Dear Velo Valero!
Hope your
holidays were wonderful and you are off to a positive start in 2006. I
thought I would take a minute to quickly touch base with you and bring
you up to date with the latest team news.
I. OVER DUE THANK YOU!!!
I
wanted to start by saying "THANKS" to all of you for a wonderful year
in 2005. I am so proud of all we accomplished together through
excellent teamwork and commitment to our mission. In total, we raised
just shy of $150,000 for the American Diabetes Association and National
MS Society, taking first place fundraising honors in SA in both
events. Additionally, we are ranked nationally with both groups for
our fundraising efforts. This is an AMAZING accomplishment and could
not have been done without the efforts of all of you! So thank you
again for your support of me and the team. I look forward to even
bigger and better totals, fun, and membership #s in 2006.
I
also wanted to express my appreciation for the incredibly generous
gifts I received at year's end. The gift certificate to my favorite
Salon was put to excellent use and my new socks will be an on-going
reminder of your support and caring. Last but not least, the bill for
our fancy Valero socks was paid in full thanks to all of you pitching
in. While this was very unnecessary, it was most gracious and I thank
you for your caring spirit. I am continually humbled and awed by this
team and so blessed to be a part of it. Thank you for the opportunity
to serve for one more year as your leader.
II. TRAINING SCHEDULE
Everyone has
been asking about the training schedule. There are many people riding
informally with small groups. Carl Crawford, Walter Matich, Patricia
Jones and Henry Martinez are team members that I know are keeping a
steady schedule. Feel free to contact them via e-mail if you are
interested in starting your training now. BTW, all e-mail addresses
at Valero are first name.last name@valero.com.
Q: When will Velo Valero begin riding again?
A: Our official training program will begin the first weekend in March.
John Tenison and his committee are busy putting together a formal
schedule which will be posted on our website upon completion. If you
have any ride suggestions or feedback to offer as he begins planning,
PLEASE send him e-mails with your input ASAP. We value your opinions
and ideas!! (john.tenison@valero.com)
III. TOUR DE CURE 2006
Believe
it or not, it is already time to register for the 2006 Tour de Cure.
As you may be aware, I am the event Co-Chairperson this year and
several Valero team members are on the event steering committe. We
have been busily working since December and have a fantastic event in
store for you. Some new routes, variable distances and an incredible
evening of social events planned for Saturday evening.
The ride is slated for May 20-21st.
If you have participated in this event previously, you know that this
a gorgeous ride from San Antonio to Austin (stops in San Marcos day
1). The ride is typically described as very scenic, well supported by
the American Diabetes Association and a great prep for the Bike to the
Beach. Another unique quality is that it has variable distance options
to accommodate all levels of riders. New or less experienced riders,
you can ride 20 miles each day and get some great experience riding
with large groups. Seasonal riders, the mid distance of 50+ miles is a
great way to get back into shape and is very doable even if you are
just beginning your annual training. Hammer heads, there is a 75 mile
distance ride both days, so you can scratch your itch for distance
training.
For those of you who are planning to ride, I need a big favor. Can you please go to the website THIS WEEK (Before Friday) and register formally: diabetes.org/tour . Be
sure to indicate you are riding with Team Velo Valero. There is a bit
of a push going on right now to see if we can get our pre-ride
registration numbers up. We also are in competition with a few other
teams who are trying to see if they can beat Velo Valero this year for
team size and fundraising. I told them "not a chance, but you can give it your best try."
The other benefit to registering now is that when you register early, the fee is only $20.
So take advantage of the early bird discount and start your fundraising
now. On-line is the way to go. Set up your website and start asking. Our team goal is $40,000 this year. I wold also like for us to reach 100 riders.
Please let me know what questions you have. And don't forget to register, now! : }
IV. BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE
At the heart
of this team are a group of highly committed and energetic volunteer
leaders called the Velo Valero Board of Directors. We are seeking a
few great men and women to help with board positions and committees.
If you have any interest in getting more involved with this team, we
would welcome your help. Some of the areas where we need helpers are
with organizing fundraisers, coordinating team apparel and orders,
safety program, membership programs, marketing. Please let me know what
area you might be willing to volunteer some time. Thanks!!
V. TEAM APPAREL
When can we order jerseys? shorts? etc. is the question I repeatedly hear. "Soon" is my response. We
are designing a new team jersey this year with the help of our creative
director, Zora Bilicich. We are looking to incorporate the new Valero
Retail image campaign colors and logo into our look so expect some
bright yellow and blue to be in the new design. We will have formal
order process in late March or early April. Keep you eyes open for the
e-mail messages regarding this. In the meantime, if you have design
ideas, suggestions, etc. please forward them to me ASAP. Don't worry,
if you just bought new gear last year, you will still be OK to wear the
old design.
VI. OPPORTUNITY TO TEST RIDE NEW CANNONDALE BIKES
I
received the following e-mail from the new Boerne bike store called
"Bicycle Shack." If anyone is looking to buy a new bike with their
bonus checks, this may be just the opportunity for you. See below.
Hi everyone-
I just wanted to share the following information: the Cannondale demo truck will be at the Bicycle Shack on
Feb 10 (Friday). You can test ride any of their bicycles, they will have all models there. Even if you
don't plan to demo, stop in to say "hi!" We are located at 31007 IH 10 West, Suite 105, Boerne, TX, 78006.
Thanks!
Stephanie
830-755-5369
This is all for now. Hope to hear from you soon!
Laura