The TOURdeSOURCE is officially over

Wow! What an incredible ride. I can’t believe the TOUR is actually over.
But it still lives on in my selling. Everyday I think about selling $500 in Accessories; what Floor Model can I sell to get out of the dreaded ROAD BLOCK! I actually pushed financing instead of offering it.

I know we all found the ROAD BLOCK challenging but you must admit, it made you think about your presentation rather than just drop to the allowed 25%. Did you know that we sold 118 ROAD BLOCK floor models during the TOUR? That’s amazing!

So let’s all raise our glasses and toast to another successful TOURdeSOURCE. It was a great ride and you guys never cease to amaze me!

RENOVATING VILLANOVA

When Brian Lange was told that we would be renovating his store during the TOUR, he was not happy. How would he be able to do both successfully? After getting a slow start on the ride, he decided he had to do something. He needed to sell off everything and get it all delivered asap even if it meant doing the deliveries himself. So he loaded up a truck and was set to go. But alas, Brian doesn't have a truckers license. So what did Brian do? He pulled the truck from stop to stop. That's how he rolls!

This is last day of the TOURdeSOURCE! Are you determined to complete this race?

Watch for updates throughout the day.

"Daddy, can you buy me a Dora the Explorer doll"

"Daddy, I want a Thomas the Train Set"

"Jason, can you buy more TRUE Treadmills"

"Jason, can you buy more ARCs"

Meet Caedon and Kayla Mattson. They keep their daddy, our Purchaser, Jason Mattson in shape for his job here at GS. But rumor has it he's a push over at home and he can't say NO. It's been said that Norm Morrison has been working on getting the kids in his camp. With the season ahead of us, we need a big supply of inventory and the only ones that can break Jason are these sweet cherubs.

TOUR expansions

While everyone is scrambling to get out of their respective warehouses, the TOURdeSOURCE committee is looking to expand the course for next year. As you all know, this year we added the CORPORATE OFFICES in RIDGEFIELD. Dick Janelli and his team are the Tour's cockpit. Dick is a 10 year + veteran of GS and a cyclist himself. No one is suping up their wheels and getting away with it with this group! So mind our manners, wait your turn and they will get you back on the road, problem free.

Today is the GRAND OPENING of our newest store, NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Next year they will host the STARTING LINE since they are now the northern most GS store. Store Manager, Kirk Derderian and Dan Willis are so excited about their new store and promise to be the ultimate host in TdS 2011.

GOOD LUCK TODAY!

A LOT OF ACTION IN THE MID-ATLANTIC

Regional Manager, Evan Lyons has his hands full these days and poor Zeke is feeling a bit neglected. Besides switching stores and training 6 rookies in his region, he is now hosting a bunch of pumped up cyclists that are just out of control.
Lester and Revelia haven't let up. Luis Calcagno is being just a bit too quiet. TJ is entertaining the others with baby pictures and Nigel has given up trying to remember everyone's name. Jenn Morrison just elbowed Wes Blauberg; both of them are on the brink of the last stretch. Wes is too much of a gentleman to elbow back and Jenn knows that! Hang tight Evan! There's only 6 more days of the TOUR!

RANDY KING takes 5th place

The King is in the house! After the shock of Larry flying past him, Randy got back on his bike and finished the race just seconds after Larry. Rumors are flying about TEAM SOUTHAMPTONs placement. Randy appeared very surprised that Larry didn't stop in Miami. There are innuendos about it being fixed but by who? Who has a relationship with a casino?

OH, I hope there is no foul play in the TOUR!

Well it's time to pour more bubbly and toast another finisher.

CONGRATULATIONS RANDY!

Once again you have had a nice ride!

LARRY LERNER completes the TOUR!

WHOA! While Randy King was taking a water break in MIAMI, his store-mate, Larry Lerner, flew by and crossed the finish line! AMAZING! Larry was clocked at going 47 miles an hour.

CONGRATULATIONS LARRY! NICE RIDE!

NORM MORRISON CAPTURES 3RD PLACE

Norm passed all the drug tests with flying colors

and has captured 3rd place!

Norm's first request is for the finer champagne; there's no slipping him the cheap stuff.

CONGRATULATIONS NORM!

Michael Goulet just crossed the finish line!

Michael Goulet just crossed the finish line taking 2nd place in the TOURdeSOURCE.
CONGRATS! MICHAEL.
Though 2nd place is something to marvel out, it wasn't enough for Michael. As he crossed the finish line he raised his hands and gestured "7". He's determined to win next year.

TERRY KLYSZ has just crossed the FINISH LINE!

BREAKING NEWS!

TERRY KLYSZ HAS JUST CROSSED THE FINISH LINE AND WON THE

TOURdeSOURCE 2010!!!

Will we have a winner today???

Check out Norm Morrison sporting a yellow jersey in hopes that he may win one this year. Norm downed a red bull (though reports have come in that it was more than 1) and is now in the ORLANDO warehouse being drug tested. Will the red bull affect his test results??

Norm had an impressive performance this past weekend during the TAX FREE weekend in Massachusetts and is now ready to focus on the tour. You know what that means??? Watch out everyone . .. .

Terry Klysz is now in

Terry Klysz is still pedaling away; now in West Palm. But it's Sunday and he'll have to dismount for the day in observance of Paramus' Blue Law. He'll spend the day with West Palm Manager, Keith Och. These two have been with GS for over 8 years and have a lot of catching up to do. Keith's got a bunch of baby pictures to show Terry and Terry has photos of this beautiful Border Collie that needs a home. Puppies and Babies! What a way to spend a Sunday.

"A blue law is one restricting activities or sales of goods on Sunday, to accommodate the Christian sabbath. The first blue law in the American colonies was enacted in Virginia in 1617. It required church attendance and authorized the militia to force colonists to attend church services.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence to support the assertion that the blue laws were originally printed on blue paper. Instead, the word blue was commonly used in the eighteenth century as a disparaging reference to rigid moral codes and those who observed them (e.g., "bluenoses"). "

CHERRY HILL

While Terry Klysz is just 3 advances away from winning the tour; Katie Johnson, Otis Lester, Ken Kirlis and Rod Ciardullo all got out of their respective road blocks and are riding again! Will we have a winner this weekend?

I decided to make a pit stop into one of our newest stores, CHERRY HILL. Well, it's one of our newest locations. We originally opened up in Cherry Hill then moved to Maple Shade and now we are back to Cherry Hill. I brought Otis Lester along to teach him some GS history. This store has had its fill of sales people but the one constant and best has been Katie Johnson. Katie is now teamed up with rookie, Jason Barber who is making his name known on this tour.

Otis! Where are you? Oh no! Don't do that! That's not funny. It's one thing to challenge Jason Barber on the tour but to draw a mustache on his picture in his home store . .. . that's just wrong.

The gauntlet has been thrown; which rookie will ride the entire tour???

DO WE HAVE A WINNER??????

WHOOSH!

What was that? Did you hear that sound???

Someone or something just broke the tape on the finish line.

What? What was that? Who? He What?

BREAKING NEWS!

Bill K just crossed the finish line . . .without a bike!

He ran the entire tour!

Check out Bill K crossing the finish line on foot!

And why am I surprised! Everything he does is with excellence.

A true leader in the sense of the word and a friend to many of us.

His excellence expands to his choice in women; as we all know his beautiful wife Michelle.

I like to think I had something to do with that . . .TRUTH OR DARE?

MARK REVELIA OF ORLANDO

Smooth-tone Terry has passed the grueling GS Phone Voice test; like there was any doubt. His melodic smiling voice puts his clients in a 'you will like me and you will buy from me' trance before they walk into the store. Terry is determined to win this tour and has wasted no time getting back on his bike. He just peddled into our newest Florida Store in ORLANDO.

Rookie, Mark Revelia who works in ORLANDO has just arrived into TETERBORO. I got a call from Doc who witnessed a chest-bumping, crash-talking, smack down between Mark, Otis Lester and Jason Barber. These 3 rookies have their sights on GS greatness and they have have the right 'tudes to do it. Doc told me that these kids are good but they need to get out of Teterboro and back on their bikes. I look forward to seeing all three of these guys crossing the finish line.

DOPE TESTING HAS BEGUN!

Randy King and Terry Klysz are the first to arrive into the ORLANDO WAREHOUSE. As you all know, there is a required 24 hour stay here while drug testing is performed on all of the cyclists.

This year we have added another test; the GS phone voice test. Yes, the most grueling of them all. The test will be performed by, who else, Serena Loeber. When you are in her 'house', you need to answer the phone the way she does. Good luck boys!

BREAK AWAY!

Ian Gelman has made his move! He flew right through ELKRIDGE without stopping for a break! Terry Klysz saw this and wasted no time jumping on his bike to keep up with Ian. These two cyclists are both determined to win this tour! They blew through BelAir and Timonium at record speed. Both pushing each other and neither showing signs of fatigue. Terry is in prime condition these days. During a preseason interview, he was asked what he attributed his new physique to; "Well, you know that Paramus is the only store in the company that hosts a husband and wife salesteam. Sure, there are other married couples in the company, even some famous ones, and I can't speak for them but our secret is all about teamwork. Bea has me on a strict honey-do diet. Combine that with the Power Plate and my power rack and I'm ready to get out on the road in a moments notice."

600!

Terry Klysz, Randy King and Michael Goulet are all in ELKRIDGE but they are all alone! Sure, there are protein bars and gatorade but Tanya Meeke and Ginny Rachuba, the GIRLS of ELKRIDGE are no where to be found? These two ladies run a tight ship and are always present, so what gives?

This picture was just sent over from Regis Philbin who is at Yankee Stadium. It appears these Oriole fans are actually closet Yankee fans! They just had to see A-Rod hit #600!

Otis Lester

Otis Lester, Mark Revelia and Tom Grant are now in Woodbury.
I just love it when you all stop by and say hi; share a success story and let me know how things are in your store.

But Otis, he's in a hurry! He actually ran in the door, gave me 2 more advancements and said, "I'm outta here!" . . huh? What?

Otis is on his way to NEW YORK, making him the only rookie in the top 8 spots. Will he be able to maintain the veteran pace? Will the Teterboro experience get the best of him?

Oh Otis . .. . . welcome to GS! where only the strong survive!

Can't a guy take a vacation around here?

Terry Klysz has joined me in Teterboro, the 3rd road block of the tour. And Terry showed up just in time! He had to pull Roland Kerr off of Evil Dave Hessinger.

It appears that while Roland was on vacation, things didn't go as smoothly as they should have. Roland runs a tight ship and doesn't want to hear that there were some hiccups in his department. Rumor has it that Evil Dave didn't have the protein bars and gatorade ready for our arrival. Well that was enough to put sweet tempered Roland over the edge. "Can't a guy take a vacation around here???"

Terry and I are enjoying out pit stop with the Teterboro gang that we love so much . .. . join us!

Randy King is in PRINCETON!

Randy King is making his move! He is now in PRINCETON; sharing GS stories with Manager, Brian McAleenan.

Meet Brian McAleenan. He's 6' tall with 18" biceps. Brian's been with GS for 3 years now and loves to sell ARCs, Functional Trainers and PTS'.

40 points is his favorite number. And tulips, his favorite flower. Beyond that shaved-head, rugged exterior is just a guy who likes working for GS and Strawberry Shortcake.

WELCOME TO PRINCETON!

Girl talk

Jenn Morrison and I have made our moves why Michael Goulet is changing a flat tire in Elkridge. I just love riding with Jenn; it gives us an opportunity to catch up and reminisce about so many good times here at GS. Which Christmas party was it when . . ... . oh, remember that night with the cigars . . . .. oh yeah and dinner in the city. Ok, I just popped my chain. I'm going to stop in Teterboro and get this bike tuned up. Keep riding Jenn! Time to give Michael a run for 1st!

PARTY IN MANHASSET!

Kurt Blauberg has just cycled into Manhasset where brother Wes works. Whenever these 2 get together you know it's going to be a great party.
Wes strives to be the ultimate host and has taken his responsibilities up a notch, especially for big brother Kurt . .. .. Cookie Monster Cake for all who stop by! Carbos are just what we need while tackling the winds on Long Island. Thanks Wes! I hope there's enough cake for the rest of us!

Michael Goulet is now in ELKRIDGE!

Michael Goulet is sprinting through this course! Will he have enough stamina to keep up this grueling pace? He has to get through the 5 Mid-Atlantic stores and then pass the drug testing in ORLANDO. After that, he has the flats in Florida but I hear the heat is brutal these days.

Kurt Blauberg has powered through Ridgefield and is now in 2nd place; giving Randy and Matt a little rest while he sets the pace through the New York stores.

RACE RULE REMINDER: You need to sell a floor model that is at least 6months old at 35pts or better to get through a ROAD BLOCK. Reminder:It can be off of anyone's store floor. Please be sure to let me know that it has met the criteria when sending me your advancements.

One of Long Island's Most Influential People

Guess who this cute babyface belongs to? Here's a hint: He was just named one of the top 50 most influential people on Long Island.

Here's another hint: We all know him as the guy who always there to help us out with our clients in the Hamptons. The Answer: Randy King! Randy has been with GS for well over 10 years and has been managing the SOUTHAMPTON store all the while. This 2006 TOUR winner is always a formidable cyclist. Randy and Matt Terrell are now in STAMFORD; closing the gap with leader, Michael Goulet. This is where it is going to get good. The history of these three goes way back when it comes to this TOUR and as I hear it, the gloves are off.

Introducing our newest family member

Regional Manager, TJ Hunter deviated off course yesterday to welcome his daughter into the world. Rylee Mackenna Hunter became the latest member of the GS family. Wide-eyed and alert, Rylee wanted to know if she could finish the TOURdeSOURCE with Daddy.

Amidst all of the excitement, Ian Gelman is making his move and just may challenge Michael Goulet! Ian is through the RIDGEFIELD ROADBLOCK and is now riding the Connecticut portion of the TOUR.

ATTLEBORO is packed with cyclists and rumor has it that someone is puncturing tires!!! Say it isn't so! I'm awaiting news and pictures from Jason Harney.

3 AMIGOS

One of the best parts of the TOURdeSOURCE

is getting to see everyone and spend some time riding together.

Friendships and relationships have been formed over the years and no distance will ever change that.

Check out Chris Cesare, Patty Miranda and Mike Ruggia. This was TEAM WHITE PLAINS in 2008. Today, Mike is in Danbury, Patty is in Short Hills and Chris just relocated to Sarasota.

They may in different stores across the country but their hearts are still connected.

Luis Calcagno and Ian Gelman are now in the money!

Luis Calcagno is now in the RIDGEFIELD ROAD BLOCK and Ian Gelman has gotten through ATTLEBORO. But Michael Goulet is still far in the lead! He is now in my store, WOODBURY.

It's always great to see Michael. I get to hear about his beautiful baby girl and we reminisce about the good ole days. Michael has been with GS for over 10 years as well and has many a story to tell. Hey Michael, remember the time Nigel . .. . oh I can't tell that story. Or what about when Michelle . . .. . not that one either. Oh yes, the one about Marty . . .oh no . ..

Hey Michael! How about I give you some protein bars and send you on your way!

Keep up the great riding my friend.

NEGOTIATING THE HILLS OF NEW ENGLAND

While Michael Goulet is refilling his water bottles in White Plains,

the rest of us are negotiating the hills of New England.

STORE #4, NEWTON is our oldest store in NEW ENGLAND

has been home to Manager, Norm Morrison for over 10 years. Matt Terrell and Tom Grant complete the NEWTON team and look forward to greeting you when you pass through.

STORE #8, RHODE ISLAND is our only store in the small state and it is where our very own Jon Mathews got his start. He too, has been with GYM SOURCE for over 10 years.

Today, you will meet Jay Almeida running the store and giving you a high five as you cycle by.

STORE #15, PEABODY (pronounced PEE-BI-DEE) opened its doors in 2002.

GS rookies, Otis Lester and Kirk Derderian are making a name for themselves in the GS world.

Stop in, introduce yourself and give them a helpful GS hint on surviving the tour.

STORE #19, FRAMINGHAM opened its doors in 2004

and is where you will find Jenn Morrison and Ken Kirlis.

Jenn successfully juggles managing the store, the Region and Jamie.

Now that's what I call multi-tasking.

Jenn has made PB&J Sandwiches for everyone; the perfect fuel for a long ride.

Enjoy your time in New England but don't spend too much time here. There's a lot more GS terrain to see. Check out the chart and sell on!

"This rower has both Air and Magnetic Resistance. A solid steel fan and can fold up for storage. Check out the 15 programs . . . ."

Up in our New England region, two of our most talented and loved team mates are building their own salesteam! Meet Jamie Morrison who already knows all the specs for every product we carry.

Jenn Morrison, the Regional Manager in New England oversees 4 stores; PEABODY, FRAMINGHAM, NEWTON and RHODE ISLAND. She joined GS in 2004 and has called Framingham home since. Norm Morrison, aka The King, has put NEWTON on the GS Map. Besides being the top sales person in the company, he is our source of product information and salesmanship. His 'clientelling' sales style and vast knowledge of all product makes him the go-to guy; not only for his clients but for all of us as well.

Already out of the starting gates . . . .

Michael Goulet, TdS2007 Winner, has sprinted out of the starting line and is already at the 1st road block! How long will it take him to sell a floor model at 35pts?

Right behind Michael are 2 rookies; Matthew Woodring and Kirk Derderian. I hope these boys just how tough this terrain is and can keep up this pace.

Luis Calcagno is in Newton as well. He's been training hard for this event the past several months and may be the one to watch. He's got last year's winner and storemate, Dan Goulet, giving him pointers. Will we see a back-to-back Miami win?

MAY THE TOUR BEGIN!

TOURdeSOURCE 2010 has officially begun!

The starting line has an impressive group this year.

And by the rumblings at the pre-ride party last night, it is guaranteed to be one for the record books! I still don't know what Nigel Anderson and Norm Morrison were discussing but I think it had something to do with the Chris Cesare's new strategy . .. . Then there was that moment between the Blauberg Brothers and the Goulet twins . . . ..

Will any of this carry over to the road? We will see.

So welcome all you veterans and first timers.

THE 2010 TOURdeSOURCE has begun