We have some very fun news to announce.... our winners of the two Bike4theCHF Signature Bikes (Giant Defies donated by Ryder Bikes) are Barret Knudson and Team Magnus!
Congratulations and thank you to all who participated! Because of your hard work and wonderful support we raised $32,496 for The Children's Heart Foundation!
The entire Bike4theCHF team (Nels, Nick, Jenni, Denise Zolla, and Jill) had such a great time meeting everyone!
Here is a video featuring many of the 82 warriors that took the trip with us on the Signature Bikes:
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Catching Up & Day 38 A.M. Vlog
The Bike4theCHF cyclists rode into Columbus at Roll Bikes and got all tuned up and ready for the next days ride with our Kid4theCHF, Kennedy!
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Cyclists & Crew attened a well planned fun Meet & Greet organized by our very own Kid4theCHF Kennedy. Her 4H club gathered to support her and enjoy a night of great food and getting to know each other. The Children's Heart Foundation local Chapter President, Tammy Thomas and husband were also in attendance.
Thank you to Kennedy's very special Doctor & family friend Pediatric that shared a few thoughts of his own with our group! (video posting soon)
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The morning send off with Kennedy and her Mom & Dad was just what Nels & Nicked to fuel the ride to Cambridge.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Lima to Columbus OH A.M. vlog
Today we venture to Columbus and will be having a meet & greet with our Kid4theCHF Kennedy's 4H club! You can join us if you're in the area as we celebrate Kennedy & Will our Columbus Kids4theCHF.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 6th - 5PM to 7PM
WHERE: 4H Cafeteria - 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Oh 43210
Don't miss our Signature Bike Celebration as we depart from Columbus:
WHEN: Thursday, July 7th - 7:00 a.M.
WHERE: ROLL Bikes located at 1510 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, OH
The Kids4theCHF will autograph the Signature Bikes receive a surprise and The Children's Heart Foundation Supporters will ride out of town with the Bike4theCHF cyclists!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 6th - 5PM to 7PM
WHERE: 4H Cafeteria - 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Oh 43210
Don't miss our Signature Bike Celebration as we depart from Columbus:
WHEN: Thursday, July 7th - 7:00 a.M.
WHERE: ROLL Bikes located at 1510 W. Lane Ave., Upper Arlington, OH
The Kids4theCHF will autograph the Signature Bikes receive a surprise and The Children's Heart Foundation Supporters will ride out of town with the Bike4theCHF cyclists!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Days 32 - 34 Chicago weekend & South Bend, IN Meet & Greet/Send-off
Happy Fourth of July! Today we head out from South Bend Indiana (our 8th state on the Bike4theCHF 2011 tour)!
We'll be catching you up on all of the celebrations that we shared with our Kid4theCHF, Lucy in Chicago and have highlights from all of our visits back to Bettendorf where we honored Kid4theCHF Jacob.
We'll be catching you up on all of the celebrations that we shared with our Kid4theCHF, Lucy in Chicago and have highlights from all of our visits back to Bettendorf where we honored Kid4theCHF Jacob.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Day 31 - Rochelle to Chicago
Mark your calendars and join in the fun of our Chicago Meet & Greet!
WHEN
5:30 - 7:30PM Saturday, July 2nd
WHERE
Panera Bread co.
2775 Showplace Drive #123
Naperville, IL
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 25 & 26 Kids4theCHF Omaha celebrations!
Guest blog: Denise Zolla Pizzo
We are so thankful for the support and excitement that the Midwest Heart Connection shared with The Children's Heart Foundation. It was our honor to meet and spend time with so many inspiring children and their families challenged with the daily demands of CHD.
The state of Nebraska will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Yesterday we ventured into the 6th state of journey, Iowa. (Nels Matsons old stomping grounds). The Bike4theCHF cyclists and crew invite you to join us for a Meet & Greet at 7PM tonight June 27th at the Living History Farms Comfort Inn Suites!
We are so thankful for the support and excitement that the Midwest Heart Connection shared with The Children's Heart Foundation. It was our honor to meet and spend time with so many inspiring children and their families challenged with the daily demands of CHD.
The state of Nebraska will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Yesterday we ventured into the 6th state of journey, Iowa. (Nels Matsons old stomping grounds). The Bike4theCHF cyclists and crew invite you to join us for a Meet & Greet at 7PM tonight June 27th at the Living History Farms Comfort Inn Suites!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 24 (June 24) Leaving Lincoln NE and arriving in Omaha, NE
Guest blg by: Denise Zolla Pizzo
This morning we are glad to announce the Bike4theCHF cyclists will be joined by one of our sponsors as a representative of The Midwest Heart Connection, Mr. Barry Knudson!
This weekend in Omaha, NE we invite you to join us at the Meet & Greet:
WHEN: Saturday, JUNE 25, 4PM - 8PM
WHERE: Regency Lake & Tennis Club, 606 Regency Parkway, Omaha, 68114
www.regencylakeandtennis.com
Also, come out and cheer on our Kids4theCHF and their families on Sunday, June 26th for the Signature Celebration and send-off the Bike4theCHF cyclists, Nels Matson & Nick Busta!
This morning we are glad to announce the Bike4theCHF cyclists will be joined by one of our sponsors as a representative of The Midwest Heart Connection, Mr. Barry Knudson!
This weekend in Omaha, NE we invite you to join us at the Meet & Greet:
WHEN: Saturday, JUNE 25, 4PM - 8PM
WHERE: Regency Lake & Tennis Club, 606 Regency Parkway, Omaha, 68114
www.regencylakeandtennis.com
Also, come out and cheer on our Kids4theCHF and their families on Sunday, June 26th for the Signature Celebration and send-off the Bike4theCHF cyclists, Nels Matson & Nick Busta!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 23 (June 23) Leaving Sutton NE and arriving in Lincoln, NE
Guest Blog by Denise Zolla Pizzo
Good morning! Bike4theCHF cyclists & crew have been riding high through Nebraska! The recent storm surges that have been tearing up Nebraska can't bring down the spirits of the amazing people of Nebraska. The Children's Heart Foundation is so appreciative of the support and generous nature of everyone we have been afforded the chance to meet.
Today, the skies are blue and wind seems calm (fingers crossed)! We will now have a word from our spokesperson...Alexa.
Good morning! Bike4theCHF cyclists & crew have been riding high through Nebraska! The recent storm surges that have been tearing up Nebraska can't bring down the spirits of the amazing people of Nebraska. The Children's Heart Foundation is so appreciative of the support and generous nature of everyone we have been afforded the chance to meet.
Today, the skies are blue and wind seems calm (fingers crossed)! We will now have a word from our spokesperson...Alexa.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day 21 (June 21) Leaving McCook NE and arriving in Holdrege, NE
We left McCook, NE on Tuesday, June 21st and the ride was dedicated to a very special CHD survivor from Nebraska. Here is a quick video from Nels Matson and Nick Busta on location at Tinker Tom's of McCook.
It is now Day 22 (June 22nd)as we leave Holdrege, NE our hearts are filled from the time spent with CHD Families and local members of the community that came out to support The Children's Heart Foundation and share their stories.
We will have many pictures and videos posted later today. This morning is another exciting send off as a local family will come and autograph a road bike at Hilsabeck Sporting Goods!
*Guest Blog by Denise Zolla Pizzo
It is now Day 22 (June 22nd)as we leave Holdrege, NE our hearts are filled from the time spent with CHD Families and local members of the community that came out to support The Children's Heart Foundation and share their stories.
We will have many pictures and videos posted later today. This morning is another exciting send off as a local family will come and autograph a road bike at Hilsabeck Sporting Goods!
*Guest Blog by Denise Zolla Pizzo
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 20 of Bike4theCHF 2011 - Wray, CO to McCook, NE
Today cyclists Nels Matson & Nick Busta will enter the 5th State on the
Bike4theCHF 2011 across America, Nebraska!
Bike4theCHF 2011 across America, Nebraska!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Day 16 of Bike4theCHF 2011 - Fairplay, Co to Denver, CO A.M. Vlog
Enjoy an update direct from Team CHF Coordinator, Nels Matson and Bike4theCHF cyclist Nick Busta and crew!
Alexa asks, where in the nation is Uncle Nels?
Alexa asks, where in the nation is Uncle Nels?
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day 14 Recap & Day 15 Saguache to Fairplay CO
Ups and Downs... that ended up being the theme of the day. Today Nick, my Dad (Kevin), and I climbed to nearly 11,000 ft as we crossed Wolf Creek Pass right outside of Pagosa Springs, CO.
We dedicated today's ride to Will. Will just turned 5 yesterday and was born with Aortic Stenosis. His grandparents, Bill and Lisa, own Pagosa Pedal and Powder. Bill sponsored some supplies and made sure our bikes were running well prior to our climb.
Wolf Creek Pass didn't end up being as tough as we had imagined as we've been in high elevation for the last 10 days and our lungs are starting to get used to it. On the way down the pass we exceeded speeds of 50 mph!
Just after our long downhill, Nick and I rubbed tires and Nick went tumbling off the bike. Fortunately he fell in the grass on the side of the road, but he did crack his helmet and damaged his seat. Being the tough guy that he is, Nick shook it off and finished the day. Because safety and health of the cyclists is the priority of The Children's Heart Foundation, at the end of the day Nick was taken in for a full medical exam. The Doctor issued a medical release to resume cycling immediately!
We are really looking forward to meeting our Kids4theCHF, Benjamin and Addison, in Denver... getting closer!
We are really looking forward to meeting our Kids4theCHF, Benjamin and Addison, in Denver... getting closer!
A Word From Our Bike4theCHF Spokesperson Alexa
Friday, June 10, 2011
Bike4theCHF Week 2 Updates
Hello Bike4theCHF supporters! Here's a quick update on the last few days of our trip. I apologize for the delay. We've had spotty wifi service and not a lot of time to blog. Enjoy!
Day 6 and 7: Eureka, NV to Baker, NV and Baker, NV to Milford, UT
The final two days of Nevada were very similar. We rode through the same road - Nevada's Highway 50. There were no rest stops for miles, and the desert was dry and windy. Once we finally got to Utah, the surrounds were beautiful. We saw gorgeous snowy mountains and bodies of water. The guys were actually chased by cows! We arrived in the cute town of Milford, UT and were greeted by the friendly hotel staff.
Day 8: Milford, UT to Cedar City, UT
The ride from Milford to Cedar City was only about 50 miles but difficult and windy. The guys biked on a road through many farms. Denise and I were keeping our eyes peeled for dogs so that we could protect Nels and Nick if they were attacked. Once the guys got to Cedar Cycle they were interviewed by the local newspaper - the Iron County Today. Both Nels and Nick got new chains on their bikes at the shop.
Day 9: Cedar City, UT to Escalante, UT
Yesterday the guys biked about 120 miles to Escalante, UT. They rode through many hills and snow (on the ground). They also rode through the beautiful Bryce Canyon that had many climbs. There were many downhills; Nels and Nick got up to 40mph on his bike. The weather was chilly in the morning but heated up to about 80 once we got in the Canyon. While riding in the road through the Canyon, a police officer pulled Nels and Nick over and told them that they needed to ride on the bike path. We arrived in Escalante at about 4pm.
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Day 6 and 7: Eureka, NV to Baker, NV and Baker, NV to Milford, UT
The final two days of Nevada were very similar. We rode through the same road - Nevada's Highway 50. There were no rest stops for miles, and the desert was dry and windy. Once we finally got to Utah, the surrounds were beautiful. We saw gorgeous snowy mountains and bodies of water. The guys were actually chased by cows! We arrived in the cute town of Milford, UT and were greeted by the friendly hotel staff.
Day 8: Milford, UT to Cedar City, UT
The ride from Milford to Cedar City was only about 50 miles but difficult and windy. The guys biked on a road through many farms. Denise and I were keeping our eyes peeled for dogs so that we could protect Nels and Nick if they were attacked. Once the guys got to Cedar Cycle they were interviewed by the local newspaper - the Iron County Today. Both Nels and Nick got new chains on their bikes at the shop.
Day 9: Cedar City, UT to Escalante, UT
Yesterday the guys biked about 120 miles to Escalante, UT. They rode through many hills and snow (on the ground). They also rode through the beautiful Bryce Canyon that had many climbs. There were many downhills; Nels and Nick got up to 40mph on his bike. The weather was chilly in the morning but heated up to about 80 once we got in the Canyon. While riding in the road through the Canyon, a police officer pulled Nels and Nick over and told them that they needed to ride on the bike path. We arrived in Escalante at about 4pm.
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Bike4theCHF Day 5 - Austin, NV to Eureka, NV
Day 5 - June 5, 2011
Today was Nels and Nick's shortest day in terms of mileage. They biked 70 miles from Austin, NV to Eureka, NV. The beginning of the ride had many twisty roads but beautiful mountain views. The whole trip was still on Nevada's state road 50 - the loneliest road in America. Like the previous day, the whole route went through the dry desert. The boys seemed to have a good day as we only stopped about 3 or 4 times for break. Tomorrow we will have 139 mile day toward Baker, NV.
Today was Nels and Nick's shortest day in terms of mileage. They biked 70 miles from Austin, NV to Eureka, NV. The beginning of the ride had many twisty roads but beautiful mountain views. The whole trip was still on Nevada's state road 50 - the loneliest road in America. Like the previous day, the whole route went through the dry desert. The boys seemed to have a good day as we only stopped about 3 or 4 times for break. Tomorrow we will have 139 mile day toward Baker, NV.
Day 3 of Bike4theCHF - Kirkwood, CA to Fallon, NV
Day 3 – June 3, 2011
Since we had such a late night on Day 2, Nels and Nick didn’t start riding until about 11AM. The boys left snowy mountainous Kirkwood, CA in 30 degrees at 8,000 feet in elevation. They rode through the beautiful scenic mountains in the beginning of their trip right through the Nevada border. As we got to Nevada, the temperature started warming up to about 60 degrees. Nick got his first flat tire of the trip about halfway through the ride. Nevada became a desert with heavy intense wind. Nels got a wind burn. There were several big hills that N & N climbed but definitely not as terrible as Day 2. We arrived in Fallon, Nevada after 114 miles of biking.
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Day 2 of Bike4theCHF Davis, CA to Kirkwood, CA
Day 2 - June 2, 2011
We had a late start in Davis, CA. Nels and Nick rode through downtown Sacramento and then got turned around so they ended up going 20 miles out of their way. The original mileage for the day was already about 130 miles that consisted of a climb of 8,000 feet in elevation. Since they got turned around, they had to start riding through the dark. As we got closer to Kirkwood, the ride started getting more hilly since Kirkwood is a ski lodge in the mountains. There was snow on the ground for the last 30 miles of the trip. In addition, it was 30 degrees and both Nels and Nick could not feel their feet or hands. Denise and I rode behind them and used the bright headlights to guide them to Kirkwood. We FINALLY arrived in Kirkwood at 1:00AM. It was an extremely long day and all of us were tired, especially the boys since they biked 150 miles and climbed 8,000 feet. Nels and Nick were on their bikes for a grand total of 17 hours that day (and Denise and I were in the van for that long also).
We are thankful that Kirkwood Valley Lodging graciously donated an entire lodge to the Bike4theCHF crew for the night. As soon as we got in, we put Nels and Nick right in front of the fireplace, gave them food, and then put them in a hot shower. Nels discovered that one of his toe nails froze off and that many of his toes were purple. Nick was worn out as well. All of us ended up going to bed around 3AM.
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Pictures to follow soon. We don't have enough wifi service in the mountains to post pictures.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Day 1 of Bike4theCHF 2011 - San Francisco, CA to Davis, CA
We kicked off Bike4theCHF 2011 at the Golden Gate Bridge at 7am this morning honoring our Kids4theCHF, Summer and Magnus. We also honored Gavin, a honorary Kid4theCHF from Oregon whose father Eric joined Nels and Nick for the first 80 miles of their bike ride. Both of the kids were able to sign the signature bikes which will be put up for auction at the end of Bike4theCHF. For the beginning of the ride, Nick and Nels were also joined by Lawrence (Summer's father), Jeni Busta and Jeni's dad. The start of today's ride was filled with beautiful California scenery as we traveled north of San Francisco.
Nels, Nick and Eric were hit with cold torrential rain for a large portion of their trip. Despite the bad weather, the boys were able to push through and finish strongly after their 10 hour bike ride. Today's total mileage was about 120 miles from start to finish, although there were a few times when we made a wrong turns and had to turn around.
Denise also did a great job in the van, helping direct the cyclists towards the correct route, stopping numerous times to wait for the cyclists to make the right turn, and just overall providing all levels of support. She prepared food, took pictures and video, and even talked on the phone with potential sponsors!
Overall, the Bike4theCHF crew had a very exciting and busy day. Tomorrow's mileage should be around 135 miles toward Kirkwood, CA. We were told that it could possibly snow on tomorrow's route!
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Nels, Nick and Eric were hit with cold torrential rain for a large portion of their trip. Despite the bad weather, the boys were able to push through and finish strongly after their 10 hour bike ride. Today's total mileage was about 120 miles from start to finish, although there were a few times when we made a wrong turns and had to turn around.
Denise also did a great job in the van, helping direct the cyclists towards the correct route, stopping numerous times to wait for the cyclists to make the right turn, and just overall providing all levels of support. She prepared food, took pictures and video, and even talked on the phone with potential sponsors!
Overall, the Bike4theCHF crew had a very exciting and busy day. Tomorrow's mileage should be around 135 miles toward Kirkwood, CA. We were told that it could possibly snow on tomorrow's route!
- Lindsey
Bike4theCHF Intern
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
San Francisco Meet 'n Greet
Today we had a meet 'n greet event to honor our San Francisco Kids4theCHF, Magnus and Summer at a local restaurant in San Francisco. Nick and I were excited to meet the kids4theCHF who are our inspiration throughout the ride. We had a great turn out and were happy to meet all of the families who support us. Tomorrow we will officially kick off Bike4theCHF in San Francisco by riding over the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge towards Davis, CA. We are excited to finally start this journey after many months of planning. Tomorrow's route to Davis will be 120 miles long. It will be a long day through a beautiful area.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fargo Marathon
Three heart moms from North Dakota (Mitzi Arnold, Kali Kiecker, and Holly Novacek) made the decision to run the Fargo Marathon's 5k to raise money for The Children's Heart Foundation through Team CHF funding research that will benefit their children. When they made this decision... there was no turning back. They went on to raise nearly $9,000!
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