Yesterday, I announced that I would ride the final stage of the 2004 Tour of Hope in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 9, and I asked Operation Gadget readers to consider making a small donation to support cancer research. I've decided to add a category to create a category for the 2004 Tour of Hope because I expect to post a number of articles about my preparation for the ride and the experience of participating in it.

You can find the "2004 Tour of Hope" category archive at:

http://www.operationgadget.com/2004_tour_of_hope/index.html

I've already received a number of donations and verbal commitments from friends and family, so I'm very confident that I will reach the fund-raising minimum required of all participating riders. Now, the questions are:

• How many people will join me in making a small pledge to support cancer research?
• Will any Operation Gadget readers that I don't know personally participate?
• How much training can I do in the four weeks remaining until the ride?
• Who will I meet during my training and while I am in Washington?
• What kind of technology and gear is being used by the Tour of Hope riders, and how does it differ from that which pro cyclists use?
• How big will the party be at the end?

Look for answers to these questions in the next few weeks on here Operation Gadget.