This post is long overdue and I can't believe we are already well into February. I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight our sponsors and a few of our accomplishments for 2021. Overall it was an amazing year on the bike. A lot was learned and I am very proud of our accomplishments. We toed the line for the Race Across the West, No Country for Old Men (1st Place Overall 225 miler), and completed a virtual Mt. Everest challenge. We were also able to raise over $5,000 for the Semper Fi & America's Fund. All of this couldn't have been achieved without a list of amazing supporters. These supporters provide the much-needed funding in order to accomplish the season's goals. Bikes, gear, equipment, race entry fees, travel costs, and nutrition are just a few of the expenses they help cover. I am proud to announce that I am a personal customer of each of our sponsors and wouldn't have it any other way. So without further ado, I'd like to take a moment and thank each sponsor individually, starting with my Champion level sponsors ($1,000 Supporters).
Many of you have seen my previous posts where I have explained exactly what John Berry has created with Berry Fast Bicycles. John took a leap and purchased a Sprinter Van with the idea of a mobile bicycle service. The business idea is radical, progressive, and freaking awesome! We are based out of Madison, SD where the nearest bike shop is roughly 45 min. away. John has the capability to schedule bike pickups that
are convenient for us, or even work out of our driveway and deliver the bike back immediately. He is extremely responsive to texts and calls. John is also hip and has tap to pay right from the van! John is very dedicated to his client's success and joined us on our trip to Oceanside, CA for the Race Across the West. I cannot thank John enough for his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to his business. If you have bikes to tune-up or gear that you need, don't hesitate to give John a call. We are looking forward to having Berry Fast Bicycles on board again for 2022!
When I first approached DeLon Mork, owner of the Madison DQ, about being a sponsor for our 2021 season, his doors were still closed for dine-in customers. He was experiencing for the first time, like many others, owning a restaurant during a global pandemic. However while still faced with those circumstances DeLon didn't hesitate to become a Champion level supporter. It is a level of generosity that he has shown many other organizations and individuals throughout our small yet robust town of Madison. Thanks to his support, our cost to enter the 2021 Race Across the West was covered and we could focus on other important things such as training and logistics. Also during the summer, DeLon went beyond our individual sponsorship and provided ice cream coupons during a local Monday night group ride event (Which we will be bringing back again this summer). While he will never take the credit, DeLon and the team at Madison DQ were instrumental for a successful 2021.
The home buying/selling market has been absolutely crazy the last few years. Having a reliable real estate agent is crucial in determining your success. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, my wife Emily and I decided to sell our home looking for something closer to town. Brad Stearns with 605 Real Estate was our obvious choice. Not only have I known Brad since grade school, but Brad also assisted us in the purchase of our first, and at the time, current home. Brad listed our house on a Monday, sold it on a Tuesday for our full asking price, and helped us secure our future home that Wednesday. The process was simple and easy. When I reached out to Brad for a possible sponsorship he too was quick to jump on board. Brad's has a long list of team members and extremely knowledgeable agents to assist you in one of the biggest decisions you can make. Trust the experience of 605 Real Estate. And also while you are there, convince Brad that he should do another Ironman!
Each of these sponsors joined our team as supporters ($250 value). Thanks to their generosity I was able to cover costs for gear, equipment, and nutrition. None of these items are cheap. Dan Roemen and Sunshine Foods of Madison have done an incredible job of keeping their shelves stocked while other stores have struggled during the pandemic to do the same. For a small-town grocery, we surely appreciate that!
I think it is a compliment to say that during my last major dental visit, where I received a cavity filling, I almost fell asleep. That is how enjoyable it was at Madison Family Dental. I also took a fun photo of me and the team post filling which you can find on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Dr. Tobkin also gave me a courtesy call the next day to make sure everything felt fine. I never stress about going to the dentist, and neither should you.
Randy Schaefer has been our choice of an insurance agent for home and auto since I can remember. It has always been a simple process and any questions we have are always answered promptly. I remember back to an unlucky year where I came into contact with three separate deer with my automobile. A simple phone call to the office is all that was needed, and everything else was taken care of. I have been very fortunate to have Randy and his team as sponsors and as our insurance agent.
I had sent a cold email to the team at Techniche asking about the cooling vests they produce. I knew that the Race Across the West would be warm, never thinking that it would reach 121 degrees, and knew that I needed something to help regulate my body temperature. Thankfully Techniche reached back promptly and immediately provided their support with a cooling vest. I used this vest shortly after passing out in Borrego Springs, CA. I am confident that it provided me with the needed cooling to continue the race. Thanks for saving my life Techniche!
2022 is going to be a massive year! In the next couple of weeks, I am planning to announce my entire 2022 race schedule. Some of you may be surprised by the selections! Shortly after that I also plan on announcing our 2022 sponsors. This is going to be a great year, and I thank each and every one of you for your support.
-Mathew Wollmann
Title: Wannabe
Looking forward to see what adventures you take on this year