Ed Brill fundraising for 2021 72 Hours to Key West - 280 Mile Charity Bike Ride

Recent Updates

Update #9

over 2 years ago

Missions Accomplished!

Around 12:15 PM EDT yesterday, 50 cyclists arrived in Key West at the southernmost point in the continental US. Our third day of riding had glorious sunshine and temperatures, but as with the previous two days, mother nature still had a "treat" for us...20 MPH winds, either as headwinds or cross winds. The 20 "B" group riders (not quite strong enough for fastest, but looking to roll) departed Marathon around 7:30 and quickly arrived at the famous 7-mile bridge. When I last did this ride, we had a 25 MPH *tail* wind...nope. I quickly found that the group was not moving fast enough... if I didn't find a way to spin the pedals faster, the crosswind was going to get me. So I made the jump (safely) to create a "B+" group and by the top of the bridge, nine other riders were with me. This group of ten worked together so flawlessly and effectively that the remaining 40 miles to our rendezvous point passed quickly... there was one flat tire but it happened at a serendipitous moment which got our heart rates down, some bladders emptied, and and we took a more chill pace the rest of the way.

This ride collects all of the cyclists together just outside of Key West. We then rolled in as a group, drank some champagne at Mile 0, and celebrated. Though my family wasn't with me this time, they were watching the live webcam at the Southernmost Point so that was super cool. I waited in line for the official photo with the Buoy, pedaled back to the group hotel, and joined in the celebrations.

A wonderful thing happened over the last few days and that was that as we rolled through South Florida, several friends reached out and suggested we get together. So, I rented a convertible and drove back as far as Miami last night, my first time ever driving the Keys. It's cool to get a different vantage point, and I made sure to stop for some conch chowder and a hogfish sandwich. And then I had second dinner at a Argentinian restaurant in Miami. Hey, I earned it - Strava says I burned 7500 calories across the three day ride.

The other wonderful thing that happened this week was all of you. 53 supporters, nearly $3500. As an entire group, the 50 cyclsts raised $50,000 for Tiny Hands Foundation and Starting Right, Now. I was one of the top 5 fundraisers, as was true when I did this ride in 2015. Look - these are not charities that most of us would have put top of our list for support. But they are super important to Kevin and Ron, who organize 72 Hours to Key West, and Ron is a great long-time friend, ergo they are important charities to me. And this group makes a huge difference to their operations year in and year out. It really, truly makes a difference to your motivation to do hard things when you're doing it in a way that will help others. Because sure as ---- I wouldn't have chosen to ride through the conditions of the last three days on my own :-)

Therefore,YOUR support is what made all the difference. Having you along for the ride, seeing supporter notifications at almost every rest stop, chatting with you over the socials along the way - it was all amazing. Thank you for your contributions, your encouragement, and your friendship. Of course my family put up with my training again this year, and Deborah was my #1 supporter for all the work it took to get here. Special thanks also to my cycling coach Joe TKB, who made sure I stayed focused down the stretch.

The FundLy platform isn't great for fundraising to be honest, you won't get another "tax letter" or anything like that from these charities, so for those who track these things, make sure to keep your initial donation email someplace safe.

What happens next? I do love this ride, though I would love it more if I had 2021's fitness with 2015's weather. Maybe in 2022?

Thanks, appreciate you, much love
--Ed

About Me

When I started cycling for fitness in 2014, I had no idea how far the sport would take me. In 2015, to push my limits, I signed up for 72 Hours to Key West - a 3-day, 280 mile endurance charity ride. Dozens of friends sponsored me and I raised over $4500 for Tiny Hands and The Heart Gallery. Since that time, I've put another 30,000 miles on the bikes, across a dozen countries, countless states/cities, and a room full of carbon and steel. But nothing has quite felt like that ride across Florida, knowing it was to prove something to myself, and also to help children in need. So it's time to come back to South Florida - in current times, doing things for others feels more important than ever. I'm hoping to beat my 2015 times - okay, okay, that's not much of a challenge - but more importantly, to make new friends, take joy in the journey, and remind myself what healthy balance is all about. I hope you will support my ride this year. It's going to be fantastic. If you supported me in 2015, thank you! As you can see in the photos, I remember every one of you for your generosity - and will do the same this year.

More Info

Ft Myers Beach will come alive with 75 cyclists from Florida and beyond participating in the 280 mile, 3 day bike fest to tropical and sunny Key West, FL. With the Nations Finest Tropical Destination as its backdrop the 72 Hours To Key West Bike Fest will be a highlight on the 2022 road cycling calendar and a must do for all you avid cyclist. 

Proceeds from the ride will be donated to benefit both the Tiny Hands Foundation and Starting Right Now organization. To learn more about these wonderful charities, please visit www.TinyHandsFoundation.org & http://startingrightnow.org.  

Please Note: This ride consists of extreme distances and should only be attempted by experienced riders. All participants will be subject to a standard review by the event organizer to determine his/her ability to complete this ride. 

For full event details go to our event website www.72HoursToKeyWest.com 

FAQs:

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event? Yes, the minimum age is 18 to participate in this event. Registered riders must present a valid picture ID the morning of the event. 

What speed does the group ride? We require that all riders be physically fit enough to maintain a minimum average speed of 16-18 mph throughout the duration of the ride, no matter the wind or weather conditions. Our SAG support is rolling and makes scheduled stops approximately every 25-35 miles.  Those who can't maintain the minimum speed and who fall behind will be asked to forgo support for the remainder of the day or to jump inside the support vehicle to catch up with the rest of the group. 

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? Parking is complimentary for all registered riders at 2080 Main Street Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931. The parking lot is gated and secured, but parking will be at your own risk. Transportation is not provided to the start on the morning of November 4th. Most local hotels have shuttle options who with notice can transport your bike and gear to the start. Most local cab companies can also offer this same service for a nominal fee. 

What can/can't I bring to the event? Due to limited space, each rider is allowed 1 bag. We also have limited space for travel bike cases, but please contact the organizers to confirm. 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? Contact Kevin Bupp or Ron Favali @ [email protected] or [email protected] 

Is my registration/ticket transferrable? Yes, registration is transferable but all transfers must be approved by organizer and must be made before the deadline date of September 30th.  

Can I update my registration information? Yes Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, but be sure to have valid ID present at check-in. 

What is the refund policy? Sorry, there are no refunds and no deferments, but you can transfer your ticket to another person prior to the deadline of September 30th. 

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay? No, the name of the registered rider must match the ID of the rider.  

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #9

Missions Accomplished!

Around 12:15 PM EDT yesterday, 50 cyclists arrived in Key West at the southernmost point in the continental US. Our third day of riding had glorious sunshine and temperatures, but as with the previous two days, mother nature still had a "treat" for us...20 MPH winds, either as headwinds or cross winds. The 20 "B" group riders (not quite strong enough for fastest, but looking to roll) departed Marathon around 7:30 and quickly arrived at the famous 7-mile bridge. When I last did this ride, we had a 25 MPH *tail* wind...nope. I quickly found that the group was not moving fast enough... if I didn't find a way to spin the pedals faster, the crosswind was going to get me. So I made the jump (safely) to create a "B+" group and by the top of the bridge, nine other riders were with me. This group of ten worked together so flawlessly and effectively that the remaining 40 miles to our rendezvous point passed quickly... there was one flat tire but it happened at a serendipitous moment which got our heart rates down, some bladders emptied, and and we took a more chill pace the rest of the way.

This ride collects all of the cyclists together just outside of Key West. We then rolled in as a group, drank some champagne at Mile 0, and celebrated. Though my family wasn't with me this time, they were watching the live webcam at the Southernmost Point so that was super cool. I waited in line for the official photo with the Buoy, pedaled back to the group hotel, and joined in the celebrations.

A wonderful thing happened over the last few days and that was that as we rolled through South Florida, several friends reached out and suggested we get together. So, I rented a convertible and drove back as far as Miami last night, my first time ever driving the Keys. It's cool to get a different vantage point, and I made sure to stop for some conch chowder and a hogfish sandwich. And then I had second dinner at a Argentinian restaurant in Miami. Hey, I earned it - Strava says I burned 7500 calories across the three day ride.

The other wonderful thing that happened this week was all of you. 53 supporters, nearly $3500. As an entire group, the 50 cyclsts raised $50,000 for Tiny Hands Foundation and Starting Right, Now. I was one of the top 5 fundraisers, as was true when I did this ride in 2015. Look - these are not charities that most of us would have put top of our list for support. But they are super important to Kevin and Ron, who organize 72 Hours to Key West, and Ron is a great long-time friend, ergo they are important charities to me. And this group makes a huge difference to their operations year in and year out. It really, truly makes a difference to your motivation to do hard things when you're doing it in a way that will help others. Because sure as ---- I wouldn't have chosen to ride through the conditions of the last three days on my own :-)

Therefore,YOUR support is what made all the difference. Having you along for the ride, seeing supporter notifications at almost every rest stop, chatting with you over the socials along the way - it was all amazing. Thank you for your contributions, your encouragement, and your friendship. Of course my family put up with my training again this year, and Deborah was my #1 supporter for all the work it took to get here. Special thanks also to my cycling coach Joe TKB, who made sure I stayed focused down the stretch.

The FundLy platform isn't great for fundraising to be honest, you won't get another "tax letter" or anything like that from these charities, so for those who track these things, make sure to keep your initial donation email someplace safe.

What happens next? I do love this ride, though I would love it more if I had 2021's fitness with 2015's weather. Maybe in 2022?

Thanks, appreciate you, much love
--Ed

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #8

Today's over-riding thought - "it's for the kids!" Having individually raised over $3300 out of nearly $39,000 raised in total so far this week makes it a whole lot easier to dig deep for the motivation to keep riding. Friday's 100 miles from Miami to Marathon was not easy. We had three separate rain storms, each time needing to take shelter for at least a few minutes as the storm passed. Crossing from Long Key to Conch Key we encountered pellet sized hail and drastic wind and temperature shifts. My average speed certainly suffered, but one thing about this ride - the cyclists are all in it together. It will surprise none of you that I helped keep a group of 25 riders safe through the 12 mile ride section to Alabama Jack's and Key Largo. As with yesterday, many things about today's ride were better than my 2015 effort - not always speed, given the winds, but I didn't stop as frequently and was able to pull multiple riders along all day.

Tomorrow morning we face the final stretch, 55 miles from Marathon to Key West and Mile 0. I'll post a live track link on Facebook along with the link to the "Southernmost Point" webcam.

Thank you all for this tremendous outpouring of support. I really appreciate having you all along for the journey.

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #7

Day one is in the books - and the fundraising today blew me away!
Today's 127 miles was my longest single-day ride ever. We started from Fort Myers Beach around 7:15 AM.... a very pleasant ride through to Naples and our first rest stop...and then the beat down began. Heat, wind, humidity, we had it all as we crossed the Tamiami Trail through the Everglades. Still, unlke 2015, I was successful! On that ride, I ran out of salt and ended up shivering on the side of the road. I had to skip 12 miles of the ride as a result but was able to do the rest. Today was vindication, coupled with faster times on virtually every single Strava segment from start to finish.

Charity rides are not meant to be easy. In 2015, we had favorable winds every day. Not so this year. Friday's forecast includes rain, so that will add another complication to the next 100 miles. But knowing that i have now raised $3000 for Tiny Hands and Starting Right, Now sure makes me feel better about the effort that is ahead! I'm also looking forward to some Conch Chowder in Marathon tomorrow afternoon. The seafood shack adjacent to our hotel is famous for it!

Roy Rumaner commented on a blog post:
over 2 years ago
Keep peddling buddy, you got this !

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #6

Nine hours to start

Today was a productive day to get ready for this ride. First, thank you to all the new supporters today! Amazing. Very humbled to be one of the top fundraisers on this ride again in 2021. If I haven't thanked you individually yet, I will, I promise.

I assembled my bike early this morning and got out in the Florida sunshine. Our pre-ride base is near Sanibel Island so I shot over the causeway and checked out a truly relaxing quiet island. Future getaway for sure. 30 miles in, 95% heart rate in Zone 2... easy.

Tonight many of the riders met up for pizza and a pre-ride chat. There are many riders who are doing this for their first time, but it was great to see familiar faces as well. There are two riders from Wisconsin, at least four others from the Chicago area, a few from Baltimore... and a whole big group that works for Dell Computers.

We depart the hotel at 5:45 AM tomorrow and should be rolling (in the dark) before 7 AM EDT. First stop is Naples, then the long trek across the Tamiami Trail to Miami. I'm really looking forward to putting day 1 in the books!

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #5

Packed and ready to fly

Heading to Fort Myers today! I've over-thought everything I can in terms of packing, supplies, clothes, spares, .... it's all in there. Now we just have to get there. Hoping that putting the Canyon back together is an easy task and that I can get a warmup ride on Sanibel Island tomorrow!

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #4

PACKING!

My flight to Florida is on Tuesday, about 100 hours from now. The supply pile is growing... pump, gloves, nutrition, tubes, shoes, lights... it seems endless. I'm still hoping to get a couple outdoor rides in this weekend before heading south... we shall see.

This week I crossed 5500 cumulative miles YTD, nearly double what I had done in 2015 when I first tackled the Key West ride. Is it enough? I'm still worried about the double metric on day 1.

The wind forecast for Thursday has steadfastly remained NNE in Naples and E in Miami... crossing Alligator Alley won't be made any easier. It'll be important to find some other similar riders to rotate the front and fight through it. (Saturday's wind forecast is perfect for heading down the Keys, so there is that). Temperature-wise, the ride will be great. There is a chance of rain every day, so I need to add my fold-up rain cover to the pile...

Thank you all for staying engaged, talking, supporting. I'm looking forward to being on the bike in Florida soon.

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #3

Four weeks to go! I'm a little intimidated because I'm watching one of the other Key West riders go out and do a century ride (100 miles)...every. single. weekend. I know I need to keep putting on miles to make this ride happen. The next few weeks I'm going to experimenting with some endurance fuel... maybe I should have been doing this all season, but it's time to get ready for Florida heat and humidity by mixing in some electrolytes, honey, and other boosts.

As a little incentive I bought myself a new aero bike helmet today. It should arrive just in time to break it in before heading to Florida. Of course, it's blue....

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #2

On September 12, I completed the Door County (Wisconsin) Century ride in 5hr45. This ride had 2000 feet of climb but otherwise was a good test to see how ready for 72 Hours I am... which I'm not, yet. It was a struggle at times, mainly with fuel. I needed to eat more early in the ride, and even though it wasn't a hot day, needed more liquids. At least my overall time was 13 minutes better than the same ride in the past, on the same bike. For Key West, I'll be on a faster bike and flatter terrain. But...Key West is three days of riding! So, more training ahead for the next seven weeks. It's all worth it to support the missions of this ride and continue the fundraising for Florida children.

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Ed Brill posted a new update:
over 2 years ago

Update #1

I'm in - I had planned to ride 72 Hours in 2020 as a five-year anniversary of my first time on this ride, but COVID had other ideas. This year we're on - and I couldn't be more excited. I'm a lot faster, more experienced, and riding a route that's already familiar. I've booked the flights and hotel rooms - now it's just 65 days of focus to get things going.

Only one problem. This year, while I've already done 4500 miles on the bike, I haven't done a single ride longer than 65 miles. The first day of 72 Hours is...125 miles. I have a Century (100 mi) ride coming up soon, but it's time to kick the training plan up and make this happen.

I'm excited to learn more about this year's additional charity, Starting Right, Now. Between their work and Tiny Hands, I'm confident this is going to be a ride that makes an important difference for children in central/south Florida.

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