huge amount of sponsorship.

Here are the minimum costs of a typical 4-day stage race:

• Typical race entry fee: $150
• Travel expenses: $500-$1000
• Lodging: $500-$1000
• Food: $200

Given there are 15+ of these races a year, very few have the financial ability to fund just the race expenses alone. Add the costs of equipment and maintenance and it's even more daunting. And in my case, add graduate school loans, credit card debt, car payment, and it's impossible to afford the sport even with a 40/hour week job.

This is the hard place where many talented cyclists choose the safer path over a dream of 22,000 to 1 odds, a dream that holds little promise of glory or fame.

I want to defy the odds and be that one. I need help.

 My goal of this blog is to accomplish three things:

1. Spread the word: Entertain you with my own personal set of trials and tribulations involved in the journey to become pro. Prove I'm deserving of your time and your generosity. Show that I can turn $1 into a worthy investment.
2. Ask for help: Ask readers to donate $1 to the cause.
3. Pay it forward: A movie starring Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey and that kid from the Sixth Sense.
4. Really pay it forward: Inspire others to pursue greatness. Donate time and knowledge to others along the way.

Rules

1. All money received will go towards racing expenses. This includes entry fees, travel expenses, bicycle maintenance, and equipment for 2010.
2. All donations will be tracked and held in a separate account.
3. All residual money will be donated to a women's cycling charity.