Update #1 - Still in training

The thought of blogging had never occurred to me.  However a week ago I was sittin around with some friends from church and one of them suggested I create one to keep my family and friends updated throughout my summer.  I though why not?  I'm a funny guy (that one's for you Ryan) and I've been told I'm capable of writing at a 9th grade level, so let's do this.  

Now that school is out I'm able to devote much more time to my training.  I picked up a month long membership to this gym in Carmel where they offer lots of spinning classes.  For those of you unfamiliar with spinning or you think it's just something that middle aged women do, let me clear the air.  Spinning is interval training on a stationary bike in a group setting.  And in my limited experience with spinning, yes, it's something that just middle aged women do...and me.  However, these women are the weekend warrior types.  Seriously, they just don't get tired.  I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were linked to baseball's Mitchell Report.  I only make these excuses for myself because as they're cranking out miles I'm dripping sweat and sucking air tryin to keep up.  

I always laugh to myself when I listen to the pump up music played during these classes.  Since the class is primarily women, the music suits them.  While I'm struggling to continue pedaling I have the pleasure of listening to playlists consisting of Pink, Lady Gaga, and other absolute favorites of college males.  I'll tell ya what folks, few things get me more hyped than the driving baseline of Miley Cyrus' "See you again."  Sometimes I feel like I'm listening to the soundtrack of "The Birdcage" where Robin Williams and Nathan Lane play owners of a gay club in Miami.  By that I mean I wouldn't be surprised if I heard "It's rainin men" come on as the next track.  It's quite an experience.  Every now and then the playlist will tease me with some Kanye or Tom Petty but then it's back to Y-M-C-A!... Village People bashing aside, these spin classes are getting me in great shape to take on the mountains out west.  

In addition to my spinning I'm making 2 or 3 long rides outdoors each week where I'll either train for sustained endurance or hills.  I used to lift a lot but began to taper the weight training when I made the sad realization that my bench press wouldn't really help me in our mountain climbs.  I've only got 2.5 weeks left until the Journey begins and I am excited to fly out to Seattle and meet the rest of the team.  I'll be sure to post again once I'm there for orientation.  Thanks again for all the support and thanks for reading.

David  

A big thank you!

I wanted to take a moment to thank all my sponsors for helping me exceed my fundraising goal.  With your help, I was able to raise $7,600, far above the minimum requirement of $5,000 and $100 more than my personal goal of $7,500.  I am excited and honored to take on this once in a lifetime opportunity and would not be able to do so without your support.  Your money will do much more than support me as I ride across America.  The vast majority will help enrich the lives of people with disabilities.  I have seen first hand how Push helps others through my participation in grant financed service projects.  Thanks again.    

David

Journey of Hope Description

Here's the fundraising letter I sent out last semester to almost 300 family and friends.  It gives a good description of the mission of Push America and why I decided to take on the Journey.

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Friends,

I have decided to ride a bicycle across the country this summer!  From Seattle to Washington D.C., I will be cycling more than 4,000 miles across deserts, over mountains and through rain and heat.  On June 11, 2009 I will join 70 other students who will ride from Seattle to begin this summer challenge.  We are from colleges across the country and together we will complete the Journey of Hope, a 68 day bicycle trek to benefit Push America.  Push America is the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity whose mission is to raise funds and awareness on behalf of people with disabilities.   

I have been involved with Push America since joining Pi Kappa Phi three years ago.  Through my volunteer work with Project AccessABILITY on behalf of Push America, I have learned a great deal about what people with disabilities can do.  Project AccessABILITY is a grant financed service project where students build wheelchair ramps for families in need in the Purdue area.  This is one example of the many meaningful experiences I have had serving with Push.  Through this work, I have realized that there is a need nationwide to educate people on the abilities of people with disabilities.

This summer I plan to share my experiences with others during the Journey of Hope.  Through presentations, specials events, and an innovative puppet show, my teammates and I will reach thousands of people with a message of acceptance and understanding of people with disabilities.  Before the journey begins, we will raise more than $500,000 in support of the projects and programs of Push America.

I am very excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity, and have committed myself to raising more than $7,500 in support of Push America by April 17, 2009.  However, I need your help.  I am making a personal appeal to my family and friends to join me in my efforts.  Please support me as I serve others by making a tax-deductible contribution to Push America.  Your gift will go a long way in helping to affect the lives of some very special people.  These donations will serve people with disabilities primarily through grants and building projects.

Please feel free to contact me at dastinnette@gmail.com with any questions about the project.  Thank you for your support! 

Peace,

David