You can feel that ol’ Wheels of Justice magic rumbling through Colorado, as we move past some big milestones  …. $80K and 200 riders – and it’s still May!  This could be our best year yet, but we can’t rest on our gel saddles.  We’ve gotta keep pumping up that fundraising mountain till we make it to the finish line. Our Goal: $400K in ’13 and $2 million total in our 8 year history.

So, if you haven’t already, please load up those emails and start sending them out to your contacts – we’ve even got some great sample language for you to use below.  Also Less than 350 spaces total remain in the Courage Classic . . .get your buddies signed up now! Please note Megan’s Nutrition Class has been rescheduled till 6/13 due to low RSVPs …please sign-up for these great benefits, parties and training rides, gang, or else we wont be able to offer ‘em!

1) DON’T MISS THE WOJ KICK-OFF PARTY, June 5 5:30-7:30pm @ The Denver Post
Thanks to WoJ rider Amber Dunlap and Plaza Catering this year’s KICK OFF PARTY will be a fantastic affair with amazing food and drink, plus live music.  Plus we’ll hear stories of hope and courage from patients, families and doctors at the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders! Please make plans to attend and RSVP soon to hclark@cobar.org.
Location: Denver Post building Atrium, 101 W. Colfax Ave.  NW corner of Broadway and Colfax — Public parking is available in the attached garage at 15th and Cleveland.

2) COACHED TRAINING RIDE: SATURDAY MAY 25 @ 9:00 am.  

JAMESTOWN/WARD LOOP from AMANTE COFFEE IN NORTH BOULDER w/ Coach Wesley Smith of Fitness Management Consulting.  ARRI 

Where: Amante Uptown Coffee (map)
5480 Broadway
​Boulder, CO 80304

Description: A classic Colorado climb to start out the season with coaching from Wes Smith on Ascending and Descending.​

Arrival time – 8:30, ride at 9:00

Coached by: Wesley Smith of Fitness Management Consulting.  Wes will determine route after consulting with the group at the start.  All experience levels are welcome!

Please RSVP by Friday noon to cycling@my-watson.com
Or Text Ride Leader Ben Maxwell at  720-220-7642

Check the WoJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam?ref=ts&fref=ts for weather cancellation news by 7am Saturday.

3) SOCK IT TO the CCBD!  ****New this year:  Cycling socks w/ WoJ logo! Reserve your pair now @ $15 (includes tax)!  The custom WoJ socks are perfect for riding your long distance rides. These socks will go well with any current or previous WoJ team kits. All profits from swag sales are donated to Children’s Hospital Colorado! S/M: Euro size 35-42 (about US 6 to 9) L/XL: Euro size 43-47 (about US 9.5 to 13. Sizes are approximate, but there is quite a bit of stretch in the socks.

5) MEGAN’S AWESOME CYCLING NUTRITION CLINIC: NEW DATE, JUNE 13: 6:00 – 7:30pm
PLEASE NOTE that all attendees MUST RSVP by May 21 to www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0948AEAB2AA46-wojclinic
By popular demand, Coach Megan Hottman will very kindly offer her nutrition clinic at her Law Office (1211 Avery Street, Suite 103, Golden CO 80403). This event is subject to cancellation if less than 5 people commit to attending by June11.

6) EMAIL YOUR CONTACTS FOR $/SAMPLE TEXT:  This is the “secret” that lies at the core of all of our fundraising. It’s simple but powerful.  You tell your friend (or colleague, client, vendor or neighbor) about the amazing, life-saving work happening at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; then explain the personal commitment you’ve made to this cause by training for months to ride 157 miles through the Rockies; and finally ask your friend to share in this effort by clicking a link and making a tax-deductible contribution. So please load up those contacts onto your Courage Classic rider page, USE THIS SAMPLE TEXT, cast your net wide and hit SEND.  You’ll never know, till you ask! HERE IS SOME SAMPLE LANGUAGE TO REVISE AND MAKE YOUR OWN!

Dear [YOUR FRIEND]: 

When the snow melts and the roads clear in Rockies, then you know it’s time for me to get on my bike and  – with your help — raise money for Children’s Hospital Colorado. 

For the Xth year in a row, I‘ll be riding in the Courage Classic (July 20-22)  – an inspiring three-day 157-mile bicycle tour through some of the most challenging roads in the Colorado Rockies.  All with the goal of helping sick kids at Children’s Hospital have a fighting chance against cancer.  Last year’s event raised more than $2.3 million.  

With the support of friends like you last year, I managed to personally raise more than $X,XXX for the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  This year, I’m hoping to surpass $X,000, and my cycling team, the Wheels of Justice, is aiming to bring our 8-year total past the $2 million mark by raising $400,000 together.
Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution NOW via my Courage Classic rider page, by clicking here: [LINK TO YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE] 

To get a feel for why I do this, check out this recent TV interview with my teammate Brandon Nuechterlein!  Children’s Hospital Colorado saved Brandon’s life when he was 15 years-old and battled leukemia.  Now at age 30, Brandon is giving back by working as a bone marrow transplant specialist at Children’s and raising money by riding with our team, the Wheels of Justice.  That’s what so cool about the Courage Classic — almost everyone you meet (including the kids) has an inspiring story to tell.  And their stories help to keep me in gratitude for all of the blessings and wonderful people in my own life. 

So your contribution in any amount will fill me with joy and help the kids, families and doctors at Children’s Hospital to overcome cancer.  Please support Children’s Hospital by donating through my Courage Classic rider page HERE! {INSERT LINK TO YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE] 

Thanks for considering this request and I hope to see you soon! 

With appreciation,
[YOUR NAME]

7) WOJ SEEKING EVENT SPONSORS: The Wheels of Justice Cycling Team offers Denver businesses the opportunity become a WoJ Event Sponsors at $1000, $500 and $250 levels.  These Event Sponsors get recognition and exposure at our 3 big team events throughout the year: 1) our Kick-Off Party (June 5 @ the Denver Post Atrium); 2) Our Team Party at Copper Mountain on July 21; and 3) our Appreciation Party at Children’s Hospital Colorado in November.

• $250+ Level: Event Sponsor’s logo appears on a big sign at each of our events (logo size varies with sponsorship level) and will be recognized verbally during each event.
• $500+  Level:  Event Sponsor may have a table at each event and logo on big sign at all of our events w/ verbal recognition
• $1000+  Level:  Event Sponsor may speak at each event, have a table at each event, may insert a handout into our team apparel packets, and logo on big sign at all of our events w/ verbal recognition

Becoming a Wheels of Justice Event Sponsor is a terrific way to publicize your business to key leaders and decision makers in Denver’s legal, medical and business communities.  For more information, please contact Heather Leja at hpleja@designonscreen.org

8) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!   Keep up to date with the Wheels of Justice team and spread the word by “liking” us on Facebook!   https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam You can also join our WoJ Facebook Group to coordinate with your teammates on things like meeting for unofficial training rides and travel plans for Copper.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58302100863/

9) Last year, our 220 riders raised more than $310,000 – bringing our seven-year total to more than $1.6 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado.  In 2013, we aim to reach the $2 million mark by raising $400,000.  It’s an ambitious goal that will take a personal best from all of us, but when I think about kids fighting cancer at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I know we can dig deep to make it! I also know that we can NOT make it without YOU!

*******Our Amazing WoJ SPONSORS SO FAR have helped us to raise more than $75,000
(with special thanks to Leadership Council members who brought these great firms and companies onboard):

$10,000
Lathrop & Gage — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Towne Park — thank you, Jill Farschman!

$5000
TheCyclist-Lawyer.com  – thank you, Megan Hottman!
COPIC — thank you, Kat Kumlin!
Polsinelli — thank you, Roy Bash!
Cooley LLP — thank you, Jim Brogan!
Saunders Construction — thank you, Tom Smith!
Ready Lift — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Open Scan — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Trimax Locks – thank you again, Aaron Bradford!

$2500
Watson Ltd. – Thank you, Ben Maxwell & Brian Meegan!
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon — Thank you, Scott Nixon!
Hall & Evans – Thank you, Walt Downing!
Dorsey & Whitney – Thank you, Charlene Krogh
Dufford & Brown – Thank you, Mechelle Faulk!

Thank you and see you soon!

Best,
Heather

Excellent job Brandon!  You are an inspiration!

Last year, our 220 riders raised more than $310,000 – bringing our seven-year total to more than $1.6 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado.  In 2013, we aim to reach the $2 million mark by raising $400,000.  It’s an ambitious goal that will take a personal best from all of us, but when I think about kids fighting cancer at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I know we can dig deep to make it! I also know that we can NOT make it without YOU!

So here’s how you can help us keep the 2013 bandwagon rolling toward that $2 million mountain:

1) WOJ SEEKING EVENT SPONSORS: The Wheels of Justice Cycling Team offers Denver businesses the opportunity become a WoJ Event Sponsors at $1000, $500 and $250 levels.  These Event Sponsors get recognition and exposure at our 3 big team events throughout the year: 1) our Kick-Off Party (June 5 @ the Denver Post Atrium); 2) Our Team Party at Copper Mountain on July 21; and 3) our Appreciation Party at Children’s Hospital Colorado in November.

• $250+ Level: Event Sponsor’s logo appears on a big sign at each of our events (logo size varies with sponsorship level) and will be recognized verbally during each event.
• $500+  Level:  Event Sponsor may have a table at each event and logo on big sign at all of our events w/ verbal recognition
• $1000+  Level:  Event Sponsor may speak at each event, have a table at each event, may insert a handout into our team apparel packets, and logo on big sign at all of our events w/ verbal recognition

Becoming a Wheels of Justice Event Sponsor is a terrific way to publicize your business to key leaders and decision makers in Denver’s legal, medical and business communities.  For more information, please contact Heather Leja at hpleja@designonscreen.org

2)  DON’T MISS THE WOJ KICK-OFF PARTY, June 5 5:30-7:30pm @ The Denver Post
That’s right guys, thanks to WoJ leader Linda Bradford, we’ll have a truly awe-inspiring venue for our party this year: the Atrium of the Denver Post building at 101 W. Colfax Ave.  (NW corner of Broadway and Colfax — Public parking is available in the attached garage at 15th and Cleveland.).  As always, we’ll have great food and drink and be reminded of why we do all of this – by listening to stories of hope and courage from patients, families and doctors at the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders! If you want to help with the party please email us at info@wheelsofjusticecycling.org

3) JOIN THE WOJ TRAINING RIDE: SUNDAY MAY 19 @ 9:00 am.  REI/CHERRY CREEK LOOP

 Sunday at 9:00
Meeting Place: Starbucks at Platte River REI.
Route — Cherry Creek path to Cherry Creek Reservoir and back.
Mileage — 45 plus.
Difficulty – Mild

Please RSVP to your host Aaron Bradford: abradford@lathropgage.com or 303-809-9388

Check the WoJ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam?ref=ts&fref=ts for weather cancellation news by 7am Sunday.

4) REGISTER TO RIDE WITH WoJ SOON: If you (or your friends) are planning to ride, please be sure to register soon and encourage your friends to register, too.  Less than 450 spaces total remain in the Courage Classic.  Remember, friends don’t let friends end up locked out of this great event.

5) BUY SOME SOCKS, WILL YA?   ****New this year:  Cycling socks w/ WoJ logo! Reserve your pair now @ $15 (includes tax)!  The custom WoJ socks are perfect for riding your long distance rides. These socks will go well with any current or previous WoJ team kits. You can purchase a pair of these beauties for $15.00. All profits from swag sales are donated to Children’s Hospital Colorado! S/M: Euro size 35-42 (about US 6 to 9) L/XL: Euro size 43-47 (about US 9.5 to 13. Sizes are approximate, but there is quite a bit of stretch in the socks.

7) MEGAN’S AWESOME CYCLING NUTRITION CLINIC: May 23, 6:00 – 7:30pm
By popular demand, Coach Megan Hottman will very kindly offer her nutrition clinic at her Law Office (1211 Avery Street, Suite 103, Golden CO 80403).  PLEASE NOTE that all attendees MUST RSVP by May 21 to www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0948AEAB2AA46-wojclinic ).  This event is subject to cancellation if less than 5 people commit to attending by May 21.

8 ) SEND OUT EMAILS TO YOUR CONTACTS:  This is the “secret” that lies at the core of all of our fundraising. It’s simple but powerful.  You tell your friend (or colleague, client, vendor or neighbor) about the amazing, life-saving work happening at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; then explain the personal commitment you’ve made to this cause by training for months to ride 157 miles through the Rockies; and finally ask your friend to share in this crazy, beautiful effort by clicking a link and making a tax-deductible contribution.  When we each make the effort to make as many of these “asks” as possible, we know from experience that a huge ripple of good will is unleashed that translates into millions of dollars to help in the fight against childhood cancer. So please load up those contacts onto your Courage Classic rider page, cast your net wide and hit SEND.  You’ll never know, till you ask!

9) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!   Keep up to date with the Wheels of Justice team and spread the word by “liking” us on Facebook!   https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam You can also join our WoJ Facebook Group to coordinate with your teammates on things like meeting for unofficial training rides and travel plans for Copper.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58302100863/

*******Our Amazing WoJ SPONSORS SO FAR have helped us to raise more than $75,000
(with special thanks to Leadership Council members who brought these great firms and companies onboard):

$10,000
Lathrop & Gage — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Towne Park — thank you, Jill Farschman!

$5000
TheCyclist-Lawyer.com  – thank you, Megan Hottman!
COPIC — thank you, Kat Kumlin!
Polsinelli — thank you, Roy Bash!
Cooley LLP — thank you, Jim Brogan!
Saunders Construction — thank you, Tom Smith!
Ready Lift — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Open Scan — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Trimax Locks – thank you again, Aaron Bradford!

$2500
Watson Ltd. – Thank you, Ben Maxwell & Brian Meegan!
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon — Thank you, Scott Nixon!
Hall & Evans – Thank you, Walt Downing!
Dorsey & Whitney – Thank you, Charlene Krogh
Dufford & Brown – Thank you, Mechelle Faulk!

Thank you and see you soon!

Best,
Heather

As spring finally seems to be breaking winter’s grip on the Rockies, the Wheels of Justice is also breaking the mold– as both cycling AND fundraising machines!  I have some big news and requests to share this week, including our new swag design and order deadline of May 15, our first training ride on May 5; and our Kick-Off Party in early June, so please, read on!

Last year, our 220 riders raised more than $310,000 – bringing our seven-year total to more than $1.6 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado.  In 2013, we aim to reach the $2 million mark by raising $400,000.  It’s an ambitious goal that will take a personal best from all of us, but when I think about kids fighting cancer at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, I know we can dig deep to make it!

So here’s how can you help us get the 2013 bandwagon rolling toward that $2 million mountain?

1) TEAM SPONSORS NEEDED by MAY 10:  Please consider approaching your firm or company to see if they will become a Wheels of Justice sponsor.  We find that sponsorship “asks” are most successful when they come from the “inside” – so that mean approaching you boss, business partner, vendors, clients, neighbors and others with a personal appeal to sponsor the team.  Our sponsors tell us that they love seeing their logo on all of our ads, apparel and other material – from both a Marketing and a Community Service perspective.  If you need help with your approach, please contact me at hpleja@designonscreen.org and I can send you all of our sponsorship materials and even come to your office to make a presentation! The new deadline for sponsorship commitments is May 10 [Please note that this sponsor deadline has been extended from May 1]. 

Your WoJ Leadership Council has already been hard at work and has brought in more than $75,000 in sponsorship commitments to get us started right.  See our list of sponsors so far at the end of this message and, if you have the opportunity, please thank and patronize these amazing companies and firms for supporting this worthy cause!

2) REGISTER TO RIDE WITH WoJ: If you are planning to ride, please be sure to register soon and encourage your friends to register, too.  The Courage Classic is filling up fast and right now we have just 82 riders signed up for WoJ. . … Did you know that our friends at the Durango Derailers already have 124 registered riders in their peleton?  Please don’t let you or your friends end up locked out of this great event.

3) ORDER YOUR TEAM SWAG by MAY 15: The 2013 WoJ Apparel Design is in from our awesome partners at Primal Wear and has already been garnering rave reviews! This year the iconic WoJ Rider is safely transporting CCBD kids in the classic Children’s red wagon across an epic Western canyon landscape, while other WoJ cowboys and girls escort a herd of bikes across a river.  And we all know that kids love cowboys, so it’s “Git along, lil’ Madone!”  This jersey is designed to make you want to saddle up, ride all the way to Moab and, best of all, raise thousands of bucks for the kids and docs at the CCBD. Time’s a wastin’ pardners . . .let’s get ‘er done!

*****IMPORTANT: To be guaranteed WoJ team apparel, you will need to: a) register for the team, b) make your fundraising commitment and c) order your gear w/sizes by May 15.  Please go to our WoJ Apparel site to be sure you don’t miss out!  [Please note that sponsors logos have not yet been place on our gear].

As in past years, our apparel levels are as follows (i.e., you commit to fundraise or contribute this amount and we’ll order this apparel for you): $300 = long-sleeved training shirt; $600 cycling jersey; $1250=cycling shorts; $2,000=wind jacket.

****New this year:  Cycling socks w/ WoJ logo! Reserve your pair now @ $15!

****NO TICKEE, NO JERSEY! When your order is received, within 24 hours you should receive a confirmation email with all of your info (i.e., sizes and fundraising commitments). Please double check this email to make sure all is right.  If you don’t receive this confirmation, then we have NOT received your order, and you need to TAKE ACTION.  Please contact us at info@wheelsofjusticecycling.org so that we can correct any problems.

***WOJ LOVES OUR SUB-TEAMS and we want to share our apparel with you! lf you are part of a small team that plans to merge with WoJ to ensure your $$ goes to the CCBD, please remember that – if you want to receive WoJ swag — your team must complete the merger, and apparel orders and commitments must be submitted via our site, by May 15. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at hpleja@designonscreen.org.

4) JOIN US FOR THE FIRST TRAINING RIDE OF THE SEASON: SUNDAY MAY 5 @ 10:30am.
 My husband Robert and I will once again host the first team training ride and we’ll take our traditional route from our home in West Highlands (3427 Osceola St.) to the Golden Starbucks and back, with a Lookout Mtn option available to those who are feeling especially frisky. We love hosting this first ride of the season, because that’s how we met four years ago!  We’ll have coffee, juice and bagels before the ride and also beer and soft drinks after.  See you there!

Training Ride: Highlands to Golden via Clear Creek Path w/Lookout Mountain Option
When
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Where
3427 Osceola St, Denver, CO (map)
Description
Training Ride Host: Heather & Robert Leja

Please RSVP by noon Friday to Robert at Robertleja@gmail.com, mobile phone: 970-217-3304

Meeting Location: 3427 Osceola Street, Denver, CO (Robert’s house)

Directions from I-25. Take Exit 212 (Speer Boulevard) and head northwest. Turn left (west) on 32nd Avenue. Turn right (north) on Osceola Street.

Ride will start at 10:30 a.m. sharp ON SUNDAY. – please RSVP. Come early (from 9:30am) for coffee and bagels, if interested.

We will take the Clear Creek Path to Golden (about 15 miles one-way).  From the Golden Starbucks on Washington, you can either return to my house via 32nd Ave or take optional ride up Lookout Mtn, which is a 5 mile-2000 vertical ft climb, then return to my house.

Please  RSVP to Robert  by noon Friday, if you will be going.  Check the WoJ Facebook pagehttp://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=58302100863&ref=nf for weather cancellation news by 8am Sunday.

Ride Description /  Start at 3427 Osceola–ride to Golden via Clear Creek Path with an optional ride up and down Lookout Mtn (a lovely 2000 ft climb) and back.

5)  DON’T MISS THE WOJ KICK-OFF PARTY, June 5 5:30-7:30pm @ The Denver Post
That’s right guys, thanks to WoJ leader Linda Bradford, we’ll have a truly awe-inspiring venue for our party this year: the Atrium of the Denver Post building at 101 W. Colfax Ave.  (NW corner of Broadway and Colfax — Public parking is available in the attached garage at 15th and Cleveland.).  As always, we’ll have great food and drink and be reminded of why we do all of this – by listening to stories of hope and courage from patients, families and doctors at the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders! If you want to help with the party please email us at info@wheelsofjustice.org

6) VOLUNTEER TO LEAD A TRAINING RIDE: WoJ rides help us get in shape for the Courage Classic, help build our team’s awesome camaraderie and also introduce us to our teammates’ favorite rides.  Team rides usually start the first weekend in May and continue every weekend until the Courage Classic (July 20-22).  Please contact our fearless training ride coordinator Charley Whitt at charley@thewhitts.com to reserve your preferred day and share your ride details.

7) START SENDING OUT EMAILS TO YOUR CONTACTS:  This is the “secret” that lies at the core of all of our fundraising. It’s simple but powerful.  You tell your friend (or colleague, client, vendor or neighbor) about the amazing, life-saving work happening at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; then explain the personal commitment you’ve made to this cause by training for months to ride 157 miles through the Rockies; and finally ask your friend to share in this crazy, beautiful effort by clicking a link and making a tax-deductible contribution.  When we each make the effort to make as many of these “asks” as possible, we know from experience that a huge ripple of good will is unleashed that translates into millions of dollars to help in the fight against childhood cancer. So please load up those contacts onto your Courage Classic rider page, cast your net wide and hit SEND.  You’ll never know, till you ask!

8) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!   Keep up to date with the Wheels of Justice team and spread the word by “liking” us on Facebook!   https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam You can also join our WoJ Facebook Group to coordinate with your teammates on things like meeting for unofficial training rides and travel plans for Copper.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58302100863/

*******Our Amazing WoJ SPONSORS SO FAR have helped us to raise more than $75,000
(with special thanks to Leadership Council members who brought these great firms and companies onboard):

$10,000
Lathrop & Gage — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Towne Park — thank you, Jill Farschman!

$5000
TheCyclist-Lawyer.com  – thank you, Megan Hottman!
COPIC — thank you, Kat Kumlin!
Polsinelli — thank you, Roy Bash!
Cooley LLP — thank you, Jim Brogan!
Saunders Construction — thank you, Tom Smith!
Ready Lift — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Open Scan — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Trimax Locks – thank you again, Aaron Bradford!

$2500
Watson Ltd. – Thank you, Ben Maxwell & Brian Meegan!
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon — Thank you, Scott Nixon!
Hall & Evans – Thank you, Walt Downing!
Dorsey & Whitney – Thank you, Charlene Krogh
Dufford & Brown – Thank you, Mechelle Faulk!

Thank you and see you at the first training ride on May 5!

Best,
Heather

That’s right, our peloton members are dusting off bikes and stretching cold muscles but also we’re also warming up contacts lists for our main task: raising funds that will make a real difference for the kids, families and doctors fighting pediatric cancer at the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Last year, our 220 riders raised more than $310,000– bringing our seven-year total to more than $1.6 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado. In 2013, we aim to reach the $2 million mark by raising $400,000.  It’s an ambitious goal that will take extra “umph” from all of us, but when I think about the challenges faced at the CCBD by kids and their families, I know it’s a goal worth pursuing and attaining.

So how can you help us get the 2013 bandwagon rolling toward that $2 million mountain?

1)HELP US APPROACH POTENTIAL TEAM SPONSORS by MAY 10:  Please consider approaching your firm or company to see if they will become a Wheels of Justice sponsor.  We find that sponsorship “asks” are most successful when they come from the “inside” – so that mean approaching you boss, business partner, vendors, clients, neighbors and others with a personal appeal to sponsor the team.  Our sponsors tell us that they love seeing their logo on all of our ads, apparel and other material – from both a Marketing and a Community Service perspective.  If you need help with your approach, please contact me at hpleja@designonscreen.org and I can send you all of our sponsorship materials and even come to your office to make a presentation! The deadline for sponsorship commitments is May 1.

Your WoJ Leadership Council has already been hard at work and has brought in more than $60,000 in sponsorship commitments to get us started right.  See our list of sponsors so far at the end of this message and, if you have the opportunity, please thank these amazing companies and firms for supporting this worthy cause!

2) REGISTER TO RIDE WITH US AND ORDER YOUR TEAM SWAG by MAY 10: If you are planning to ride, please be sure to register soon and encourage your friends to register, too.  To be guaranteed WoJ team apparel, you will need to a) register for the team, b) make your fundraising commitment and c) order your gear by May 1.  Please go to our WoJ Apparel site to be sure you don’t miss out!

As in past years our apparel levels are as follows (ie, you commit to fundraise or contribute this amount and we’ll order this apparel for you): $300 = long-sleeved training shirt; $600 cycling jersey; $1200=cycling shorts; $2,000=wind jacket

New this year:  Cycling socks w/ WoJ logo! Reserve your pair now!

Our partners at Primal will be sharing our cool 2013 design with us very soon!

3) VOLUNTEER TO LEAD A TRAINING RIDE: WoJ rides help us get in shape for the Courage Classic, help build our team’s awesome camaraderie and also introduce us to our teammates’ favorite rides.  Team rides usually start the first weekend in May and continue every weekend until the Courage Classic (July 20-22).  Please contact our fearless training ride coordinator Charley Whitt at charley@thewhitts.comto reserve your preferred day and share your ride details.

4) START SENDING OUT EMAILS TO YOUR CONTACTS:  This is the “secret” that lies at the core of all of our fundraising. It’s simple but powerful.  You tell your friend (or colleague, client, vendor or neighbor) about the amazing, life-saving work happening at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; then explain the personal commitment you’ve made to this cause by training for months to ride 157 miles through the Rockies; and finally ask your friend to share in this crazy, beautiful effort by clicking a link and making a tax-deductible contribution.  When we each make the effort to make as many of these “asks” as possible, we know from experience that a huge ripple of good will is unleashed that translates into millions of dollars to help in the fight against childhood cancer. So please load up those contacts onto your Courage Classic rider page, cast your net wide and hit SEND.  You’ll never know, till you ask!

5) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!   Keep up to date with the Wheels of Justice team and spread the word by “liking” us on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/WheelsofJusticeTeam

You can also join our WoJ Facebook Group to coordinate with your teammates on things like meeting for unofficial training rides and travel plans for Copper.
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/58302100863/

*******Our Amazing WoJ SPONSORS SO FAR have helped us to raise more than $60,000 
(with special thanks to Leadership Council members who brought these great firms and companies on board:

$10,000
Lathrop & Gage — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Towne Park— thank you, Jill Farschman!

$5000
TheCyclist-Lawyer.com – thank you, Megan Hottman!
COPIC — thank you, Kat Kumlin!
Polsinelli — thank you, Roy Bash!
Cooley LLP — thank you, Jim Brogan!
Saunders Construction— thank you, Tom Smith!
Ready Lift — thank you, Aaron Bradford!
Open Scan — thank you, Aaron Bradford!

$2500
Watson Ltd.– Thank you Ben Maxwell & Brian Meegan!
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon — Thank you Scott Nixon!
Hall & Evans – Thank you, Walt Downing!

Thank you and see you on the road soon!

Best,
Heather

For the last seven years, the Colorado legal and business community has thrown support behind Children’s Hospital in a big way. The Colorado, Denver and Boulder Bar Associations, along with leading businesses, have sponsored The Wheels of Justice Cycling Team in the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour — a beautiful three-day, 157-mile bike ride through the Rocky Mountains. In its first seven years, the Wheels of Justice Cycling Team exceeded all expectations by raising more than $1.6 million for the Children’s Hospital. The 2012 team attracted 218 riders and raised over $310,000 for the Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. The Wheels of Justice has also garnered prominent media coverage, including recent features on 9News and on the front page of the Denver Business Journal. 

So please join us in proudly sponsoring The Wheels of Justice in the 24th annual Courage Classic, July 20-22, 2013. In last year’s Courage Classic, 2,000 riders raised more than $2.3 million for Children’s Hospital Colorado. In 2013, the Wheels of Justice team hopes to raise over $400,000 for The Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders – but we’ll need your help to reach that goal and to make the 2013 Courage Classic the most successful ever.

Building on last year’s success, the Wheels of Justice Team has three goals in 2013:

• Maximize financial contributions to the CCBD of Children’s Hospital Colorado. Each team rider will raise money to support his or her ride, but your company can help in many ways, including: becoming a Wheels of Justice Team Sponsor (see enclosed materials), promoting the event within your company, agreeing to match donations to riders made by your employees, and paying the entry fees for any of your employees who sign up to ride with the Wheels of Justice. Fundraising Goal: $400,000 

• Promote healthy lifestyle choices in the legal and business communities. Stress comes with the territory in our professions. The Wheels of Justice Team presents an excellent opportunity for colleagues at your company to “Get Fit in 2013”—for a great cause. We hope you will designate a Team Captain within your company to encourage riders to join the Wheels of Justice and others to contribute. As in past years, we anticipate receiving discounts at local bike shops for participating riders. In addition, we will be hosting “biking basics” classes, group training rides and workouts with experienced coaches. Team Participation Goal: 200 riders

• Raise awareness of legal and business leaders’ community involvement. As in past years, the Wheels of Justice will generate positive publicity for the legal and business community’s involvement in charitable events through media coverage by Courage Classic partners KUSA (Channel 9) and radios stations KOA and Alice 109 radio, as well as other statewide media outlets.

4) And while these stars led the way to a new peak, I want to extend my thanks to all WoJ riders who participated. We honestly could not do this without you each and every.   One of the amazing facts about our team is that, while none of our riders placed in the Top 10 among overall Courage Classic Fundrasing, 97 WoJ riders raised $1000 or more individually.  Wow. Truly, we are achieving together for Children’s Hospital what we could not do individually — and for me that’s the best definition of a good team.  So even if you raised the Courage Classic minimum of $300, your effort is appreciated and celebrated by all of us.  Thank you TEAM!
 
5) Next, here’s a special shout-out to our volunteer team photographer and WoJ rider David Spiciarich, who has once again donated his time and talent to give us a great pictorial record of the 2012 WoJ campaign.  David has posted lots of WoJ photographs on his site for us to view and download. Please check them out HERE 
 
Also, if you want to order prints and support David’s business, here are the prices for the standard sized prints.  There are loads more products available, like big canvas prints or the very popular metallic prints.  Also novelty items like coffee mugs or mouse pads.
 

6) And finally, as always we thank our incredible Wheels of Justice sponsors.  Your support is absolutely critical to our success!
 
*$10,000 Level*
Lathrop & Gage

*$5,000 Level*
Faegre Baker Daniels
Sheridan Ross
Cooley LLP
COPIC
Polsinelli Shugart
Towne Park
Stern Curray
Denver Athletic Club
Saunders Construction
Access Pharma

*$2,500 Level*
Dorsey
Cruiser Accessories
Hall & Evans LLC
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon
Burns Figa & Will

YOU ARE SUPER, Wheels of Justice!!

What a time we had at the Courage Classic!  It’s hard to believe but it’s only been a couple of weeks since we finished our ride up at Leadville on July 23.  Thanks to all of you who rode up with our teammate Steven Adams that morning (see picture).  Word is that Steven is home and recovering well from his surgery.  We are with you Steven!

Thanks also to the amazing number of you who pitched in to make our Sunday party at Copper –as well as the whole Courage Classic circus — a big success – both from a team perspective and from the perspective of the kids, docs, nurses and administrators at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Right now, our team total stands at an epic $281,000 . . . and we still have another 24 days to fundraise.   Just as we learned from our party speaker at Copper, 13 year-old Kai Rackley, the kids and families at the CCBD don’t quit or rest on their laurels (or their rolling sneakers!) after one good result.  They press on to do everything possible to beat cancer, just as Kai did when he was facing a bone marrow transplant.  And, no matter the outcome, many have the courage and grace to come back and tell their stories at events like ours and fundraise like crazy – all to help others facing the same challenges.

SO TEAM, WE’RE NOW AT 94% OF OUR $300K GOAL . .. HOW FAR DO YOU THINK WE COULD GO IF WE ALL PULLED TOGETHER FOR THE NEXT 24 DAYS??  I personally think we could make this the best team effort EVER seen at the Courage Classic.  What will it take?  How about each of us pledging to send just one more round of emails to friends who haven’t responded yet (often, they are just busy and appreciate the reminder).  Or how about we think of new folks to ask . . .have you approached your neighbors, clients, hair stylist, vendors, cycling buddies,  or old friends from high school and college?  How about having a BBQ or poker night at your house and asking everyone to chip in $5 to $10?  Give it some thought and if you try something that works, please drop me a note and I’ll share with the group.

Thank you again Wheels of Justice for all you do . . . you continue to inspire and amaze every year!

*****WELCOME KICK CANCER’S ASS AND TEAM YAPS **********

Gang, we are so happy and proud that another 2 great teams that are inspired by the fight against pediatric cancer have decided to join forces with the Wheels of Justice (joining others like Team Ellie, Brent’s Place, Roaring Forks).  Both teams illustrate the ideas outlined above . .  thinking creatively and never giving up!

First, Team YAPS is an incredible program at Children’s Hospital that matches up dogs fighting cancer with kids doing the same – they become friends and pen pals, often after each has endured an amputation.  Founded by CCBD nurse Anne Ingalls, the YAPS program has brought inspiration and comfort to many youngsters and pups alike and is now being replicated around the US and internationally.  To read more about YAPS, see this recent article in BARK magazine:
http://www.thebark.com/content/yaps-brings-hope-cancer-victims
Thanks to Anne, Connie and all YAPS members for joining us for the first time ever – we are honored to have you with us!

Next, we’re also thrilled to welcome back team KICK CANCER’S ASS to the Wheels of Justice family for the second year in a row.  Their incredible team captain Amy Goodner kindly agreed to share KCA’s (and her own story) with us below.  Read on and be inspired!  Please use Amy’s example as a motivator to send out those emails and work just a little bit harder to help WoJ to KICK CANCER’S ASS, TOO!! Thank you AMY and all KCA members for all you do! 

“Team Kick Cancer’s Ass, is a proud member of Wheels Of Justice for the 2nd year!   It’s our team’s 3rd year riding, and 2nd year merging with Wheels of Justice.  We’ve been able to grow each of the 3 years.  Our team was started as my daughter, Delaney, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, in June, 2008.  When we decided to start a Courage Classic team, I remembered a 19 year-old young man in Wyoming who was being treated at Childrens with another rare cancer. During one of Delaney’s hospital stays in Fall, 2008, I was fortunate to meet his awesome, strong mother. Unfortunately, that was to be his last trip to the hospital.  Before he passed he told his mom to tell Delaney to Kick Cancer’s Butt. When I mentioned it to my son and friend, being the teenagers they are, they recommended a slight change to Kick Cancer’s Ass.  Delaney also loved it!  Blunt seems to be in our genes! 

Delaney was in treatment and unable to ride with us the first 2 years.  This year she was with us in spirit as she left us in December, 2011.  3.5 years after diagnosis, she was 16 years old. 

Below are a few of the highlights showing how much she was with us:
-     This was the first year we’ve had our ‘Kick Cancers Ass’ jerseys and matching biking shorts.  They were a huge success!
-         My team was so great.  They put up with me.  We had a team party on Friday evening before Day 1 of the ride so everyone could meet each other.  I gave each team member one of Delaney’s wristbands and told them to remember Delaney and all the children as they start their ride and when they hit the tough summits.  It’s all about the children.
-         On Saturday morning I met up with Delaney’s orthopedic surgeon nurse at a rest area.  As I’m introducing some team members to her a man asks to take our picture as he loves our jersey.   Turns out his 14 year old neighbor boy was recently diagnosed with osteosarcoma.  The nurse is also this boy’s nurse.
-         On Saturday when I arrived to the top of Vail Pass I took a short break to walk away from all the people and play  ’10,000 Angels’ while I talked with Delaney and told her how much she means to us, how we miss her, and how we’re fighting so hard in her honor.
-         Before our team pictures, I read a letter a 5^th grader wrote shortly after Delaney left us.  Knowing how much Delaney loved Taylor Swift the letter was written using Taylor Swift song titles.
-         Saturday a team member shared that what got him to the top of the pass was when a woman behind him said she loved his ass… the shorts read ‘Kick Cancers Ass’
-         Numerous people commented on our shorts with the cranes and flamingos down the side.  Many had heard of the 1,000 Cranes story and I was able to share it with others.
-         On Sunday I ran into Delaney’s oncology nurse at a rest area.  She wore her ‘Kick Cancers Ass’ jersey on Monday of the ride.
-         On Sunday our team presented our orthopedic nurse with a jersey to give to the 14 yr old patient with osteosarcoma and presented her with one of the t-shirts honoring Delaney.
-         I ran into our orthopedic surgeon and his wife throughout the weekend.  He always rides with Team Courage.  This is a team of current and past patients who ride along side volunteers in case they need breaks, etc.
-         On Monday, after we finish the ride and the picnic and are headed to our car, a woman stops our team member who is wearing his jersey and asks to take a picture. She’s laughing as she says that she loves our jersey. 

As my son’s football coach put on the t-shirt, it’s about TEAM not about me.  And for the Courage Classic, it’s about teaming, sharing, having fun, being healthy, and focusing on supporting Children’s Hospital Colorado. Children’s has been ranked a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report every year since the inception of its rankings edition in 1993. Five specialties were ranked among the top 10: Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 4), Pulmonology (No. 7), Cancer (No. 8), Orthopedics (No. 9) and Gastroenterology (No. 10). 

Thank you!”

FINALLY, AS ALWAYS, DEEPEST THANKS TO OUR AMAZING 2012 TEAM SPONSORS, who have helped us to raise OVER $281,000 so far:

$10,000 Level
Lathrop & Gage

$5,000 Level
Faegre Baker Daniels
SheridanRoss
Cooley LLP
COPIC
Polsinelli Shugart
Towne Park
Stern Curray
Denver Athletic Club
Saunders Construction
Access Pharma

$2,500 Level
Dorsey
Cruiser Accessories
Hall & Evans LLC
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon
Burns Figa & Will

That is not a misprint – our team’s fundraising total currently stands at $205K, which means that last week was a $62,000 week for us and the kids and docs at the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD)!  I’m so proud of all you are doing and also so honored to be associated with such a fine group of humans!  We are on track to make 2012 the best year ever for Wheels of Justice.  Even better our total team fundraising total, since we started this thing, NOW EXCEEDS $1.5 MILLION! … And counting . . . how far do you think we can go this year?

But, just like the kids at the CCBD keep fighting against cancer, we can’t rest on our laurels until the fundraising period ends on Aug. 31!  And don’t forget our friendly rivals on the Gears of Courage are drafting behind us and waiting for the right moment to make their move! Please send more emails out to your prospects just before or even while you are at the Courage Classic. Tell them about the sinkhole and the organizers’ magic tricks in rerouting 2000 riders in just a few days.  Think hard about widening your circle to include as many people as possible.  How about your last high school or college reunion email list?  How about an all-hands email at your workplace to let them know what feats of strenth you are about undertake to help kids fight cancer?  Think creatively and I’ll be there’s another 20-30 people you could contact or follow-up with. 

1) PICK UP WoJ SWAG AT ALPINISTA RESTAURANT 4-6PM FRIDAY!
Apparel was mailed out last Tuesday to all riders who had met their fundraising commitments at that time.  If you have made you commitmen since then or will do so with the $$ you turn in at the Courage Classic, I will have the gear available for you at our WoJ Arrival Party at Copper from 4-6pm on Friday, July 20 at Alpinista restaurant, so please stop by (for more info read on!).  Gear may be available @ the Team Party on Sunday, but no guarantees on that, if other riders have raised more and earned the extra gear. 

2) SATURDAY @ 7PM: PLEASE COME TO A SPECIAL PROGRAM IN BURNING STONES PLAZA:

Gang, we just received word this week that the top teams and individual fundraisers will be recognized by Children’s at a special program at 7pm this Saturday in Burning Stones Plaza (action central at the Courage Classic).  PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COME IN YOUR WOJ APPAREL TO SUPPORT THE TEAM AND CHEER YOUR AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS.  Then be inspired by the stories of courage that we’ll hear from a Children’s Hospital patient family. 

3) SPECIAL TRIBUTE ON OUR JERSEYS TO WOJ LEADER DAN HUBBARD: 

You’ll notice that the WoJ apparel this year features the initials “HUB” – our co-captain Aaron Bradford explains the meaning of this tribute below: 

“Every Wheel has its HUB and the Wheels of Justice is no different.  Our team got its start when Dan “the Hub” Hubbard signed the first sponsor check in 2005.  Through his leadership, his firm remained a lead sponsor of the Wheels of Justice for the next three years, donating over $25,000 during that time.  A true ambassador for the sport, and for Children’s Hospital, Dan tirelessly recruited people to the team and the sport.
       Dan Hubbard defended the medical profession for 20 years in Colorado.  Often thought to be one of the most contentious areas of litigation, Dan not only won over juries and judges with his honesty, he won over opposing counsel with a brand of professionalism that rarely graces our courtrooms.  Dan drew upon the cycling ethic of fellowship to practice law in a way that left everyone feeling dignified.
       On August 31, 2011, Dan Hubbard rode his bike home.  We like to think that as his oversized heart gave out, his mind was filled with images of the time spent with his daughters watching the US Pro Cycling Challenge live the weekend before or pride at watching his son go to college after conquering a debilitating condition that ravaged his teenage years.  We know, as he pedaled his way home, he was smiling at the thought of dinner with the love of his life, Lori.  As his heart gave out, at the young age of 50, we lost one of the true greats.
       Even a moment with Dan revealed the size of his heart and the power of his laugh.  In tribute to a man we never want to forget, our jersey will bear three letters on the shoulder “HUB”, because that is what we called him.  We hope that you find a glimpse of his enormous smile and generous heart in these three letters.”

4) Recruit non-team cyclists and smaller teams at the Courage Classic for the Wheels of Justice.

• if you meet anyone who is riding the CC but hasn’t yet joined a team, tell them to JOIN the WHEELS of JUSTICE!  It just takes one email and suddenly, they’ll have access to our team party on Sunday, WoJ training shirts (subject to availability) and fundraising support.

• Any small teams who are especially motivated to fight childhood cancer will be a great fit too, as all Wheels of Justice money goes directly to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. All other individual and small team fundraising (< $50K) goes the Children’s Hospital General Fund. We would love to welcome all of these folks to the Wheels of Justice and celebrate their efforts, just as we have done before with all of the amazing families associated with Team Ellie, Kick Cancer’s Ass, the Roaring Forks, Crankin’ Cranios and others.

5) *****IMPORTANT: WHAT’S ON AT THE COURAGE CLASSIC INFO: PLEASE READ AND BRING WITH YOU TO COPPER!

A) Safety & Sportsmanship at the Courage Classic – The Courage Classic is an amazing, fun and inspirational event!  BUT IT’S NOT A RACE! For the last FOUR years we’ve had ZERO WOJ INJURIES! (unlike 2007 when we had 3 riders go down).  We all know that this can happen to any of us at any time when we ride this type of terrain and conditions   — but we’ll help our odds by taking it easy, always signaling or announcing intentions to turn, slow or stop and being super-aware of all those around us.  Many injuries happen not on the open road but in small spaces and at low speeds – like parking lots and bike paths – so make sure your periscope is up at all times.  Remember, our goal this year again is ZERO WoJ injuries.  Let’s all do our part.

Also please remember to be extra courteous and supportive of your fellow riders on the Tour — we are all part of the Courage Classic’s second largest team, we have the coolest swag, we were #1 last year and we’re known to some as “the Lawyers’ Team” (even though we have soooo many wonderful non-lawyers and we’re now known too as the CCBD team), so people are pretty much pre-disposed to think we’re a bunch of jerks.  But, as we’ve done the last five years, let’s surprise ‘em by showing that we are actually the friendliest team –  Announce yourself before you pass by saying “on your left”, give all others a wide berth, offer to stop and help those with flats or other problems and approach the whole thing with a BIG smile and a hug, if you can.  Remember, you’ll be wearing the Wheels of Justice colors, so in effect you are an ambassador for the Denver legal and business community.  Last year, it was wonderful to hear so many great comments about how positively our team was perceived — let’s keep the love going in our 7TH year!

B) DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL WHEELS OF JUSTICE EVENTS AT THE 2012 COURAGE CLASSIC

FRIDAY, JULY 20  4:00 TO 6:00PM

• Wheels of Justice Arrival Party at Alpinista Restaurant — on the left as you enter under the Passage Point arch towards Burning Stones Plaza.
• Alpinista’s wonderful owner Peter is reserving his entire patio for the Wheels of Justice Team.  So pick up your packet at the Copper Conference Center (3:30-8:00pm) and then head over to Alpinista’s for a terrific happy hour with great drink and food specials just for us!
• FIRST ROUND FREE!!!  – For the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, Chuck Weinstein and Ellen Servitar have generously offered to buy the first round of beers for the team – Thank you, Chuck & ELLEN!
  
• 15 % off of all meals
• $2.50 draft beers

• Heather will be there from about 3:30pm to 6:30pm to help with apparel or any other issues, so please join us on Alpinista’s awesome patio!  Wear your WoJ training shirt!

SATURDAY JULY 21 7:00-7:30PM

PROGRAM RECOGNIZING TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS in Burning Stones Plaza.  Please show up in your WOJ GEAR to cheer all of the top teams and be inspired by true tales of courage from a CHC patient family!

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2:00-6:00pm

• WHEELS OF JUSTICE TEAM PARTY @ JILL’S UMBRELLA BAR/KOKOPELLI ROOM (next to Jack’s)
  
• Join us for our annual team celebration during the Courage Classic!  We’ll have free burgers, hot dogs, beer, lemonade and iced tea (while it lasts!) for team members and their families.  Also, we’ll thank our wonderful sponsors and hear from the families whose lives have been changed by the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  Plus the CCBD doctors will let us know how the money we raise helps them in their life-saving efforts.
• **** The program will begin at 3:15pm and then at 4:00pm, we’ll head to the adjacent stairs to have our team picture taken.  Please wear your WoJ training shirt to the party and picture session.  YOU MUST WEAR A 2012 WOJ TRAINING SHIRT TO BE IN THE PICTURE (as we use the photos on thank-you plaques for our sponsors!!)  Please wear these shirts when walking around at Copper, as we’ll be able to identify each other and it’s great PR for the team.

6 ) NON-RIDER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SUNDAY FOR TEAM PARTY: IS YOUR SPOUSE OR FRIEND INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE TEAM AT THE COURAGE CLASSIC?: We especially need volunteers at the Team Party on Sunday July 22, starting with set-up at 1pm and with ONE-HOUR shifts continuing till 6pm.   If you know of volunteers, please ask them to contact me via email

7) HERE ARE OTHER WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP MAKE 2012 WoJ’s BEST YEAR YET: 

** SEND OUT THOSE FUNDRAISING EMAILS: Now’s the time to send follow-up emails to all of your contacts and asking then to support your ride.  Cast your net wide: ask your family, friends, co-workers, vendors, clients, service providers, former classmates, old flames, etc.  You never know who will be moved by your courage in taking on a 157 mile ride through theRocky Mountains or by your commitment to help in the fight against childhood cancer – until you ask them! 

DEEPEST THANKS TO OUR AMAZING 2012 TEAM SPONSORS, who have helped us to raise $75,000 so far:

$10,000 Level
Lathrop & Gage

$5,000 Level
Faegre Baker Daniels
SheridanRoss
Cooley LLP
COPIC
Polsinelli Shugart
Towne Park
Stern Curray
Denver Athletic Club
Saunders Construction
Access Pharma

$2,500 Level
Dorsey
Cruiser Accessories
Hall & Evans LLC
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon
Burns Figa & Will

Lots going on in WoJ World this week, so this email has lots of info.  Please be sure to save or print the “What’s On at the Courage Classic” section to be sure you don’t miss OUT ON ANYTHING. 

1) THANKS FOR A GREAT ROUND-TRIP RIDE FROM GLENWOOD TO ASPEN: 

A huge thank you to our magnificent hosts, the Roaring Forks, for the terrifictraining ride last weekend. Special kudos to Pat Bohman for organizing and to Pediatric Partners for the awesome breakfast feast! 

2) WoJ SWAG HAS ARRIVED & IS ON ITS WAY TO YOU!  For the last few years, our apparel has featured the WoJ rider pulling kids in a Children’s Hospital wagon over unexpected terrain:  in a lunar orbit, across a tsunami wave . . . and this year leading a pack of polar bears across the polar ice cap.  The swag is intended to be a hit with our core demographic. ..  KIDS!  But we’re also happy to hear that grown-ups like ‘em too.  Many thanks to the incredible folks at Primal for once again making us look good and creating beautiful fundraising incentives! 

Apparel was mailed out Tuesday to all riders who have met their fundraising commitments.  If you haven’t yet, no worries.  Just crank out those fundraising emails and hit your marks for the CCBD.  If you make it, I will have the gear available for you at our WoJ Arrival Party at Copper from 4-6pm on Friday, July 20 at Alpinista restaurant, so please stop by (for more info read on!). 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO SORTED AND MAILED APPAREL for hours:  Cammy Pane, Roger Hilden, Heather Clark and Chuck Turner. 

3) TRAINING RIDE: Saturday July 14, 9am: Ascending/Descending Skills with Coach Megan at Lookout Mountain:

Team, if you are new to cycling in the mountains, please make sure you attend this third and final of Coach Megan’s clinics at Lookout Mountain –Learning to climb efficiently and descend safely is essential to enjoying the Courage Classic and arriving home in one piece. And please note, that beginners are most welcome at these clinics, don’t worry if you don’t think you’ll make it all the way to the top on Saturday. 

Training Ride Date/Time: Saturday, July 14 , 2012 9am – 11am 

Training Ride Host: Megan Hottman Please RSVP by Friday afternoon to Megan at meghottman@hotmail.com, text: 303-968-8386 

Meeting Location: 2115-2119 Lookout Mountain Rd Golden, CO 80401 (Pillars at base of Lookout Mountain) 

Directions: Google Maps:  http://maps.google.com/maps?q=39.740518,-105.227799&hl=en&ll=39.74039,-105.227649&spn=0.001617,0.003085&num=1&t=h&z=19&iwloc=A 

Ride Summary / Distance / Ride Difficulty:
Meet at the pillars (exact location in map above), we’ll ride up, discuss descending then come down. Not much for miles at just 9 total, but we can add intensity by going hard for those that want a workout or repeating for a second climb. 

Ride Description / Route: Focus on descending, but you’ll have to ride to the top first!  Up Lookout Mountain and back down. 9 miles total’ 

CHECK THE WOJ FACEBOOK PAGE @ 7AM SAT. FOR WEATHER CANCELLATION NEWS, IF ANY. 

4) *** In a nice sign of bi-partisanship, we have invited our friendly rivals on the Gears of Courage Team to join us for the clinic and they have kindly invited us to join us on their training ride too.

TRAINING RIDE #2 Deer Creek/High Grade/Cityview -3rd annual GOC/WOJ Pre-courage ride!

Meet along the parking area of cars west of the junction of Wadsworth Blvd & Deer Creek Canyon Rd. for an 8 am departure. Rain cancels call Dan 215-813-4323 if unsure if ride is on. There is plenty of parking along the road just west of Wadsworth. I will ride through in my new beautiful, stunning 2012 red GOC Jersey to gather riders. Here is the route-

Deer Creek Canyon Rd., S. Deer Creek Rd., High Grade Rd., Pleasant Park Rd., Oehlman Park Rd., Snowy Trail, Crystal Way, City View, Hilldale, South Turkey Creek, Deer Creek Canyon Rd.

From the parking lot head west up Dear Creek Canyon Rd. for 6 miles and turn left (south) onto S. Deer Creek Rd., which Y’s into High Grade Rd. after 2.5 miles. Follow High Grade Rd. for 2 miles where it turns into Pleasant Park Rd. Follow Pleasant Park Rd. for 6.5 miles to Conifer. On the return, leave Conifer and ride on Pleasant Park Rd. for 2.5 miles to the junction with Oehlmann Park Rd. Turn left (north) and follow the pavement for 6 miles as described, to South Turkey Creek Rd. (Oehlman Park Rd. 1.5 miles to Snowy Trail, Snowy Trail ¼ mile to Crystal Way, Crystal Way 1.25 miles to City View, City View 2.75 miles to Hilldale. Turn left (west ) on Hilldale and ride ¼ mile to South Turkey Creek Rd.) If you stay on the pavement this 6 miles flows well into the various streets. At the junction of Hilldale and South Turkey Creek, turn right (northeast) and ride 3 miles to the junction with Deer Creek Canyon Rd. Turn right (south) onto Deer Creek Canyon Rd. and ride over the high point (Barn @ high point) 10 miles back to the start.

Round trip: 38 miles 4,400 ft. elevation gain.

Thanks Captain Dan and Gears of Courage for letting us tag along!

5) Do you know cyclists who want to ride in the Courage Classic  AND FUNDRAISE for the Wheels of Justice?? Even though Courage Classic registration has closed out, we have a few team spots that are still open.  Remember fundraising continues until Sept. 1, so there’s still plenty of time to fundraise for someone who joins this week.

• Also, if you know anyone who us riding the CC but hasn’t yet joined a team, tell them to JOIN the WHEELS of JUSTICE!  It just takes one email and suddenly, they’ll have access to all of our team parties, WoJ training shirts (subject to availability) and fundraising support. 
• Any riders, including small teams, who are especially motivated to fight childhood cancer will be a great fit too, as all Wheels of Justice money goes directly to the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. All other individual and small team fundraising (< $50K) goes the Children’s Hospital General Fund. We would love to welcome all of these folks to the Wheels of Justice and celebrate their efforts, just as we have with all of the amazing families associated with Team Ellie, Kick Cancer’s Ass, the Roaring Forks, Crankin’ Cranios and others.

6) *****IMPORTANT: WHAT’S ON AT THE  COURAGE CLASSIC INFO: PLEASE READ AND BRING WITH YOU TO COPPER!

A) Safety & Sportsmanship at the Courage Classic – The Courage Classic is an amazing, fun and inspirational event!  BUT IT’S NOT A RACE! For the last FOUR years we’ve had ZERO WOJ INJURIES! (unlike 2007 when we had 3 riders go down).  We all know that this can happen to any of us at any time when we ride this type of terrain and conditions   — but we’ll help our odds by taking it easy, always signaling or announcing intentions to turn, slow or stop and being super-aware of all those around us.  Many injuries happen not on the open road but in small spaces and at low speeds – like parking lots and bike paths – so make sure your periscope is up at all times.  Remember, our goal this year again is ZERO WoJ injuries.  Let’s all do our part.

Also please remember to be extra courteous and supportive of your fellow riders on the Tour — we are all part of the Courage Classic’s second largest team, we have the coolest swag, we were #1 last year and we’re known to some as “the Lawyers’ Team” (even though we have soooo many wonderful non-lawyers and we’re now known too as the CCBD team), so people are pretty much pre-disposed to think we’re a bunch of jerks.  But, as we’ve done the last five years, let’s surprise ‘em by showing that we are actually the friendliest team –  Announce yourself before you pass by saying “on your left”, give all others a wide berth, offer to stop and help those with flats or other problems and approach the whole thing with a BIG smile and a hug, if you can.  Remember, you’ll be wearing the Wheels of Justice colors, so in effect you are an ambassador for the Denver legal and business community.  Last year, it was wonderful to hear so many great comments about how positively our team was perceived — let’s keep the love going in our 6TH year!

B) DON’T MISS THESE SPECIAL WHEELS OF JUSTICE EVENTS AT THE 2012 COURAGE CLASSIC

FRIDAY, JULY 20  4:00 TO 6:00PM

• Wheels of Justice Arrival Party at Alpinista Restaurant — on the left as you enter under the Passage Point arch towards Burning Stones Plaza.
• Alpinista’s wonderful owner Peter is reserving his entire patio for the Wheels of Justice Team.  So pick up your packet at the Copper Conference Center (3:30-8:00pm) and then head over to Alpinista’s for a terrific happy hour with great drink and food specials just for us!
• FIRST ROUND FREE!!!  – For the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, Chuck Weinstein and Ellen Servitar have generously offered to buy the first round of beers for the team – Thank you, Chuck & ELLEN!                    
• $3 Bud ,Bud Light, session oregon beers
• $3.50 Stella Artois
• $3.50 Bacardi, Beefeater gin, Absolut, Sauza, Jim Beam….
• $5  Mimosa or Bloody Mary
• $5 wine….6 varieties to choose from
  • $5 for chicken wings, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, belgium fries, chicken tenders
• 10 % of any dinner or lunch all day
   

Heather will be there from about 3:30pm to 6:30pm to help with apparel or any other issues, so please join us on Alpinista’s awesome patio!  Wear your WoJ training shirt!

SUNDAY, JULY 22, 2:00-6:00pm

• WHEELS OF JUSTICE TEAM PARTY @ JILL’S UMBRELLA BAR/KOKOPELLI ROOM (next to Jack’s)
• Join us for our annual team celebration during the Courage Classic!  We’ll have free burgers, hot dogs, beer, lemonade and iced tea (while it lasts!) for team members and their families.  Also, we’ll thank our wonderful sponsors and hear from the families whose lives have been changed by the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.  Plus the CCBD doctors will let us know how the money we raise helps them in their life-saving efforts.
• **** The program will begin at 3:15pm and then at 4:00pm, we’ll head to the adjacent stairs to have our team picture taken.  Please wear your WoJ training shirt to the party and picture session.  YOU MUST WEAR A 2012 WOJ TRAINING SHIRT TO BE IN THE PICTURE (as we use the photos on thank-you plaques for our sponsors!!)  Please wear these shirts when walking around at Copper, as we’ll be able to identify each other and it’s great PR for the team..

7 ) NON-RIDER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SUNDAY FOR TEAM PARTY: IS YOUR SPOUSE OR FRIEND INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE TEAM AT THE COURAGE CLASSIC?: We especially need volunteers at the Team Party on Sunday July 22, starting with set-up at 1pm and with ONE-HOUR shifts continuing till 6pm.   If you know of volunteers, please ask them to contact me via email

8) HERE ARE OTHER WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP MAKE 2012 WoJ’s BEST YEAR YET:

* SIGN UP TO RIDE: So far 190 riders have registered  for  our team. The Courage Classic is now over 100% sold out (with one last chance for team registrants described above, so please don’t delay).
** SEND OUT THOSE FUNDRAISING EMAILS: Now’s the time to send follow-up emails to all of your contacts and asking then to support your ride.  Cast your net wide: ask your family, friends, co-workers, vendors, clients, service providers, former classmates, old flames, etc.  You never know who will be moved by your courage in taking on a 157 mile ride through the Rocky Mountains or by your commitment to help in the fight against childhood cancer – until you ask them! 

DEEPEST THANKS TO OUR AMAZING 2012 TEAM SPONSORS, who have helped us to raise $75,000 so far: 

$10,000 Level
Lathrop & Gage

$5,000 Level
Faegre Baker Daniels
Sheridan Ross
Cooley LLP
COPIC
Polsinelli Shugart
Towne Park
Stern Curray
Denver Athletic Club
Saunders Construction
Access Pharma

$2,500 Level
Dorsey
Cruiser Accessories
Hall & Evans LLC
Pryor Johnson Carney Karr Nixon
Burns Figa & Will