I'll be Racing to Save Lives -

One Mile at a Time.

Greetings! Mark Winter here. I hope this note finds you well.

I recently made a decision to give back in my own small way. For me, that involves a bike. So I'm now in training for a 100 mi. bike endurance event with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training areriding to raise funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. Funds go to promoting research, education, patient financial assistance and patient support groups. This cause receives NO Federal funding. ( To see how funds are allocated, see http://www.teamintraining.org/firsttimehere/themissionandhistory/wherethemoneygoes/ )

In over 20 years, Team in Training has raised over $680 Million to fight these diseases and improve the quality of life for patients and families going through it. I look forward to pedaling with our Redwood/Wine Country Team to significantly build on that total!

MY EVENT- JUNE 2010: America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride

Lake Tahoe, NV, June 6, 2010. 100 mi. bike.

3000 cyclists do the ride that has built a reputation for spectacular scenery, clean mountain air and some large mountain passes to get over. The course circumnavigates Lake Tahoe and includes an out-and-back to historic Truckee, California.

While I am completing this event in honor of all those battling blood cancers, it is also for one individual in particular. A few years ago my grandfather, Gus Schmieman, was diagnosed with chronic Leukemia. He has always been an inspiration to me, and I will be thankfull mile after mile that he continues to remain healthy.

I also pedal in honor and appreciation of all Caregivers. In my business I have the distinct pleasure to work with many of these dedicated professionals. Their compassionate aid to our clients fighting Leukemia and Lymphoma cannot be overstated.

I take on this challenge feeling extremely fortunate my family and friends are, for the most, part strong and healthy. I just hope that my accomplishments through Team in Training can make the slightest difference in the life of someone who is facing a genuine uphill battle.

HOW TO JOIN ME:

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance their mission. Personally, I’m aiming at raising $3000, which will go directly towards the fight to stop Leukemia & Lymphoma. Please feel free to contact me directly, or you may visit my fundraising page at http://pages.teamintraining.org/rw/ambbr10/mwinter.

You can check my site back regularly to see my progress. I understand that we'll pedal approximately 1000 miles during training for the 100 mile lap around Lake Tahoe on June 6. Let the games begin!!!!! Wish me luck - I'll keep you posted on my website!

Thanks for your support!

--Mark Winter

OH YEAH:

P.S. Sorry, but did I mention that the whole point of this is to RAISE FUNDS for a very amazing cause?!?!? I’ll get up early on Saturdays and tackle the hills, but I’m going to need you to dig in the back pocket for a little green paper or plastic. Please visit my webpage at http://pages.teamintraining.org/rw/ambbr10/mwinter. I very much appreciate it, and together we CAN make a difference!

UPDATE 04/20/10:

Greetings! Wow... It has been an amazing couple of months! Back then, 30 miles seemed like something serious. This past weekend, we raised the bar in a major way. Seventy plus miles out to Pt. Reyes. I have to tell you, I was intimidated from the time that I got the email announcing the ride. I'm quite lucky to be riding with a group that works amazingly well together. Definitely the hardest that I've ever pushed myself physically, and quite challenging mentally. I would have loved to see the look on my face when Coach Vern said we were going to climb out of Olema, with about 20 miles still to go! You start to think about what other folks are going through, and all of a sudden... its just another hill to climb. Such little pain builds character - I guess. GO TEAM!

UPDATE 02/11/10:

I am proud to add a new honoree to my personal cause. Unfortunately, Sara Busse, a sister of a good friend, was diagnosed this past year with acute Leukemia. Sara and her family grew up enjoying Lake Tahoe year round, and I am proud to ride in support of Sara and her family. Her presence will be sitting on my shoulder, rocking out to Santana, as we work our way around the Big Blue on June 6!