Month: November 2007

Whenever one door closes . . .

On November 25, 2007

I got an email today from my friend, Dave Shields. Dave is the author of The Race, The Tour, and Tour de Life (the story of Saul Raisin’s injury and miraculous recovery). In the email, Dave relayed the news that Saul Raisin’s career as a professional cyclist has now come to an end. As Dave said in his email:

Unfortunately his comeback was partialy dependent on factors outside of his control. Each time a doctor, sponsor, or race organizer signed off on his participation they also signed on to an enormous liability should he crash or cause a crash. Unfortunately the time has come when the risks were too large for someone with a lot at stake.

For more information, in Saul’s own words, check out the Saul Raisin blog.

There is an old saying that goes, ‘whenever one door closes, another one opens.’ Having met and spoken with Saul twice, having met his amazing parents, and knowing his story, I am 100% confident that Saul will be successful no matter what door he chooses to walk through next.

God speed, Saul Raisin.

What’s up with The FredCast?

By Fredcaster

On November 20, 2007

In General

“Where’s the next episode?”

“You promised you’d get back to a regular schedule!”

“I can’t live without my FredCast fix!”

These are just a fraction of the comments I’ve received in my in box lately and I can’t say that I blame you. I promised to get back to a regular schedule with the show and so far I have broken that promise. For that, you have my humblest apologies.

The fact of the matter is that I simply have not been able to get back to a regular schedule for a wide variety of reasons. Among them, still getting settled into the new house, adjusting to and getting caught up on my new job, a variety of family events, several business trips, and even a really bad cold which I am battling now (trust me, you don’t want to hear my voice in your ear buds today). Don’t feel slighted, dear listeners, I haven’t even been on a bike in nearly a month!

In the meantime, I have continued to gather news, work on product reviews, line up interviews and just generally do show prep. I will get back on track very soon. I just need your patience for a few days longer.

Besides . . . I’ve already started gathering some great giveaways for our 100th show celebration and I have a planning meeting coming up in a few weeks for the FredCast Tour in June, when we’ll ride from Salzburg to Venice! So don’t worry, I’m not going away.

Thanks for your patience and your understanding.

David

P.S. In the meantime, stop speculating about Lance Armsrong and Ashley Olsen. He says they’re just friends.

Can You Help?

By Fredcaster

On November 1, 2007

In General

I got an email from my friend, Gary Rossi, who runs the Ride Across California for the Rancho Penasquitos YMCA. You remember, the ride Emily and I did last spring. He needs some help in relief efforts for San Diego County families who have been devastated by the recent wild fires.

Here is what Gary’s email said:

I am working with the Community Wild Fire Task Force that is helping meet the needs of the fire families in Poway, Rancho Bernardo and Ramona. We have a group of over 30 organizations finding a variety of items for these families.

I am responsible for finding sporting equipment to replace those items that have been lost.

We are in the process of locating a donor or two for bicycles, 16” and 24”, with the accessories as well as two skateboards with the helmets and pads.

So here’s the question: Can any of YOU help Gary help the families of San Diego County? Put yourself in the place of these kids who have lost everything and please help.

Send me an email or call our voice mail line at 206-203-FRED (206-203-3733) and I will put you in touch with Gary.

THANK YOU!