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After being introduced to 20 years ago to a group of inspired and adventurous individuals, I am joining them.  This year I am operating in role of volunteer instead of participant of Flagstaff Marine League Charities and raising money for 2019 FLAG2GC - benefiting Marine League Charities . I sincerely appreciate your support over the years for this fundraiser and marvel at all the good we have achieved together.  You can donate now hit “ Give Now ”. The Joy  of this effort is the delivery of goodness it brings to  northern Arizona kids and Veterans . The charity  and fund raising portion of the ride started with caring Marines, seeing Pain in their communities and committing to bring Joy however they could.The ride and  Marine League Charities  have grown up together, an unassuming pairing of thoughtful riders and community servants that now are permanently linked, as this is the largest fundraiser of the year. You will not find more selfless, determined, volunteer stewards as
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It doesn't take much to make a difference

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It doesn't take much to make a difference, sometimes it is just a slice of banana bread.    I wanted to send out a summary of what my friends & family have done to support the  Marine League Charities of Northern Arizona .    I had a goal to eclipse my 2017 fundraising effort.    My goal was nearly achieved with a post ride total of $1815.    I rode with a grateful heart and it has been nearly 20 years since I first completed this event. I appreciate that we live in the most generous country on the planet, and that I get to be involved with the Marine League Charities.  When they see a need, they respond and stay committed for the long haul.  My long haul day was easy by comparison. I enjoyed some nice single track, stopped for famous banana bread, chatted with friends, glided across open fields, and climbed through the pines to a sweet reward of Deschutes craft beer. The banana bread is welcome treat provided at the first Sag stop, provided by a long time volunteer Mi
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PB&J: Pain Brings Joy

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As a kid PB&J was the staple fuel for everything, school lunch, picnics, road trips, snacks it was the wonder food that worked wonders.   As I aged it was still a cornerstone of simple lunches, long distance ride fuel and recovery snacks.   As I think about my annual 65 mile trek across northern Arizona it is something else entirely. Pain is often found in the training and prep to get ready for an epic day of off-roading with friends.   You must be challenged to grow.   That concept applies to your convictions as well as your fitness.   As for the fitness, I have tried the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon ride without training or preparation, lets just say I felt all of the PAIN concentrated in the death march which was the final 20 miles.   So, a fair amount of preparation can afford you the fitness to go out and do something weird, like ride a single speed, or a $12 vintage mountain bike or a gravel road bike to the finish line.    The Joy of this effort is the delivery of g
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Doubling Down for the Marine League Charities

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I woke up grateful. 1 week ago, I set a goal to eclipse my previous fundraising efforts for the Marine League Charities. I believe in their mission deeply, so I wanted to do something big this year. My sponsors raised $1885 as of this morning. Just $115 away from doubling my goal. I am feeling humbled and inspired by the generosity that poured out of Friends and Family. The 65 miles of dirt and mud will seem easy at this point. If you wanted to donate and haven't yet, the link still available all weekend. Peace, Love and Dirt, -Eric
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Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Ride TIME!

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This is day one of my seven day push to saturate news feeds and social networks to get the word out about the efforts to spread hope in Northern Arizona. I wanted to let you know that it is  that time of year again for my annual Northern Arizona Toys for Tots  Charity Mountain Bike Ride.  I will be riding on historic stagecoach trails across the forest and high desert off for 65 miles  from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on Saturday, August 5th, on my  cross bike to raise charitable contributions that  bring hope to children and wounded soldiers in Arizona. Last year, the majority of the yearly funding in a single weekend event for Marine League Charities  (benefiting children of Northern Arizona and members of the U.S. Armed  Forces). This 20th year of the event we want to break our funding records.  All  donations are tax deductible and go straight to the charities, as  event operating expenses are covered by corporate sponsors. The Marine League Charities, (MLC) Flagstaff, Ar
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Finding a Perfect Moment on a Bicycle

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Yesterday was the final day for the 2015 Tour de France, the remaining riders crossed the finish line  in Paris and enjoyed well deserved champagne and respect from cyclists and cycling fans throughout the world.  I too finished my tour de france yesterday, no not the professional race but a satisfying day on my bike that left me with a wide smile. I have been enjoying those satisfying days on the bike for more than 40 years, and riding in July always allows my mind to wander to the greatest race as I glide across the road with only my spinning gears and wind in my face.  It has been that way since I had my 5th birthday party and removing my training wheels was the present that I remember vividly.  Freedom and flow wrapped in a fantastic machine, just waiting to be unleashed. Many birthdays passed and bikes came and went, but it wasn't until I was about 13, that a real change happened. My classmate, Carrie Andrew and her mom Sharon who had cousins/ suffering through Cystic Fibr
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LinkedTogether#334296874H43FG

LinkedTogether#334296874H43FG This is my attempt to reach out further to cyclists that I sell to.  This is a random code I created that you can Google and get my email address quickly and easily.  I am happy to talk on the phone with potential buyers, just send me your number.  Normally, I respond so quickly I catch people off guard. Cheers, Brazen_Cycle_Works Eric Brandt
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