Everything is coming together very well, and we expect another great ride this year. Our preparation has gone well, and fundraising is about $1 million ahead of where we were last year at this time.

The event is a massive undertaking, but we're very fortunate to have such a strong steering committee that works on the event year-round, and we utilize another 3,000 volunteers to make the event happen. Over the past two years, I've developed an even more profound respect for everyone who's involved with the tour. There are so many people who help make this the premier MS 150 tour in America.

Safety continues to be our No. 1 priority.

We're encouraged by the fact that several of the pre-tour recommended rides have gone very well, with few accidents. We think the education and safety clinics that have been implemented have been a huge help in making that happen.

They give the kids a good preparation for the states. When you go to the districts or regions, you have to be ready to wrestle three or four times against tough competition. The kids have to realize they need to be prepared for whatever comes at them at this level.

All of our energy, all of our preparation is going into this game. We hope that our kids will get to bed early and get their rest and come out ready to play Saturday afternoon at Parkland against a great Paterson Catholic team, but our first priority has got to be Central Catholic.