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May 2006 - Posts
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Just wanted to update you on the Tour de Cure held in Long Beach, CA, on May 20th. Many employees from the Valero Wilmington refinery rode during this event, or volunteered to help out the riders. Velo Valero continues to sweep the globe!
Click here for photos.
From Team Captain, Bob Roger, Wilmington Operator Technician: The team had a total of 21 riders sign up. 18 actually made the ride. 5 riders did the 65 mile, 11 did the 35 mile, and 2 riders did the 15 mile. We also had a total of 8 volunteers. We raised approx. $3,750.00, with a company match of $3,000.00, for a total of $6,750.00, but we still have money coming in.
Rod Quines, Environmental Associate at the plant, was the Volunteer Coordinator for the event - here's his report: There were 8 Valero volunteers who helped out with registration, serving breakfast and lunch, checking in riders as they returned to the park and handed out "goodie bags" to the returning riders. All in all, our volunteer efforts were recognized by both Sahar Sedadi and Rich Hunter. We all look forward to another volunteering at next year's event. In fact, Rich Hunter told me that he will definitely get in touch with me a few months before the event. This way, I will have more time to recruit volunteers and get ready for the event next year
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From rider Miguel Garcia, Shift Supervisor:
Well I did it. Two hours, twenty minutes later I completed the thirty-eight mile bike ride. It was your support that kept me going through the training and the ride. It was your generosity that exceeded the goal I had set of $1,000.00 to $1,725.06. This was a tremendous encouragement for me and a big help to our team.
Preparing for this ride had an equal impact in my life. I have lowered the dosage of medicine I take for my diabetes. Your support and encouraging words is what kept me going out every chance I had to ride. If all goes well I intend to keep riding and ride the sixty-five mile ride next year.
I also want to thank our team Captain Bob Roger and Steve Scott for challenging me to take part in the ride. My hat goes off Mr. Roger. It was unfortunate that within twenty minutes of his ride he had a bad spill that rendered him unconscious, with cracked ribs, and a couple of bruises. He was taken to the emergency for evaluation of his injuries and was later released. He showed up to the park bandaged and hurting in order to give the final check to the American Diabetes Association.
Again, I can not say it enough thank you so much for all your help and hope you can support me again next year for the longer ride.
...It's for experiences like this that we ride. See you on the road!
- Laura
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Happy Monday Velo Valero!
Just a note to say "Thank you" so much for your participation in the 2006 Tour de Cure. This year's event overall was one of the best yet! The weather was just about perfect for May, the routes were spectacular and everyone looked like they were having a great time together.
As the event co-chair this year, I had the opportunity to see the event through a different 'lens.' I cannot begin to express my pride as a member of the team and an employee of Valero. It is such an honor to serve as the captain of such an amazing group of people. Your time, commitment and endless enthusiasm never cease to impress me. And our volunteers and board members went above and beyond to make every aspect of the weekend special for us. Everywhere you looked, there was a Valero volunteer contributing their talent - cooking, driving sag vehicles, setting up tables and chairs, hanging signs, organizing the finish lines, serving meals....it was truly overwhelming to see how much planning and time it takes to pull this event off.
My special thanks to Stan Lear for serving as Logistics Chair (and Signage Chair) to Sammy Nieto and Chef Fausto for yet another amazing dinner and breakfast, to Marian Suarez for the best Saturday night celebration yet, to Steve Evans for serving as SAG chair, to Char Cushman for serving as Rider Recruitment chair and to all of you for the outstanding fundraising commitment you made to the American Diabetes Association.
For the 3rd year running, we received the Tour de Cure Top Fundraiser and Best Corporate team. WOW! What an amazing accomplishment for us! To date our fundraising total is $40,145.00 and we still have money coming in. Two of our team members David Sloan and Seth Mc Connell were also recognized for their individual fundraising efforts. David was the 2nd largest fundraiser with $7,535.00 and Seth McConnell was a close 3rd place with $6755.00. Additionally, several other team members made outstanding contributions to our fundraising efforts: Bill Ansell raised $4060.00 , Kevin Tyburski raised $2995.00 and Amanda Burden raised $2110!! Kudos to all of you for your excellent example and commitment to the cause. You are outstanding role models for the rest of us.
Team photo at Day 1 Starting Line
Once again our team also grew! We ended up with 93 riders total, representing a 14% increase in riders over last year. Thank you so much for your dedication to Valero and your commitment to help the diabetes community. Our efforts will make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many!
For those of you who are interested in photos....I will be posting my personal pictures as well as those from other team members as I receive them. Please forward your e-files to myself and Peter Ray so we can share them! Click here to see the photos we have posted so far.
Additionally, you probably remember a very active photographer who was lying on the ground and frantically driving and parking his car to get shots of everything....his pictures can be found at: www.rxdesign.com. You can view them and then order copies via this website if you are interested. Any photos that we post on the Velo Valero website are yours for the asking.
Finally, I'd like to thank a few of the board members for their special efforts in supporting our success:
Thanks to Patricia Jones for managing the team apparel ordering process! Your phenomenal organization skills and patience are so appreciated.
Kudos to John Tenison, Chuck Divelbiss and David Balcer for their excellent work in developing our training schedule and leading the rides. Thanks to all of you for your leadership in creating the schedule, posting the rides on the website and making sure we were safe and educated about the rules of the road. You are the reason we were all so well prepared and able to put the mileage in this past weekend.
Zora Bilicich -Thanks for your many hours of creative energy in designing our new jerseys and shorts! Did we look good out there or what? The colors looked phenomenal! What a fashion statement we made out there.
Peter Ray - Without you, there would be no team. Our website has been the very heart and soul of team communications for the past two years. Special thanks to you and Patrick for rennovating and maintaining the website. It is an amazing tool for keeping the team organized and in touch. Thank you ....Thank you.....Web master! We are indebted!! The slave driver owes you big time!
In closing, if you have any feedback that you would like me to share (Both positive and improvement geared) please submit to me via e-mail so that I can share with Cindy from the local ADA. I know that they really appreciate all of you and want to make it the best ride possible. The only way they can do this, is through your feedback regarding the things that are working or not working so well from a rider perspective.
Thanks again to everyone for your participation, fundraising and commitment to Velo Valero! I look forward to our next big event in the fall...the Valero MS 150.
Our training schedule will continue this weekend. Check the website for details. Next stop, Corpus Christi!!
See you on the road....
Laura
Laura, Ken Livingston, and Donna Escobar
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Dear Velo Valero!
It seems like just yesterday we were beginning our training and here it is May 18th and Tour De Cure weekend is upon us. Thanks to everyone for all your efforts in getting ready for this special event!
I just wanted to send you a few quick reminders about this weekend:
TEAM PHOTO - 6:30 am - START LINE
If you would to be in the team photo, please plan to be at the START by 6:30 am on Saturday. The ride begins at 7:30 am. Rider line-up will begin at 7:00 am. This will give you plenty of time to air up your tires, fill your water bottles, use the restroom and warm up.
TUBING
If you are interested in tubing post ride, Velo Valero team members will gather at 3:00 pm by the FINISH LINE. Cost is $4 per person. BYODrinks/Cooler/etc.
WHAT TO BRING
Linens: Alarm clock, sheets, pillow, blanket, pillow, towels (Remember this is a college dorm and the only thing in the room is furniture)
Change of clothes for Saturday evening - After the ride most people change into shorts and T-shirts or something COOL. It's going to be hot so dress accordingly. Wear your Velo Valero T-shirt if you still have it.
Toobing gear - Bathing suit, sunscreen, flip flops, cooler
Sunscreen, Toiletries {soap, deodorant and shampoo are highly recommended : ) } Butt butter
Cycling Gear - Velo Valero jersey(s), shorts, socks, helmet, shoes, sunglasses, water bottles/camelback, gloves - Butt butter!!
GUs, snacks, electrolytes, etc.
Tire Changing Supplies - 3-4 Tubes of CO2, 2-3 tubes, pump
Driver's License, Medical Insurance Card, Cash, Cash card
Plastic bag/Rain Gear - Although the forecase is calling for a hot and sunny weekend, it's always a good idea to bring a large garbage bag or rain poncho in the event of rain
WHAT TO WEAR
The expectation is that you wear your Valero jersey both days....If you only have one shirt, just plan to bring a little detergent and hand wash them in the sink. They will hang dry beautifully.
WRIST BANDS/TAGGING PROCEDURES:
In your rider packet, in the yellow folder, is a set of bright red wrist bands and your number. Be sure to fill out the Medical Information on the back of your number. This will be very important in the event of an emergency. Note, there are 4 bands. One is for your wrist, one for your bike and two for your luggage. Be sure to hand write your name, bib #, and telephone on each and remember to label everything you bring with you!
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
On Saturday evening, there will be a dinner and awards program in Sewell Park. Be sure to come out and enjoy the wonderful Valero barbeque and hear honorary chair Kevin Livingston share his story. Also, there will be a movie (The Incredibles) shown in the theater just behind the dorms following the program. There will be plenty of popcorn - don't miss the fun!
TRANSPORTATION -MEALS - TENT - MASSAGE
Just a reminder that for this event, Velo Valero does NOT provide separate transportation, luggage trucks, shuttles, meals, massage, etc. for this ride. All teams and riders are provided services as one collective group. Valero Energy has many, many volunteers helping support all of these services and is sponsoring the meals and provided financial support as the presenting sponsor. So you will see alot of Valero support out there, but just not exclusively for our team.
QUESTIONS
If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call me - My cell phone is: (210) 379-1961. I will not be riding Saturday, so don't hesitate to call if you need anything.
That's it for now. See you bright and early on Saturday!
Laura
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The Texas Tour de Cure is only week away! Hopefully everyone is ready to ride.
I'd like to share with you the results from the Napa Valery Tour de Cure, which many employees from the Benicia and Wilmington refineries rode in. If you haven't seen the pictures yet, click here. This ride marked the worldwide debut of the new 2006 Team apparel. Hats off to Zora Bilicich again for designing the coolest jersies ever!
Here's an update on the Napa tour from Benicia Team Captain, Dan Rubio:
From Dan Rubio, Team Captain, Velo Valero, Benicia Refinery:
We had beautiful day to ride in Napa. Mary and I boarded the red tandem, and enjoyed the fifty mile ride. We were able to socialize with our friends and co-workers after the ride. We were treated to an excellent meal, music and a little wine too boot!
This years Tour took a different spin, compared to past years tours. The staggering numbers coming out about Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes through out our families and friends appears to be growing at rapid rate. Through the ADA's research, education, we can all make a difference.
Here are results from those confirmed at the ride on Sunday.
- $17,000.00 raised, once all the money is collected that was committed, could go higher!
- 64 confirmed riders, three of those guests up for the ride from our Wilmington Refinery!
- 371 volunteer hours riding and fund raising.
- 2,535 miles ridden for Diabetes on May 7th, 2006.
- Add in Our Gold Sponsorship of $5,000.00 from Community Relations and registration fee's for 60 riders, Thank you!!!!!!
Riders Participating This Year:
Ray, Chelsea, Desirae, Raeanna Castro, Anthony, Joseph Alameda, Jennie Warren-Alemeda, Jerry Barker, Layne, Lori Blees, Joyce Brunelle, George Young, Gary Coleman, Doug Comeau, Sheldon Custer, Alan Dedman, Randy Doherty, Sue Fisher, Susan Gustofson, Ron Handa, Gary Jeffcoats, Todd Lopez, Dave Matthews, Eric, Jessie Maxfield, Scott Mease, Sonny, Debbie Menzel, Mike Miller, Brenda Mooney, Karen Muelbauer, Allen, Sharen Ng, Darrell Odland, Dave Rosenburg, Dan, Mary Rubio, Tom, Lori Rybarczyck, Dave, Holly Schallon, Ron, Margie, Margeret, Mary, Patrick Talbot, Akemi, Miyuka, Tomo Tom, Chip, James Vollmer, Howard Wong, Todd Yarbrough, Guy, Cindy, Liza, Marcela, Sarah, Tony Young, Matt Oldehoeft, AJ Jones, Chris, Gina Meldner, and Art Gray.
Both Russ Solom and Don O'Donnell were unable to participate with us, but they forwarded donations anyway. Thank you both! And Sue Gustofson's cousin visiting from Sweden was a volunteer serving refreshments following the bike ride, our thanks to her as well!
Thank you all for your participation and support. You are each making a difference for Diabetes in our Families and Communities!
Already looking forward to next Year!
Keep Riding,
Dan
Click here to access Alan Dedman's account of the ride.
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Hello again Velo Valero -
Just wanted to make you aware of a great training/educational opportunity taking place this weekend.
We are having our annual PEDAL POWER WORKSHOP, here on the Valero campus, this Saturday (May 6th) from 10 am - 3 pm.
Cost is $20 at the door. $5 additional if you want a box lunch. There will be 4 concurrent workshops:
- Bicycle Safety
- Conditioning, Training and Nutrition Tips - Use of Heart Monitor
- Pedaling techniques and Climbing
- Bicycle maintenance/Use of the computer/Cycling Gear and Apparel.
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more and prepare for the upcoming cycling season.
Call me or e-mail me if you have any questions. (210) 345-2500
WE WILL HAVE OUR TRAINING RIDE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE WORKSHOP So, bring your bikes if you are interested. Wheels down at 3:45 pm.
Thanks!
Laura
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Dear Velo Valerians -
I am writing to remind everyone that payments are due for all apparel orders placed 3 weeks ago. We have several orders for which no monies have been received.
We would greatly appreciate if you could mail or deliver your payments as soon as possible. All details are below.
APPAREL PRICING:
Jerseys $60
Shorts $60
Bibb shorts $66
Additional cost for 3XL or 4XL sizes - $10 per item
* Make checks or money orders payable to Velo Valero
* Send to mail station A2E-154 in San Antonio if a Valero Employee, otherwise mail to:
Valero Energy Corporation
Attn: Patricia Jones
One Valero Way
San Antonio, TX 78249-1616
If you missed ordering and still want a jersey and or shorts, please let us know. We do have some extras that we will sell on a first come first served basis. Order pick up will be May 18th at Valero - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm in the South Lobby.
Thanks so much!
Laura
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Hello Velo Valero!
Just wanted to let you know we will be having a special packet pick up for VELO Valero team members for the 2006 Tour de Cure.
We will also distribute apparel orders at this time.
WHERE: Valero Corporate Headquarters - SOUTH Lobby (by cafeteria)
WHEN: Thursday May 18th - 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
WHAT: 2006 Tour de Cure Packet Pick Up & Velo Valero Apparel order pick up
**Don't forget to bring your Tour de Cure donations (non-online) and apparel payments if you have not already paid.
Note, the ADA has an electronic record of all on-line donations and will have that information on hand.
For those who have not raised money and are just writing a personal check, you must have a $125 minimum donation to pick up your packet.
You must also bring your SIGNED WAIVER FORM.
See you then!
Laura
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