I have known Ben Cooper for almost eight years.  We worked together at jcpenney.com for about three of those years before he moved onward and upward – first to help launch Blockbuster.com and then on to ThinkCash.  I have always been impressed with his knowledge and work ethic.  He was fun to work with and I still value his friendship.

I keep up with his blog – Texas Tailwind.  Basically, since we are both so busy now it is the one way I can get a view into what he has going on – sort of the purpose of a blog.  The majority of Texas Tailwind profiles the cycling world that he has entered and details the significant progress he has made.  The other day he posted a ride that he will be doing called TX TOUGH.  He is doing the ride to benefit the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.  The amazing feat is that he will be doing the entire ride on a single speed bike – WOW.

I want to support Ben in his fund-raising effort.  The ride is 112 miles, so I am donating $1.00 for every mile.  I am also throwing down the gauntlet to my friends, colleagues and anyone else that happens to read this – For the first 20 people that also make a donation (any size – it is the thought that counts) to Ben’s ride, I will donate an additional $.10 per mile.  So, if 20 more people donate, I will donate another $224 personally beyond the original $112.  Send me a copy of your receipt to kstraw1 at gmail dot com.  I will keep track and make my follow-up donation accordingly.

The ride is September 14th in Dallas.  GO BEN!!