THIS IS HOW YOU BID

The donations you see on this blog will all be on Ebay for auction on October 4 starting at 12.15pm in 15minute intervals. This is the week prior to the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. The auction will end in the final hours of the Ironman competition on October 10. The last item going up at midnight. The Ebay seller name is: thegreatathleteauction.

Today's Donations: Items 47, 48 & 49

ITEM 47: FantasyTri Package of 5 Full Season 2010 Entries. Thankyou Oley Sherementa of FantasyTri for your donation. http://www.fantasytri.com/.

We all know about Fantasy Football.....but if you are like me and most other triathletes, it is of no interest. So why not Fantasy Triathlon? That's what the guys who started up FantasyTri said. This is an exciting new approach to how triathlon fans can get more involved with their favourite athletes. Have you ever looked at the pro start list and picked the podium finishers of races? Well now you can do it with the added incentive of winning great prizes for getting it right. The goal is to find the right combination of athletes that will yield the best results, based on overall finishing place, from the week of racing - whether it be one race or five. This donation is a package of 5 Full Season Entries for the upcoming 2010 Season. Value of donation is US$250.00. Ebay listing #110441069738

ITEM 48: CAMELBAK FlashFlo and Camelbak Podium 24oz Bottle.

Thank you Camelbak and Brian Wong for your donation.

http://www.camelbak.com/

With its familiar waist-mounted design and convenient access to 45 ounces of hydration, CamelBak’s FlashFlo™ is a versatile and popular product with trail runners, walkers, recreational cyclists, and outdoor generalists. 45 ounces of hydration pairs with almost 100 cubic inches of secure storage to make the FlashFlo™ a great performance system for short outings. The New CamelBak® Podium® Bottle incorporates Jet Valve™, a revolutionary self-sealing valve into a taste-free bottle with a high flow rate. Total value of this donation is US$49.00. Ebay listing #110441075646.

ITEM 49: CAMELBAK Scudo Hydration Pack.

Thank you Brian Wong and CamelBak for your donation.

http://www.camelbak.com/

The Camelbak Scudo has everything you need with a 100oz reservoir, 2 zipped compartments, fully adjustable shoulder, waist and expandable straps. The Camelbak Hyrdrotanium Reservoir comes with a Lifetime Warranty. Combine all this with its storage capabilities and the super-stable, ventilated Air Director™ back panel for an all-day, multi-season riding or hiking system. Great for all day outdoor excursions, including running, mountain biking, climbing and hiking. Value of this donation is US$70.00. Ebay listing #110441107066.

Today's Donations: Items 44, 45 & 46

ITEM 44: A Two Night Stay at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, Florida.
Thank you Michael George and Crescent Hotels and Resorts for your donation.
http://www.sheratontampariverwalk.com/
Radiant hospitality and a warm welcome will greet you at the newly renovated Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Step out our doors and stroll down the banks of the Hillsborough River or wander downtown for an afternoon spent in the refreshing warmth of the Florida sun. Step outside the hotel doors, and you can stroll down the banks of the Hillsborough River or head downtown for an afternoon in the warmth of the Florida sun. Then cool off in the beautiful riverfront outdoor pool. Value of this donation is US$200.00. You could tie a stay here with the Ironman 70.3 World Champs, Ironman 70.3 Florida or St. Petersburg Triathlon! Ebay listing #110440759999.

ITEM 45: A Two Night Stay at the Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thank you Michael George and Crescent Hotels and Resorts for your donation.
http://www.thegeorgianterrace.com/

The Georgian Terrace Hotel is known as Atlanta's Midtown Icon. This recently refreshed hotel delivers a brand of hospitality rarely found, even in the South. "We often hear the words genuine and personal used to describe our service". Come for business, come for pleasure, The Georgian caters to all your needs, and no matter what your choice of accommodations, you’ll enjoy a big [BIG] room or suite with an ultra-comfortable bed, complimentary Wi-Fi and a [BIG] flat screen TV. The views from the rooms are amazing and the rooftop lap pool will take your breath away. Value of this donation is US$400.00. Ebay listing #110440761236.

ITEM 46: The Original TYR "Finman" Fins. Thank you Tim Johnson for your donation. http://www.aabllc.com/

Im not sure what to say about these fins! The facts: they are TYR and a very large size (43-44; 10 to 11; or X-L). Also made in Italy and not worn all that much. But the story behind them is a bit shady: apparently they were worn by a guy known as "Finman" in IM Florida 2008. Despite a lot of evidence (including photos) he has denied it. Its a very hot topic on the Slowtwitch Forum, where you can read some very amusing comments!

But besides all the BS, these are a very good pair of fins for anyone with feet big enough. Value of donation is US$25.00. Ebay listing #110440762421. http://forum.slowtwitch.com/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Guess_whos_back.__Finman._P2522052/

Cash Donations

I have been asked to provide a link if anyone would like to make a cash donation to the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. Here it is: http://www.active.com/donate/blazeman.

Today's Donations: Items 41, 42 & 43

ITEM 41: 2 Fuelbelt Heliums (2 & 4 bottles). Thank you Fuel Belt for your donation. http://www.fuelbelt.com/

As the number one hydration belt in the world, Helium has been put to the test at some of the toughest endurance events around. Craig Alexander placed first overall at the 2008 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii with his Helium 2-Bottle Belt. In fact, four out of the top five men used Helium, which says a lot about how the design performs under extreme conditions. You won’t find a more proven hydration belt than Helium. Belts carry 8oz bottles, the waistband is made of breathable therma-foam with an elastic/velcro strap, the colours/sizes vary. Value of this donation is US$90.00. Ebay #110440752397.

ITEM 42: Nike Siege 2 Sunglasses. Thank you Nike for your donation. http://www.store.nike.com/

Designed with the Elite athlete in mind, the Nike Siege 2 Athletic Training Sunglasses feature Nike Max Speed Tint lenses to help calm your eyes and reduce the glare that reflects off asphalt. Nike Interchange Lens System permits maximum sport performance in all light. Nike Ventilated Nose Bridge allows for a customizable fit which helps reduce fogging and enhance grip. The Adjustable Secure Wrap Temples grip the back of head for motion stability. Polycarbonate Lenses are scratch and impact-resistant protection. State-of-the-Art UV Absorbency give 100% UVA and UVB protection. This pair comes in Black with grey & orange lenses. Case included. Value of donation is US$150.00. Ebay #110440710040.

ITEM 43: 2 Fuelbelt Heliums (2 & 4 bottles). Thank you Fuel Belt for your second donation. http://www.fuelbelt.com/

Fuel Belt's newer and lighter version of their famous bottle belt, the Helium 4, makes it easy to carry your fluids. The belt is made of ventilated foam pads, which help make the belt comfortable and breathable. The belt has a Velcro closure, which makes it very easy to adjust on the run. It also has a detachable race pocket that can hold gels, money, keys, or anything else that you might need for a long run or race. The helium belt also comes in four different colors -- blue, black, orange, or pink. Each bottle carries 8oz of liquid. Value of donation is US$90.00. Ebay #110440707870.

A Note from Bmom & Bdad

"Leanda, Bob and I are so humbled by your support and of all the support from the multisport community and friends who have given so greatly to the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. This auction will help us raise funds that are so desperately needed "so others may live".

Bmom and Bdad

"Also thank you Kevin Koresky (of Finishline Multisport- www.finsishlinemultisport.com) for all that you do..."

Today's Donations: Items 39 & 40

ITEM 39: XTERRA Vendetta Wetsuit Package. Thank you Yvonne van Vlerken/Thomas J. Vonach & Xterra Wetsuits‏ for your donation. www.yvonnevanvlerken.org, www.trivonach.com , www.xterrawetsuits.com

This donation includes an Xterra Vendetta Wetsuit which will be in the size of the winning bidder (male or female), an Xterra Transition Back Pack, 1 White Xterra T-shirt signed by Yvonne Van Vlerken and 1 Personalised Design-Card signed by Yvonne. Yvonne took the Ironman world by storm last year, posting a world record time in Challenge Roth as well as a second place in the IM World Champs in Kona 2008. Look out for her again this year as she tries to do one better! Independent tests at the University of Würzburg Germany claim that the Xterra is the fastest wetsuit. Why don't you be the judge? Value of donation is US$750.00. Ebay #110440702756.

ITEM 40: Michael Lovato Product Package. Thank you Michael Lovato for your donation. www.michaellovato.com/.

Follow this professional triathlete’s career and lifestyle with photos and videos streamed daily via Michael’s personal blog, website, or through his quick Twitter shout-outs via his iPhone.....he is the king of Twitter BTW!! Keep up with his thoughts on training for half Ironman, full Ironman, as well as a variety of triathlons, events and training regime, where he pushes his own limits day-to-day. Michael's donation includes Saucony Mens M Lightweight Run Pants & Jacket, a Saucony Run Hat, a Saucony Long Sleeve Run Top (Med), a 3-pack of Saucony Socks (Med), an Ironman Hawaii Saucony Race Top (Med) signed by Michael, a Timex Lap watch, 2 boxes of Monkey Bars (delicious!), a Ford Ironman Hawaii 2007 Kona Hat signed by Michael, a First Endurance Baseball Cap and 2 Blueseventy Element Swim Goggles. Approx. value of donation is US$300.00. Ebay #110440705608.