Raising Money For Valley Fire!

You may or may not have heard about the devastating Valley Fire in California, where over 76,067 acres have already burned. The fire is now 95% contained, but there are still nearly 3 thousand homes threatened by the fire. 1,307 homes have already been destroyed, with another 41 damaged.

These people have lost everything - many barely escaping with the skin on their backs. They had to evacuate so quickly, they had to leave behind pets and livestock, family pictures and heirlooms. Youtube has some pretty terrifying videos of the escapes.

The long drought we've had in California has hastened the spread.

Next weekend, on October 3rd, Mark is riding 100 miles in Levi Leipheimer's Levi's GranFondo. It's an excruciating ride, with major climbs. I am not in good enough shape to ride with him, so I will be working at the water rest stop at the top of the gnarliest climb - then serving beer in the afternoon as the riders finish their rides.  It's an all day event for us both - starting quite early in the morning.

The GranFondo always raises money for local charities - some of you may recall Levi's involvement with the American Lung Association (I got to ride my bike with him once!).  This year, 80% of the money raised will go to Valley Fire victims.  The rest to other local charities.

Please sponsor me!
https://fundraise.levisgranfondo.com/bubbva

Thanks!

Valerie

Levi's Gran Fondo Wrap Up

Mark and our friends were fortunate enough to have spots in the Levi Leipheimer Gran Fondo earlier this month.



For you non-cyclists out there, that means they got a spot in the 100 mile, very hilly, bicycle route.  Due to my injury last year, I didn't sign up. So, I could sit at the festival all day while I waited for Mark and the gang... or be useful. This year, I chose to be useful.



I volunteered at the Ocean Song water station, where we provided water, electrolytes, and toilets to very tired riders who were 80 miles into their ride and had just completed a nasty climb. (except those on the Medi-fondo route, who were 43 miles in... but had also just completed that same nasty climb!)



This woman just amazed me - she had pedaled up that hill on a cruiser, complete in her custom made cycling outfit - with the Fondo embroidered on it!

Best of all, I got to meet Levi himself (again). He is just the nicest guy you'll ever meet, always willing to pose for a picture.



Mark and Rod made it to the rest stop eventually:



And, finally, we ran into Levi again at the festival. Super nice guy that he is, he posed for another picture, this time with Mark.