Dream Team is Ready for Outdoor Riding

Thu, Mar 31, 2011 | by TJ Juskiewicz

Each year the Dream Team has a slightly different personality. We have spent quite a bit of time recruiting through the schools in Des Moines and have signed up a great group of youth. We have finished out the indoor training phase and are now ready for our first outdoor ride in a couple days.

Last night we conducted out outdoor orientation which consists of four main items:

Presentation by a Des Moines Policeman on the laws we are subject to and some solid tips and advice. The officer commutes every day in warm weather and has many experiences to draw upon.
One hour DVD on various bike topics including; bike anatomy, fitting, shifting strategies, safety, repairs and maintenance.
The big one – each rider gets a new bike. Bikes and helmets are fitted so that we will be able to ride at out next training session.
Orientation to the building and processes we go through each ride to prepare bikes, get them downstairs and get ready to ride.

I am fired up about this group of first year riders, during indoor training they performed as we had hoped. Energetic workouts with training aimed at getting them over the hills we will encounter.

You can see from the picture that we have thirty brand new bikes (thanks to some generous donations to the program!) waiting to meet their riding partners. The bikes will experience the excitement and accomplishments through outdoor training that lead up to a successful RAGBRAI experience.

Now we are ready for fair weather and great training rides. If you see us on our training rides offer encouragement and let the riders know you appreciate what they are accomplishing. We predict a lot of proud smiles when we again reach the Mississippi.

We wish you great biking!

John Washburn, Dream Team Mentor

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The Dream Team relies on the generosity of businesses, bike clubs, charitable groups and caring individuals to fund the team’s activities and equipment needs. You can help these young people achieve the goal of a lifetime with a tax-deductible gift:

$1,000 ~ will sponsor a teen through the training program and RAGBRAI
$500 ~ will purchase a bike for a member of the Dream Team
$250 ~ will purchase camping equipment for a member of the Dream Team
$100 ~ will purchase refreshments for a long weekend training ride
$50 ~ will purchase a helmet and gloves for a Dream Team member

To learn more about the Dream Team or make an online donation
visit: dreamteamdsm.org

Or send your contribution to:
RAGBRAI/Dream Team, PO Box 622, Des Moines, IA 50303

2011 RAGBRAI, Dream Team

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2 Responses on “Dream Team is Ready for Outdoor Riding”

paige groves

December 7, 2011 at 1:48 am

ever since my freshman year I regretted making the choice to back down from a challenge that was almost done. I feel like I owe it to the dream team and myself to begin this challenge next year and actually finish it……if you will all except me.

hemorrhoids

February 18, 2012 at 8:45 pm

I enjoy a well-written article like many other online readers. I was surprised that this information was so interesting. You have given me cause to reflect on many aspects of your content. I like that.