Today starts a new chapter in my personal and business life. Oxy eliminated the Corporate Communications group in Houston, which included communications, web development and administration, photography, executive presentation support and community relations as part of a company restructuring that is eliminating numerous executive, management and professional positions across the company. My responsibilities were as Director of Communications and Web Development for the corporation. That also included development and support for TeamOxy.

With this change, I have many new exciting opportunities that will actually allow me to do even more to support those in need. For the next year, I will be working 1/2 time for Best Buddies International as Director, New Event Development. My responsibilities will include developing new rides in Texas and Washington DC as well as support for the California Hearst Castle ride. In addition to this great job for the near term I will be working on projects utilizing my communication skills ranging from Trade and Cultural exchange initiatives between the US and Libya to communication and motivational consulting for various companies.

Another great benefit to this change is that I will not be spending 3 hours a day on the freeway! I will be spending much more time on the bike and working to bring cycling to the forefront of health and fitness initiatives in the US. What better way to stay healthy than riding to support individuals in need.

I hope you all will join me in my support for the organizations that are supporting those in need. I will make sure that I have the weekend rides posted that I will be riding in as well as information on the major fundraising rides throughout the year.

I hope all of you will keep in touch and I'll see you on the road! As Timbuk 3 once sang, "The future's so bright I've gotta wear shades".