WPH Toyota Tour De Tundra

Donations, Sponsors, and Helpers

2008-07-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Dave Fink, Emmett Peixoto, Suhn Lee and myself would like to personally thank a few people for donating $$$'s for miles and assisting with the handball tour. Please contact us if you were left off the list in any fashion:

(no particular order)

Toyota Motor Company
Marv Burke
Ken Moeller
Jim Peixoto
Rodney Fink
Dave Chapman
Pat Flanagan
Rick Stevens
Debbie Chapman
Rob Pearse
Gary Maushardt
Marj Peixoto
Chatten Hayes
W & L. Walker
John Wainwright
Mike Robles
Matt Mclaughlin
Firstar Sports, Inc
Keith Gracey
Stuffy Singer
Simple Green
Emmett Peixoto
Jim Garner
Abbie Bajon
Mike Fendrick
Britt & Dianne
Curtis Creed
Jason Jones
Joel O'connor
Lonnie Stalsberg
Raul Retain
Jeff Kastner
David Fink
Suhn Lee
Kevin Pettus
Paul Williams
Bernie Sammet
Joe Garcia
Rick Leanord
Tom Disidore
Jean Kasamoto
Scott Kelley
John McCandless
Jed Seigel
Mike's Bikes
Many, Many, Many more supporters

For those that made mileage pledges The Team put in 3,688 miles on their bikes (our Toyota Trucks saw over 6,000 miles apiece). They played handball (or put clinics on) in San Francisco,
Berkeley, Reno, Elko, Salt Lake City, Grand Junction, Denver, Wichita, Kansas City, Saint Louis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Pittsburgh, Youngstown, and New York City. During the bike tour, the WPH gave away 1,025 Handball Magnets, 3,000 promotional fliers, and 3,050 handball DVD's. The WPH sold 102 Gold memberships, 37 Platinum memberships, and 9 Supreme memberships; over half of these sales came from non-handball playing folks. We gave away 45 FREE junior passes over the 2-month trek.

The WPH spent $17,988 (mainly due to the $6,500 Bike & Accessory purchase); $3,988 in gas receipts alone. Other items of interest: Food, Flights, Fliers, DVD's, Magnets, Water, Camping Supplies, etc.

The WPH received $6,480 in mileage pledges, plus another $4,985 in clinic and exhibition cash donations. A total of $11,465 was raised in cash.

For those that would like to make pledges or fulfill your pledge obligation please make checks payable to:

Dave Vincent C/O WPH
Box 208
Rough and Ready, CA
95975

Or, send money via PayPal by visiting http://www.paypal.com/, then sending cash to this account: extremehandball@cs.com

For additional bike tour questions or comments, please send them to:

Emmett Peixoto: erhandball@hotmail.com
Dave Fink: sampras014@hotmail.com
Dave Vincent: davecvincent@cs.com

Thanks,

Dave Vincent
Emmett Peixoto
Dave Fink
Suhn Lee

A Retro Suhn

2008-07-18T18:21:00.001-07:00

Up to this point, the bike tour was the most influential and memorable part of my life. Before joining up with The Team and DV, I had a mid life crisis at the young age of 19. My thoughts on life were so distorted that I slowly became apathetic. I did not know who and what were important to me which in turn added to my decision of moving to Canada for the summer and completely excluding handball from my life. It was destiny which brought me back to my senses and also back home to Illinois after about a month but I still felt a sense of emptiness. I did everything from getting a job to seeing a psychiatrist to even sitting at home all day but nothing seemed to work. After watching the webcast of the nationals and hearing about the bike tour, a light bulb went off which aided to my decision to leave home for a while. I then immediately contacted DV to see if I can join the tour hoping to find what I was looking for and to also see if I could spark my interest again for handball. After the okay, I left home without telling a single person leaving everything on hold.

Upon arriving in St. Louis to meet up with Emmett and Chapman, I slowly started to regret my decision. I felt out of place and more distorted. It wasn’t until a warm welcome at 3am by Chapman and Emmett in which I felt belonged. While waiting for the bike tour to resume, I lost EVERY single competition Chapman had set up at his house for us starting from ping pong to hand pong to pool to lagging to darts and finally to dungeon ball. Known for my non aggressive tendencies, the first few days taught me to become more competitive, confident, and aggressive.
After finally leaving St. Louis, THE CREW resumed the bike tour down south in Tennessee. I was a little hesitant going into the first clinic but quickly turned it around knowing how all the handball players were enthused. By helping the other players, it was a good way for me to get back into handball going through all the basics. Many memorable events happened at my first clinic from staying and playing tennis at a random person’s house to almost having to give CPR to one of the hosts. I was slowly starting to feel a comfortable groove in my life, one in which I had not felt in a long time.

As the tour proceeded, giving the clinics became easier and more proficient. By playing all kinds of players, it motivated me to once again be competitive. It wasn’t until the third or fourth clinic in which I started to see where I was going with this tour. Seeing how appreciated the players were almost brought tears to my eyes and felt like I actually meant something in this world. Throughout the tour, I went white water rafting to playing golf and tennis to even playing in the mayors cup. Unfortunately, the tour came to an end too soon. As the last few days rolled by, all I could think about were all the fun times I had as well as listening to Emmett’s beautiful voice to Fink’s horrible toots and finally DV’s never ending kindness and passion for handball. This bike tour was just what I needed to boost my life in a positive way. I will never forget all the good times that I had with Emmett, Fink, and DV and I hope to once again join them as they conquer a new adventure. I would also like to thank them for saving my life and reintroducing me back into the great game of handball.

-Suhn Lee

David Fink Recaps the Tour

2008-07-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

The Bike Tour was the most grueling and fulfilling experience of my life. The uncertainty and doubt upon embarking upon this monumental journey was quickly replaced with substantially more uncertainty and doubt as we pedaled through the snow and rain in Reno, the stifling heat of the Nevada Desert, and the punishing mountains in Utah. With our legs dead, our butts unbearably sore, and our spirits nearly broken, we arrived in Salt Lake City for our first clinic.

All of the soreness and near mental breakdowns were immediately forgotten as we were embraced by the Handball Community in Salt Lake City. Michael Fendrick met us in the parking lot, and we were doing a clinic and playing in a tournament within 30 minutes. The players were so passionate about this game, improving their game, and hosting us, that we were immediately energized. We spent the weekend playing 8 matches each, and holding several instructional clinics. Their passion was so contagious that The Team played each other in a 1 wall match just 2 hours after finishing an 8 match tournament.

Our next stop was a short ride to the home of Kevin Price and Jason Jones in Grand Junction, Colorado. These guys put together a world class clinic, complete with tv and print media in 1 day. On our way to the clinic, The Team stopped to play Fronton, the Spanish version of Handball, with our host Jason Jones. I developed a Hematoma the size of a softball on my shin as a result of a temper tantrum after losing a trips game to 11 with The Rock and JJ, and it was so painful I was only able to play 1 game at the Grand Junction clinic.

Denver was up next, and we arrived to a packed house as we were challenged by hometown heroes Bear Meiring and Mark Hammond. After defeating these Denver Legends in singles, The Team faced a very hungry and motivated hometown team in doubles. All we were able to do was receive serve, as Team Colorado surged to a 12-0 lead to the delight of 200 faithful in the crowd. DF put El Rock in the I formation, and took over, overcoming the deficit to rally to a 21-14 win. Ok, the comeback may not have gone exactly like that. Following that sensational comeback, The Team hosting a clinic and played all of the locals, many of whom were under the age of 18, and all of whom will be beating me next time we play.

After being reenergized, The Team embarked on the lonely highway from Denver to Wichita. There was no mountains, no lakes, no trees, just unbearable heat and tornado style winds. Our decision to do the Bike Tour was once again called into question as we struggled to complete each mile. We were weary and exhausted, and we arrived in Wichita at our breaking point. Curt and Olina Creed welcomed us with the brightest smiles and warmest midwestern hospitality, and helped to bring us back to life. After a long rest, we headed to the Wichita YMCA to find the best players we would see on the tour. These guys came to play, and we battled them for over 5 hours. These guys were prepared to play for 5 more hours, but The Team through in the towel, and jumped back on the bikes en route to the Nationals.

The Nationals was a success for half of The Team, and a complete disaster for the other half. After licking my wounds and receiving an ego check in Kansas City, The Team headed east towards Tennessee, picking up young Suhn Lee along the highway. We were greeted by Joel O'Connor in the Hollywood of the South, and we quickly laced up our gloves for 3 days of handball in The Country Music Capital of the World. The Handball was phenomenal, but the hospitality was sensational. We were welcomed in the beautiful home of John Gawaluck on the first night, complete with a tennis court, pool, and all of the amenities of a 5 star resort. Handball fanatic Joel O'Connor and his lovely wife Tina hosted us on the second night, and The Rock treated the crowd to an unplugged concert featuring songs from his debut Album, Under Roses.

We headed south to Rob Pearse country, Chattanooga, TN for our next stop. Rob is a legend in Chattanooga, and he ensured The Team was treated like Kings. The Team defeated former top 12 pros Rob Pearse and Scott Kelley in a doubles exhibition, and were then treated to a day on the river, courtesy of the Mr. Rob Pearse. We were unquestionably the worst rafters on the river, most of that due to the shear incompetence of The Rock with a paddle. It was now time to head north, as we were making our way to Pittsburgh, and eventually to New York City.

We hosted 3 clinics in Pittsburgh, all of them extremely successful. Rodney Fink was the big winner in Pittsburgh, as he was the only player to play undefeated Handball. He also treated this traveling circus to his home, and many parties he threw in his honor. Andrew Joseph hosted a clinic at his club in Pittsburgh, and it was a tremendous night of handball.

We jumped back on our bikes for the last leg of the tour. The end was near, and as The Team saw the outline of the Statue of Liberty, we knew our journey was nearly complete. After dipping our bikes into the Pacific Ocean on May 19th in San Francisco, we dipped our bikes into the Atlantic Ocean on July 14th, completing an epic journey filled with memories and experiences we will never forget. We were able to reach hundreds of Handball players who had never seen pro handball, teach these players some of what we had learned in our experiences playing the game, and make hundreds of friends along the way. This is the beginning of the rejuvenation of the greatest sport there is, and we will see this great game go to places we never envisioned.

Many thanks to Lonnie Stalsberg, Brit and Diane, Jason Jones and Kevin Price, Jed Siegle, Curt and Olinda Creed, Joel O'Connor, John Gawaluck, Rob Pearse, Rodney Fink, Mike Semplice, Andrew Joseph, Jeff Patterson, Chris Sammrone, Jim and Marjorie Peixoto, Raul Retain, and especially to David Charles Vincent IV.

-David Fink

Emmett Peixoto Recaps the Tour

2008-07-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Bike Tour

Emmett standing over the San Francisco Bay

Two days before the bike tour I had a phone conversation with my brother. We discussed how worried my mother was about the trip and whether it would be worth it to put her through the stress. My brother wasn’t sure I should embark on the journey because I hadn’t ridden my bike once to train for the tour. I was bitter because the WPH was promised bikes by a sponsor who respectfully bowed out three days prior, and I also didn’t know how on earth Dave Fink was going to manage the long and tumultuous trek across the states. So as my brother and I talked about his point of view, my mother’s worries, and my own personal reservations about the trip, I silently began to go over the reasons I signed up for the tour. I stopped my brother mid-sentence and told him, “I am doing this for ball. This is not about me, this is about the growth of the best sport in the world.” It was then that I knew I had to set out on the journey no matter what pitfalls or setbacks I was to encounter.

DF came into Berkeley two days before we were to leave. We were incredibly nervous. The only thing that kept us going was the knowledge that we were about to embark on the biggest promotional campaign handball had ever seen. When Dave Vincent came in with Marv Burke and the two Toyota Tundras, DF and I were ready. We jumped on our bikes without any fuss and started riding.

DF standing over the SF Bay: Day 1 (May 19, 2008)

The first 3 days were the worst. DF and I battled through rain, snow, and a 7000ft incline. It was not easy. I personally didn’t mind the cold weather but DF was realistically about to die. Next time we will purchase long sleeve shirts and pants for the more extreme weather ☺

After the Sierras and the first week of riding, everything seemed to get easier on the bikes. When we met up with Joe Garcia in Reno and saw the groundwork for JoGo, the multi-court super-center he is building, we had more incentive to pump up handball to the rest of the states. The ride never really seemed to drag at this point. The loneliest Road in America (Highway 80) became somewhat of a meditative experience rather than a workout. When we finally got to play handball on a Fronton court in Elko Nevada it energized us further and made the next part of the trek even easier (well maybe not for DF who threw a tantrum on the court because he lost 7 straight games to me ;)

Salt Lake city was one of the best stops. DV later told me when reminiscing about Salt Lake that he had the greatest time of his life there. We met some wonderful people…the Stalsberg family, Jason Jones, Kevin Price, Michel Fendrick, Dom, Britt, Russell, Brocolli, Richeal, and many others. My favorite part of this adventure was when DV put on a two hour professional comedy routine at Lonnie Stalsberg’s house in front of 45 people. He took over the entire party and actually made one person flat out piss their pants. By far the highlight of the trip.

From there we went southeast to Grand Junction Colorado. We were interviewed for the local news and newspapers. DF somehow bruised his leg during an outdoor Fronton 3-Wall game by slamming his gloves on the ground (no big deal). He had a lump on his leg that swelled up to the size of a softball, so he was unable to continue with the clinic and exhibitions. That, however, didn’t stop us from getting a few new juniors in the court to explain the game to.

Just after Salt Lake City, the team stop for a water break

After we completed a pass in Veil, we stumbled into one of the most structured clinics on the tour. We road our bikes for six and a half hours the day we road into Denver, it was really ruff getting our bearings because DF and I were utterly exhausted. Jed Siegel was a wonderfully generous host. He let us take an hour nap at his house before we suited up for our exhibitions. DF and I thought we were going to play some singles and put on a clinic for a few old timers, but upon entering the DAC we found that we were playing doubles against the state champion Bear Merring and his partner the former state champion Mark Hammond. We were announced on loudspeaker and played in front of an audience of nearly one hundred fans. The fans cheered on Bear and Mark as they jumped up to a 12-1 lead, however DF and I were somehow able to work together to pull off the victory 21-15. It was not an easy day. The best part of the trip was putting on a three-hour clinic for juniors, novices, and players just looking to improve; we even had Jo Shattuck, the number 7 women’s racquetball player in America in attendance. From what I saw there is going to be some top players coming out of Colorado in the next few year.

Emmett and Bear stop for a pose in Colorado

The bike ride trough Kansas was both tiring and LONG. We were battling winds (luckily mostly tailwind), and extreme humidity (which DF didn’t have a problem with). As DF just cruised along with his shirt off, I was simply struggling. When we road into Wichita and stopped off at the house of the alway smiling Clyde Creed and his wife Anita I immediately passed out cold. I woke up early only to play exhibitions and clinics with some of the hardest hitting handball players we had encountered at a local club so far. It was a lot of fun but a very draining experience.

After the Nationals in Kansas City, we got to relax a bit in St. Louis at David and Debbie Chapman’s house. We got to play handball and party before we set out for Nashville. We also picked up the young and impressionable Suhn Lee from Chicago as another addition to the tour. The first night there we put on a clinic to some locals and stayed at John’s multimillion-dollar house with his wife and three kids. We taught his two sons Grelynn and Conner how to play handball as well as beating them in chess and tennis ;) The next night we stayed at Joel and Tina O’Conner’s house. They cooked some delectable vegetarian dishes, to which we gorged for four hours straight. We put on three full clinics in Nashville and then we set off for Chattanooga.

Upon entering Chattown, DF and I were pinned to play the former pros Scott Kelly (who beat Chapman in his prime) and Rob Peirce; we didn’t know what to expect. DF and I had a bit more energy left over from the eight-course meal at Joel’s house a few days earlier and closed out two quick games (not without struggle I might add). The best part of this adventure was when Rob took DF, DV, Suhn, Smoke (a local handball legend), and me out whitewater rafting on the Ocoee. Dave Fink never stopped crying the entire time. I told our rafting guide to make sure he got DF wet, so he plowed the raft head on into a major rapid and fell straight out of the raft. I had to rescue the guide by pulling him back in the raft right after the raft almost capsized (mainly because of DV I might add; who somehow remained in the boat and was the only dry one out of the seven on board)). DF was tackled and pushed in the ice-cold water by three separate people at three separate times. After he cursed us in front of a raft of a church group we decided not to push him in anymore. The best was when Rob Pierce tried to tackle me into the water. I am The Rock! I dodged him and he flew over the top of me head first into the river. Thanks for the memories Rob.

DF and EP in sunny California

The journey to Pittsburgh was extremely easy. The exhibitions at the JCC in Pitt were simply entertaining. DF knows how to put on a show…that’s all I will say. I want to thank Andrew Joseph for setting up the clinic. I also want to thank Rodney Fink for his generosity. Not only did he teach his son everything he knows, but he also managed to be my favorite person at the party. That joke is for Rodney.

The ride from Pitt to NY went at a rapid pace. We knew we were almost finished. He hustled the last couple legs of the tour and managed to get into NY for the Mayor’s Cup. Even though we didn’t do as well as we had hoped, we did get to see some headliners and spend some time on the one-wall courts. I want to thank NY Monster for putting us up, Albert Apuzzi for giving me some tips, Billy O’Donnell for beating me, and Paul Williams for running a great tournament.

It seemed like it all happened so quickly that I didn’t have time to absorb everything that happened. I am both happy that I don’t have to bike anymore but sad that the adventure is over. I want to thank all of our hosts, pledgers, new members, and contributors. I know that I made some lasting friendships on this trip and I will always remember the love most people have for handball.

Again, if you would like to pledge or committed to a pledge, please contact David Vincent directly at davecvincent@cs.com, call him at 707-628-7510, or make checks payable to:

Dave Vincent c/o WPH
Box 208
Rough and Ready, CA
95975

-Emmett "El Rock" Peixoto

The Big Apple~ San Francisco, CA to New York, NY

2008-07-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

56 days later- The Team left the San Francisco Bay Area on May 18th for a cross country bike tour sponsored by Firstar Sports, Toyota Motor Company, Simple Green, the WPH, numerous donors, WPH members, pledger's and sponsors. On Monday, July 14th, the tour came to an end when the professional athletes/bikers dipped their spokes into the Atlantic Ocean to cap-off the Toyota Bike Tour.

Little Suhn Lee takes the lead truck into downtown New York, as the team of Dave Fink and Emmett Peixoto arrive minutes later, navigating through the New York traffic (from Pittsburgh, PA).

"Sadly enough, this marked the end of a great journey. I am tired. But, I could ride another 3,500 miles with these guys, after a week's rest, of course! I hope people understand that yo can accomplish anything if given the opportunity and if you believe. Dave Fink, Suhn Lee and I believe in Handball and the WPH. Miss you already DV." -El Rock

"I love to hate things, but this experience was meaningful in many ways. We met new friends, introduced handball to many people, had fun, got a tan, and almost ended the tour on multiple accounts; but we pressed on (thankfully). Thanks to the sponsors and WPH for allowing us to be apart of this new handball movement." -Dave Fink

Fink poses at the Atlantic Ocean waterfront in downtown New York.

Dave and Emmett view the distant Statue of Liberty moments after completing their Trans-America bike tour.

May be the first time along the trip where Fink didn't take his shirt off.

The Team stop for a quick pose in downtown New York

They started the trip looking across the bay to San Francisco, CA. Today, they are seen looking over water to the Statue of Liberty.

They did it! Some people think the Team rode their bikes holding hands. NOT TRUE!! They did, however, perfect this move at each monumental leg of the trip! Hehe

The boys have smiles on their faces after just completing the 3,300 mile bike tour.

Awww. Bonding is good!

Once the team (plus Suhn Lee) arrived in New York and put their bikes away they decided to make way to Central Park where Paul Williams and Co. were hosting the Mayor's Cup. Emmett, Dave and Suhn all entered the Pro Singles; meanwhile, The Team entered the pro doubles bracket.

A full day of fun ended soon for Dave Fink after his 25-21 loss in the round of 16 to Paul Angel. Dave Found himself down 17-0 before fighting back within one point (20-21). Paul was too much for Dave and ended the game on 4 quick points.

Suhn Lee dropped his round of 16 match and struggled to make the conversion from four wall to one wall without any pregame matches (DF/EP played one wall small ball once in the last 2 months).

Emmett Peixoto had the strongest showing when he made it to the quarters; losing in one of the closest matches of the event to Billy O'Donnell (25-22).

Big thanks to Albert Apuzzi, Jimmy Russo, Paul Angel, Tracy Davis, Paul Williams, Tom Kopp, The NY Monster, Billy O'Donnell, M. Glatzer, MikeJerk, etc., for keeping us company during our stay. Raul Retain allowed the Team, and I, to stay at his studio apartment in Jersey City and gave excellent subway directions from points of interest and beyond.

Emmett Peixoto played 4 matches of ball on this day.

Angel, Polanco, and Kaplan hang with DV and the crew (in the shade)

Cesar Sala and Emmett stop for a quick pose

Dave Fink loads up on his serve

Apuzzi and Emmett talk strategy

Both national champs (from different codes) share a love of sport

Paul Williams runs the tourney desk with the help of many friends

Fink takes a timeout during his big comeback vs. Angel

Fink vs. Angel

Took Dave Fink almost 40 hits before he started to catch the groove.

The Bus retrieves The Rock's serve

Paul Angel is all smiles after his win vs. Fink

The Bus vs. The Rock became one of the most highly contested match of the tourney!!!

DV congratulates Billy on his win vs. the Rock

Tracy Davis talks "post" game strategy with Emmett just before she wins another Pro Singles trophy.

Albert and Dave hang court side watching all the action

Polanco, friend of the WPH, was all smiles even after his quarter final loss.

Apuzzi with Fink in he background. Guess who as the better abs?

Rookie and Emmett talk about the DC/Rookie match. Details to be released soon!!!

Joe Kaplan serves to Emmett

Rookie serving to Tyree

Tyree and Rookie engaged in a full fledged battle

The NY Monster treats us all to a Handball Tourney welcome dinner.

Chattanooga to Pittsburgh, PA: The Fink Chronicles

2008-07-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Fink & Co make the trek to Finksburgh, Finksylvania

The trip to Pittsburgh, PA found the team participating in three handball expos, two movies, one tennis tourney, and a mini Peixoto music concert.

1. Handball Expos at "AmeriFink," The JCC, and at the Youngstown YMCA

The AmeriFink Athletic Club turned into a full-fledged Fink Extravaganza; lead by papa bear, Rodney Fink, and his predecessor (and over-tanned son), David Fink.

For a day, Rodney Fink stole the show. Entering the court 6 times and coming home with 6 victories. Even his son "racked-up" victory notches. Rodney Fink has NEVER looked better!!!

"I have never lost a doubles handball match in my life. It was my partner's fault." - R.Fink

Peixoto & "Boxer" Don step in twice and lose twice to Team "El Fab Fink"

For a brief moment, the Bike Tour took a quickie time-out as Suhn picks up a racquet to face Emmett in a "hands-vs-the racquet" match. (EP: 21-6)

Kim, Gabe, Emmett, and Dave play handball while other Pittsburgh JCC members watch on. The JCC was the second pro handball exhibit in two days, as the team ride across town to spread the "handball love."

Gabe, handball newcomer, steps in the court for the first time and finds himself in a full-on match!

Fink barely misses out in an expo vs EP; 21-17

Andrew Joseph (AJPGH on the WPH MB) helped gather seven new WPH members, but more importantly, introduced handball to four new athletes (Gabe, Ben, Big "E" and Kimberly). The WPH handed out DVD's, magnets, and Emmett's new CD, "Under Roses." (Andrew: Red Shirt/middle pic, seen grabbing EP's disc, Under Roses)

For a quick day, The Team road up to Youngstown, Ohio for a clinic at the Youngstown YMCA. Special thanks to Jeff Patterson for organizing this expo. The WPH gathered 6 new members and handed out over 20 DVD's, CD's, fliers and magnets. Great day for ball!

Fink is the lucky man in this pic. Moments after riding into town, Dave befriends a young lass; facebook befriending, text messages galore, and the talks of a "return" are in the works.

The gallery tunes in to watch Suhn Lee play Chris Sammarone (local handball legend and son of the famous Chuck Sammarone).

2. Handball Expos at conclude for the day, as Fink, Emmett and Suhn Lee head to the theater to watch the opening of "Hancock" the new Will Smith flick.

Someone forgot to tell Suhn Lee that he still had the biking helmet on. Could possibly be the funniest moment of the whole bike tour?? Suhn ate dinner at an outdoor restaurant with it on; he ordered popcorn and went into the dark theater with it on. Haha!

3. As if handball wasn't popular enough, Dave Fink, Emmett Peixoto, and Suhn Lee enter a clay-court tennis tournament in Frick Park on Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh. Suhn didn't score one point, Emmett didn't win a set, but Dave Fink DID make it to the finals.

Emmett and Dave talk strategy leading up to their match

Suhn Lee and Emmett Peixoto play their respective matches

A day in the sun can be rough, especially when Suhn is playing. Rodney Fink couldn't pick a better time to catch a quick nap.

4. After Tennis, the Team hang out for two days before jumping on the bikes for New York. During this time, Emmett performs a mini concert in the front room of Rodney's home. Many gathered for food, fun, and family.

Emmett does two full sets before hanging up the guitar

Pittsburgh is a beautiful town full of culture. We had a wonderful time while there and thank Mike Semplice, Rodney Fink, Dave Fink, DeDe Fink, Andrew Joseph, Mary Jane, Big Lisa, Marie, Jeff Patterson, all new WPH members, new handball players, et al, for their hospitality.

Suhn Lee and Dave Fink analyse handball videos; meanwhile, Emmett sleeps until 2pm everyday of the trip.

Who is this? A. Dave Fink (11 years old). Interesting fact of the day: Dave Fink won two junior national championships before he knew how to tie his shoes. Fact!!!

Scenic Pittsburgh as seen from the eye of DV's camera

Before leaving town, The Team stop by DeDe's (Dave's mom) home for a BBQ and great conversation.

NEXT UP?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Chattanooga, TN: Rafting and Riding

2008-07-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Nashville, TN to Chattanooga, TN

Fun times in Tennessee, TN! The Team takes the long trek from Nashville to Chattanooga to visit the future site of the 2009 USHA Master Championships. We arose at 4am to leave Nashville after a night at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Emmett and Dave took in over 140 miles this day, as Suhn Lee drove the Toyota Pace Truck.

In Chattanooga we:

1. Clinic at the Sports Barn

2. Passed out 67 Handball DVD's, 200 magnets, and fliers

3. Met some locals

4. River rafting down the Ocoee/hanging with "Rockin" Rob Pearse

The Team tour Opryland before getting on the bikes.

Opryland Resort and Inn was scenic, beautiful and full of flavor.

Suhn Lee and Dave Fink bond at a Waffle House in Pre-Chatt

The Team made it to the Sports Barn 45 minutes late (2:45pm), "What time zone are we in?" -Emmett Peixoto (2:46pm)

At 2:47pm Dave Fink "worked the magic"

By three in the afternoon, Fink and Peixoto started their Chattanooga Clinic. Newcomer's, handball vets and former pros Rob Pearse and Scott Kelly challenge DF/EP to a "WPH Fundraiser" handball exhibit.

Suhn Lee played doubles and instructed multiple youth/beginners and added a warm addition to the WPH traveling road show.

Suhn Lee gets set for a full day of handball

Dave Fink gets his instruction on, as locals line up to face the top 10 pro.

It's a family affair, as Rob and family stop for a brief pose. What's that (center pic)?? former pro, Scott Kelly, getting ready for his "death match" vs. The Team

Matt sweeps the floor; meanwhile Emmett stretches as he prepares for the doubles exhibition.

The crowd began to pack in at 6pm sharp for the big show; The Sports Bar is a primo handball hot-bed.

Scott Kelly and Rob Pearse (former professional handball players) agreed to a WPH Fundraiser/exhibition, as local supporters threw $$$ into the hat and rooted on their favorite player.

Kelly/Pearse quickly jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first game (to 21).

Fans began to leak around the front and side glass, as Dave Fink and Emmett Peixoto edged back into the match. Scott Kelly and Rob Pearse engaged in multiple 30 shot rallies, but fell short of scoring 21 points (21-6, 21-3).

The WPH thanks the whole Chattanooga handball club (...and Sports Barn), plus sponsors, for organizing, running, and supporting our handball efforts. Over 50 WPH videos, fliers, magnets, and paraphernalia were handed out on this day, as locals witnessed top handball by 4 professional players.

The after-party took the bike tour to the historical district of Chattanooga. Rob, "Smoke's", Matt, et al., migrated downtown to the outdoor patio. Good food, drink and music made the night shine.

Emmett sells his latest CD, Under Roses, gives the crowd free entertainment and is a hit with the locals.

Taylor and Emmett swap stories; someone left with a tear in their eye on this night, as The Rock's music has this effect on folks.

Emmett was a huge hit at this outdoor gathering

Later in the night, Suhn Lee, Emmett Peixoto, Dave Fink, Rob Pearse, and myself drive to Rob's summer home on the Ocoee River. Whitewater rafting trip in the morning made for little blog-update time, but great conversation between the handball players lasted until the wee hours of the night.

In the morning we rafted 5 miles down the Ocoee. The day was packed full of adventure and fun. But most of all, ...REST, for The Team.

Blog-Hog, Emmett Peixoto, finds his 100th pic on this website. Setting? Rob's Summer cabin on the Ocoee

Happy-to-be anywhere, Emmett and "Smokes" have fun in the sun.

Fink hates the water, but loves the sun; BEST PIC OF THE WHOLE TOUR!!!

NEXT UP? PITTSBURGH, PA

On May 19th, 2008, two world class athletes and personalities known simply as The Team embarked on a 3000 mile/25 city Bike Tour starting in San Francisco, California and potentially ending in New York City to promote and play the extreme sport of handball across the Heartland of America. The Team is comprised of the devastatingly handsome and sublime professional musician, Emmett Peixoto, who is also the #2 ranked world handball pro and his eccentric side-kick, and strangely lovable best pal, David Fink. Fink is currently ranked #7 in the world (with a bullet), according to the World Pro Handball Rankings. The Team made stops in: San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, and Grass Valley, CA, then rode across the Nevada Border making stops in Reno and Elko, Nevada to play ball. While in Utah, the Team played handball in Salt Lake City (4 and 1-wall) before riding to Grand Junction, CO to play Fronton Handball and 4-wall handball with the locals. The Team will not only impart their vast handball knowledge, prodigious handball talent and charm in various handball clinics and exhibitions, but will also be playing in the 2 most prestigious events on the handball calendar The USHA 1 and 4-wall Nationals.

The Team is riding across America to raise money for professional handball and production costs for a youth instructional handball video.To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

June 29th - Music City

2008-07-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

WPH hosts- Joel O'Connor and Tina O'Connor

The Team takes on Nashville-

On June 29th, Suhn Lee, Emmett Peixoto, and David Fink rolled into Nashville, ending up at the YMCA. Within 15 minutes the boys were all on the court hitting the ball around with very enthusiastic locals.

Dave Fink quickly takes charge as Dale, Cory, and Ernie look on.

Emmett and Cory practice form

Tina films the clinic; meanwhile, Dave Fink and Emmett go through drills with Joel and Co.

Joel O'Connor gets a quick private lesson with Emmett

Meanwhile, Suhn Lee explains proper hitting and retreiving stance and court positioning on court two.

Jimmy and Suhn work on dropping the ball

For the first time ever, young Grelynn hits a handball. This junior tennis champ was an automatic natural at this sport!!!

The Team continued the mentoring for 5 hours on Sunday, then made way to our hosts house for some relaxation, Tennis, swimming, and awesome food! While there, Dave Fink, Suhn Lee, and Emmett Peixoto played tennis in the back yard. After 7 hours of bike riding, 5 hours of handball, The Team put in another 5 hours on the Tennis Court. Do these guys EVER get tired?

Suhn Lee and Dave Fink work on serves

Fink and the sun are best friends on this day

Fink and Grelynn play Tennis for hours. Is this a Handball Bike Tour?

The Team, plus Suhn Lee, went sight-seeing while in Music City, before getting back on the bikes to Chattanooga to visit Rob Pearse (current World's 35+ Doubles Champ) and a whole group of enthusiastic handballers.

Team enjoys the Country Music Hall of Fame

The Team spends some time at the Opryland Gardens

Big thanks to our hosts, Joel and Tina O'Connor, as they allowed The Team and Suhn to have Carte Blanche during the three day visit!

Emmett and Dave get caught SCARFING their food down while Joel prepares more
Dave Teaches Suhn how to make scrambled eggs, while Tina shakes her head in awe!

Next up: Chattanooga, TN

From Rest To the Road

2008-07-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Saint Louis, MO to Music City-- Nashville, TN

From June 22nd, until June 27th, "The Team" caught rest at David Chapman's home (8-time pro singles national Handball Champion) in Saint Louis, MO. During that time, a whole group of familiar faces stopped by. From former Junior National Champion, Kevin Pettus, to Suhn Lee and even Jimmy London.

Suhn Lee and Jimmy get a bit close; considering there were 5 couches within a 20 foot radius and nobody else was sitting!!!

Dave Chapman celebrated his recent National Championship (doubles with Emmett Peixoto) and his 33rd birthday on June 26th. How did the team celebrate?

Karaoke!

Suhn Lee (right) and Kevin Pettus (left) sing, "It's Raining Men" as a night of Karaoke turns into a full fledged party fest.

Morning came too fast for "The Team" as we loaded up the trucks with gear and hit the road to Nashville, TN. Fink and Emmett put in 100 miles on the bikes this day before calling it a day.

Steve Sobel (Watchez), Chapman's personal trainer, stopped by to send his wishes and to pay off his gambling debt (j/k) from the nationals.

More updates "from the road...." shortly. Keep checking back!

Next up, Nashville YMCA

USHA 4-Wall Nationals Wrap-up x 2

2008-07-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

The United States Handball Association's 4-Wall Nationals are all wrapped up, and so are the Toyota Trucks!

Go to the USHA website for complete details, list of new National Champions, and track your favorite athlete by reading the tournament wrap-up here...

Emmett Peixoto, one-half of The Team, leaves Kansas with a Pro National Title strapped to his bike; meanwhile, Dave Fink exited the pro singles division in the round of 16. Both athletes stopped off to speak with fellow players, fans, biking enthusiasts, and tourney organizers to talk about the Toyota bike tour. We passed out fliers, DVD's, and a few photo-opps during the 7-day national tournament.

On June 22nd, the National Tournament wrapped up leaving Dave and Emmett a full week to recover at Dave Chapman's home in Saint Louis, MO. Bike Tour to resume 6/29 in Nashville, TN.

More to come...

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

BLOG UPDATE

2008-06-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Tour De Tundra Logo Wrap!

The Toyota Tundra Pace Truck (#2) is back in California sitting in the SL Designs, Inc., production room awaiting logo and complete vehicle wrap application. The Crew Cab Tundra will be on display at the USHA 4-Wall Handball Nationals on June 16th, along with the other Toyota Pace-truck (#1). Both vehicle will carry on to New York, for the 1-wall nationals, as we protect The Team, along their journey.

If you, your business, or other contact would like to have your company/business logo on this truck (logos stay on for lifetime* minimum of one year) please contact us as soon as possible. Vehicle will go into the production shop within the next couple days for logo completion. Minimum logo buy-in is $500.00!

Contact us for more details: weplayhandball@cs.com

JUNE 4TH THROUGH THE 8TH - WICHITA CLINIC

2008-06-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wichita, KS here we come!

Quite possibly the hardest portion of our trip so far. Emmett and Dave are tired and ailments are starting to set in. Fink has a huge gash on his leg that required minor medical attention; meanwhile, the very energetic Peixoto is attempting to sleep twelve hour days and ride the other twelve! LOL!!

In order to make the Wichita Clinic on time, Dave and Emmett will have to pick up the pace and turn a 5-day trip into a 3.5 day trip. This means 150 miles per day (unless we leave Denver directly after the hard-fought handball clinic in that handball town) in heat and wind.

Tired, but no loss of ambition, The Team takes on the challenge. We left Denver just after the clinic and punched out 60 miles before the day drew to a close. Night riding isn't safe, but the Toyota Tundra Pace Truck made for very safe conditions!

El Team battles through scorching 95 degree heat and 50 mph wind gusts through Kansas en route to Wichita

El Rock pushes through exhaustion to Wichita; Fink takes the opportunity to darken his tan on this lonesome and wind-swept highway in Western Kansas

Toto- WE ARE IN KANSAS NOW!

Wind and heat helped and hurt the team and we busted loose 183 miles in the first full day of riding and exactly 191 the next day. Luckily, we had the 30 to 50 mph wind gusts at our backs, but the boiling heat made it very tough on these riders. The last thing they wanted to do when they pulled into Wichita was to play handball. Luckily, WPH friend Curtis Creed was there to take the Team in and supply food, drink and rest before the 9am clinic the very next day.

Curtis Creed takes in the team and offers up some grub!

Curtis Creed poses next to the WPH Toyota Pace Truck just before the 9am YMCA Handball Clinic.

GQ Models, or bike riders?

"What a clinic !! The boy's wore EVERYONE out. The exhibition game between the two of them was awesome. DF spent quality time with one of our promising players (Gary Kasitz) - I had told Gary that if he attended his game would improve - now I'm sure of it. And Emmett spent quality time with our 60 year old (Randy) explaining the proper stroke from beginning to the follow thru. Got a picture of George Stevens & Russ Meyers presenting the $1,000 check to the boys. Hope to see you at the Nationals. Thank you very much, Curt." - Curtis Creed on The Team's Visit

DF and EP receive the check from Handball Fanatics Russ and George; DF/EP with a fewof the Wichita sparring partners. These guys played for 4-straight hours and wanted more!!!

El Team in Old (Downtown) Wichita with 18 time City Champion Gale and fellow baller, Gary

The Wichita YMCA Clinic completed at 2pm and The Team was on the road at 2:30pm and cranked out 97.6 miles as the sun was going down.

Where is The Team headed?

Kansas City here we come!

The Team pulled into Kansas City on Sunday morning after 196 miles (over a day of off and on riding). We quickly rode to St. Louis, MO to watch Dave Chapman play Marty Hogan in a Hands vs. Racquet match. Meanwhile, I flew home to California from STL (before the infamous match) to gather more supplies; rejoining the Team at DC's home for relaxation and training leading up to the 4-Wall National Championships.

The Bike tour will resume after the USHA Nationals, June 16th thru 22nd. We will post updates from the tournament right here, as DF and EP hope to play each other in the finals in both singles and doubles.

On May 19th, 2008, two world class athletes and personalities known simply as The Team embarked on a 3000 mile/25 city Bike Tour starting in San Francisco, California and potentially ending in New York City to promote and play the extreme sport of handball across the Heartland of America. The Team is comprised of the devastatingly handsome and sublime professional musician, Emmett Peixoto, who is also the #2 ranked world handball pro and his eccentric side-kick, and strangely lovable best pal, David Fink. Fink is currently ranked #7 in the world (with a bullet), according to the World Pro Handball Rankings. The Team made stops in: San Francisco, Berkeley, Sacramento, and Grass Valley, CA, then rode across the Nevada Border making stops in Reno and Elko, Nevada to play ball. While in Utah, the Team played handball in Salt Lake City (4 and 1-wall) before riding to Grand Junction, CO to play Fronton Handball and 4-wall handball with the locals. The Team will not only impart their vast handball knowledge, prodigious handball talent and charm in various handball clinics and exhibitions, but will also be playing in the 2 most prestigious events on the handball calendar The USHA 1 and 4-wall Nationals.

The Team is riding across America to raise money for professional handball and production costs for a youth instructional handball video.

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

DENVER, COLORADO PRO HANDBALL CLINIC

2008-06-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Denver, Colorado, through the help of WPH buddy Jed Seigel, hosted one hell of a pro handball clinic! Emmett and Dave were physically drained, yet found the time to get EVERY handball player on the court. An estimated 90 people showed up to watch and participate!!!

If you want your organization to take part in the tour, please contact us at: weplayhandball@cs.com

(Left Pic: Current Co State Champ, Bear Meiring, chumps up with EP after his 21-7 expo loss)
(Middle Pic: The two lefties, Dave Fink and Mark Hammond before their expo match)
(Right Pic: El Rock and Mark Hammond after EP dismantles the lefty 21-0, 21-2)

The "original team" of Mark Hammond and Bear Meiring jumped out to a very quick 12-0 lead on the shirttails of a very enthusiastic local crowd. Then, Emmett realized that he had a name on the back of his shirt and sparked teammate Dave Fink to a 21-2 run to close out the one game exhibition. The locals are VERY MUCH into ball and we want to return just to be apart of this vibe!

The Colorado Gallery was packed full of fans on this day (Left); meanwhile, (center) event organizer Stan Dunleavy stops for a quick pose with Emmett, Dave, Mark, and Bear.

The spectacular show court at the DAC (Denver Athletic Club) as they await a doubles exhibition; Bear/Mark vs. EP/DF (LEFT).

(Right) The Team with several clinic participants; 13 and 14 year old Alex and Luis, plus rising open player Travis, #9 ranked women's pro racquetball player, Jo, Jed Seigel, and several more handball nuts!!

Next up is Wichita, Kansas!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 3rd - Denver here we come!!!

2008-06-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Historical Vail Trail- The road between Gran Junction, CO and Denver, CO was full of scenery. It was hard to determine whether we should suspend the bike tour indefinitely or keep riding on. The Team needed rest, but with a "clinic" set up in Denver, we had to make 243 miles in two days of riding -and- over the hardest part of the trip. Both athletes were exhausted!!!

Fink rides down the Vail Trail slamming in 143 miles on a day where we should have rested! Dave Fink is an animal! I was tired just driving the truck and eating candy!

DF makes himself aerodynamic as he pushes 25 mph to Vail

Is this the Tour De Tundra, or the Tour De France?

El Rock coasting to Vail!

Tell me Emmett, "Did you bring your skis?"

After the 90 mile mark and just 4.5 hours of riding (no stops!!!), the team take a much needed breather and rest in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The scenery is amazing here. Luckily, we were able to meet some folks that DIDN'T know about the sport of handball and this allowed us to get into "sales-mode" and pass out Discs, fliers, and Emmett's latest music CD. Our reception was grand in a place where just a few courts even exist.

Scenery in Glenwood Springs was amazing!!! In my next life I will be living here (in the next life DF will be Shirley Maclaine, BTW)

The Team pulls into Vail after putting in almost 150 miles and both riders fall asleep within 30 minutes!!! Just 80-something to go until Denver and Pro Handball Clinic.

Pedaling their sport

2008-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

By PATRICK BAHR
The Daily Sentinel

Monday, June 02, 2008

David Fink and Emmett Peixoto are traveling across the United States to promote their sport, handball.

Now, since Fink and Peixoto are both ranked in the top 10 world-wide in the sport, they’re traveling by plane with all the luxuries one could want, right?

Oh, so wrong.

The co-owners of World of Pro Handball, Fink and Peixoto are biking from San Francisco to New York, hoping to compete in different handball competitions across the nation but more importantly to be able to spread their handball gospel.

Monday, the two found themselves at the Grand Junction Athletic Club giving a free clinic as well as an exhibition.

“We are doing it to promote handball and let some communities see two of the top players in the country play,” Fink, from Pittsburgh, Pa., said. “Hopefully we can get some new players in the game and introduce ourselves to handball players around the county.”

The rules of handball are closely related to those of racquetball. Take away the racquet and add a level of difficulty and you’ve got handball.

“There is a lot more strategy for handball,” Peixoto said. “You can’t shoot it from anywhere on the court because you are off balance a lot and you basically have to be ambidextrous.”

With 1-wall handball that only uses the front wall, and 4-wall handball, which is played on racquetball courts, Fink said the top-tier players are strong with each hand.

“That is what makes the game hard is you are only as good as your off hand,” Fink said.
The two have become training partners as well as business partners and said the detour to Grand Junction was just what they wanted.

While playing in a competition in Salt Lake City (Peixoto took first, Fink second) they met local handball enthusiast Kevin Price, who invited them to Grand Junction.

“The stop in Salt Lake was planned and we met Kevin and were able to put something together here,” Fink said. “This is just the type of thing we were looking to do with this trip is go out and meet people.”

But biking across the nation?

They’re starting to enjoy the trip.

“We are both really fit because handball is such a demanding sport, but the first couple days were tough being as we are both not serious bike riders,” Peixoto said.

“But we have been able to adapt and I enjoy the rides now and it is actually relaxing.”

The bike ride is an evolution of trips they have made before.

“We had already done cross-country car trips, so we were just thinking what could we do next,” Fink said. “We have a lot of grandiose ideas but we also tend to follow through with them.”

After leaving Grand Junction this morning, the two will make their way to Denver en route to the U.S. Handball Association 4-wall finals in Kansas City, Mo., on June 16. The end goal is the USHA 1-wall national finals in New York in late July.

The best way to keep up with the players is through their blog at tourdetundra.blog spot.com or go to their Web site, weplayhandball.com.
•
E-mail Patrick Bahr at pbahr@gjds.com.

Monday, June 2nd, 2008 - SAFETY COMES FIRST!!!

2008-06-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

Grand Junction, CO- The Team left Britt Reed's home in Salt Lake City, Utah bright and early Monday morning on a quest to Grand Junction, CO. This was a weary day of travel for Dave and Emmett because the strip of highway between the two cities is one of the nation's deadliest. Over 100 traffic-related deaths occur on this highway each year and many vehicle vs pedestrian/bikers. To couple the very serious mood of the day, road construction made it nearly impossible to ride bikes and navigate on this dangerous road.

Safety first!

Even though the boys cranked out over 100 miles on their bikes in a matter of just 5 hours, we drove past the construction and dangerous road, then biked back into Grand Junction before it got dark (leaving at 5am out of Salt Lake City was a smart move!!!). Along the way, Dave and Emmett stopped off to play tennis and pose for pics along the Utah/Colorado border, before finding another Fronton Court in Grand Junction.

Emmett and Dave stop-off to pose for pics along the Utah/Colorado border

Even though this wasn't like the Fronton Court in Elko, Nevada, the Grand Junction Court bared the same name.

Dave and Emmett, rode 100 miles before noon, then drove over 100 miles past construction and dangerous highways, then jumped on a Tennis court and Fronton Court all before supper time. Oh, did I forget to mention, they also did a clinic for over 40 locals, TV and Radio media crew? These guys are earning their keep!

DF and EP see a tennis court and quickly jump onto it for a quickie-game leading up to their Fronton exhibition later that afternoon in Grand Junction, CO

Jason Jones and family, Kevin Price (former CO St. HB Champ) and his kids, plus the locals bond with Emmett and Dave as handball exhibitions in Grand Junction bring out the media on this day!

The theme for today's big adventure was to keep safe, but I am sad to report that both Emmett and Dave are suffering from ailments. After Sunday's handball match, and 8th round of play in 2 days, Emmett played 1-wall handball and Cricket at a Salt Lake City Park in his bare feet. Blisters on both heels were the size of dollar coins.

"Walking or running feels like I am stepping on bags of water." Said, Emmett Peixoto

Meanwhile, Dave Fink scratched his leg playing Jeu de Paume along the bike trip when Emmett drove him off the platform with a driving return (right into a cut-off tree stump). The wound didn't heal and he re-injured it when, playing Fronton Handball, he smacked it again. This time the bleeding wouldn't stop and when it did, the wound swelled up to the size of a Golf Ball. The Hematoid-like swelling was looked at by local handball player, Rusty, and Doctor of medicine.

"Thanks to Rusty I can walk today. I don't know what you did, but this is the best my leg has felt in two weeks." Claimed, Dave Fink.

The Team got their gear on this morning for Denver, Colorado and a visit with Jed Seigel and Co. Details from the road are forthcoming!

The Team is riding across America to raise money for professional handball and production costs for a youth instructional handball video.

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

SATURDAY, MAY 31ST AND SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST

2008-06-01T21:10:00.000-07:00

NO BIKE RIDING ON SATURDAY OR SUNDAY, MAY 31ST-JUNE 1ST!!!

The Team played in the annual "Ace's" handball tournament hosted by The Sports Mall and sponsored by Ace Disposal (Lonnie Stalsberg). They mowed down locals and out-of-towners in singles and doubles. Dave and Emmett made the finals of both events, then relaxed at a dinner party overlooking scenic Washatch Mountains.

Host and tournament donor Lonnie Stalsberg (red shirt / dead center of the photo walking thru the entry-way) stops for a quick moment of recognition for a "job well done."

Fink in awe, as the dinner party turns from friendly and fun-loving to a "jokes-on-you" bash fest (to which Fink found the wrong side of a few off-color DV jokes). "Not so much!"

Dave Fink routs Emmett in the first game of their open singles final: 21-11

A very defeated and winded Emmett Peixoto stops to collect himself between the first and second game of the singles final.

Dave Fink, after scoring just 9 points in the second game, ponders his upcoming tie-breaker vs. teammate, El Rock.

A happy Emmett (just after his 11-3 tie-breaker win) scores $650.00 for his doubles and singles wins.

Fink takes home $350.00 and quickly donates it to the WPH bike tour fund. Wow, he has a heart. Love you DF!!

EP and DF pose after their singles match. Expressions on their faces explain it all. Hehe

The Team, Toyota Trucks, and DV travel up the road to the Utah State Capital for a quickie photo-opp. Believe this or not, but Mutt and Jeff are still "jawing" at each other during "said" shoot and it's all caught on film!

DF threatens to flatten EP's tires, as EP decides to head to the Temple of Zion.

The Team have "kissed and made-up" and are now posing in front of the Temple.

A special thank you to the Utah Handball Association, Lonnie Stalsberg, Michael Fendrick, Matt Stalsberg, and all that coordinated the Team's visit and bike tour stop while in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Next up?

A visit to Jason Jones, Kevin Price and the ballers in Grand Junction, Co. Updates to come.....

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

WEDNESDAY, MAY 28 - FRIDAY, MAY 30TH

2008-06-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a "real" rest day for The Team. They hung out at the camp site, played Golf, suntanned, and fought from the second they woke up until the time the sun went down. Needless to say, DV was driven to the brink of mental turmoil!

Faithful Toyota Tundras (best Trucks on Earth), sit and wait for for the day of protecting the Team.

Thank goodness May 29th came around. We rolled out of the tent, got our ride-on, and nailed down 100 miles; just setting us 20 miles short of Salt Lake City, Utah. The Team handed out handball DVD's, Emmett's CD (Under Roses), and spoke about handball to the locals. Toyota Trucks, Firstar Sports, the WPH and Handball were all winners on this day.

Friday, May 30th, brought us to Salt Lake City, Utah. The Team rode 23 miles in one hour and ten minutes. Not a bad average considering the fact that Emmett was navigating by memory, as he only looked at the road map once prior to the day's trek.

The Team needed a meal, so we stopped into "Noodles" (Chinese/American restaurant) before the final jaunt to the "Sports Mall" athletic facility (just 4 blocks down the road). We all sat down to order when Emmett catches the eye of a Blond dressed in Medical Scrubs (makes sense, as we were directly across the street from the state's leading medical hospital). Both 20 year old's smiled and went about their business of ordering and sitting down. When we got back to the Tundra, there was a note on the Vehicle asking our table to call her as she was single (see attached pics below).

Emmett is in town for 10 minutes and they are already falling at his feet!!!

After navigating through Emmett's ego, we ride the next few hundred yards to the Sports Mall. The Sports Mall is a full-service athletic club with multiple tennis courts, handball courts, a Olympic size swimming pool, weight room, hair salon, restaurant, and bar, to name a few.

WPH Message Board Legend, MichaelFJF (Michael Fendrick) was there to greet us, as we rode into town (pics below). The Team had matches starting at 5pm and 7pm, respectively, so they quickly said their "hellos" and moved to the courts.

The Team makes their way to the Sports Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fink takes a moment to show us how vain he is; meanwhile, MichaelFJF heads the welcoming party by meeting us in the parking lot.

As quickly as The Team arrived, the on-court exhibitions started (Dave Fink schools young Richael: pic below). Emmett played his 5pm match vs. Jim Cooper (10, 0), then heads into the court for a 20-man pro clinic with Dave Fink.

Top left: Richael Morton spars with Dave Fink. Later, Dave Fink and Emmett put on a Pro Clinic

After playing Jim Cooper, Emmett stops off to brush off the teaspoon of sweat calculating on his chin. "Coop" happens to be one of the greatest dudes on Earth. Good dude!

This night ended all too quickly, but we resigned for the night in a lap of luxury--THE LOFT AT BRITT REED'S HOUSE!!!

THANKS BRITT AND DIANNE!!!!!

TUESDAY, MAY 27TH

2008-06-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 27th was a planned "rest-day" for The Team. We started off the day at 10am looking for a bite to eat in the town of Elko, Nevada, when we stumbled upon a rare site; Fronton Handball Courts. Fronton is a Basque handball sport played in these parts (due to the heavy Basque influence in this historical silver mining town). The Team, and myself, didn't step off the court for the next 6 hours.

Plaque at the Fronton Courts in Elko, NV. The locals were in awe of DF and EP's play and drew large crowds off and on all day long. Miss you Elko!!

Emmett Peixoto played 40 to 60 tough matches on this day and NEVER lost a game. At one point, Dave Fink requested that I referee the match, then he kicked me off the court for not standing in the right place. Good Dude!

Fronton is played with similar 1-wall rules, except you have to hit the ball over the 3 foot front wall line (ie. Squash).

Dave Fink goes for his left-handed fist punch-drive shot as Emmett awaits. Sure, DF was 0-for-the-day vs. EP, but DV was sent licking his wounds vs. DF!!!

After winning 100% of his matches, The Rock stops off for a quickie photo pose before getting his costume on for the day-ending bike ride.

Toyota Tundra looks-on as our "rest day" turned into all-out-war on the Fronton Court.

We eventually found our food and, at 5pm, The Team decided that they wanted to hit the road (not planned) for a shot at 50 miles before the sun went down. So, we were back on our bikes, converting a "rest-day" into a full day of ball and bike riding.

Dave and Emmett celebrating as they crossed over a cattle guard without recking. Heck, 1-13 isn't bad!!! The desert is a lonely place and the scenery wasn't too spectacular here.

20 miles out of Elko, Dave Fink pulled over to the side of the road demanding to hit Golf Balls into the Nevada Desert. For those that know Fink, if you don't react correctly, you will be hearing about it for WEEKS! I pulled the pace truck over and unloaded Dave's sticks for some road-side driving.

Dave Fink is so good at Golf that his club had not one scratch after sending 25 balls into the desert!

We got back into action, but before we knew it, we were in Wells, Nevada. The Team was not phased by the falling sun, and continued for another seemingly quick 40 miles to Wendover, Nevada (Utah Border) where we found a small camp ground neighboring a golf course.

Guess what came next?

Fink drives more balls on the Golf range; meanwhile, DV and EP take in some awesome scenery as we approach the Utah border.

This day ended with a good 100 miles of riding... ALL AFTER 5PM!!! Tomorrow its a jaunt into and across the Utah border. More updates on the way.....

-DV

Interview from the road: Between Mill City and West Wendsor, Nevada

2008-05-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Emmett Peixoto and David Fink Interview:
by ben thum

After a week on the road how do you feel about the experience so far?

Emmett: Well, I was about to kill Dave Fink the first 5 days. Then I actually tried, now I think the "team" is pretty strong; which is unfortunate. As far as the bike riding goes, I wanted to quit for the first couple days, but that was because I didn't ride a bike once leading up to this journey. The country-side is beautiful, the bike riding isn't that tough and I've gotten used to the pain.

Dave: The first couple days were hard because Emmett was crying throughout the ride and constantly telling me he was gonna quit and go home. But I convenced him of the tremendous amount of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that we would both attain upon arriving in KC for the nationals.

What has surprised you the most on this journey?

Emmett: The weather and I witnessed DV kissing DF on the lips (for 5 seconds straight). Yucky!

Dave: The ease at which I am accomplishing 100 miles a day.

High points of your first week?

Emmett: Top of the Sierras Lloyd

Dave: Pushing Emmett out of the Team and welcoming DV

Low points?

Emmett: Whiping off the tears of Dave Fink's face after he couldn't peddle two miles.

Dave: Not having my cold weather and snow gear

Thoughts on that (small tornado) weather problem you encountered?

Emmett: I really didn't know what was going on. The snow was bad, but I took my mind to a zen-like state.

Dave:Very happy to have DV riding a few paces behind us, keeping us safe with the Toyota Tundra

Will your legs be ready for the 4-wall Nats after a month of hard core biking?

Emmett:YES! I'll be in tip-top shape. Better than ever before. This is my training for the nationals.

Dave: I would have turned around in Reno if I wasn't planning on going to KC to win!

What type of activities occupy your off-bike hours - besides sleeping?

Emmett: Females.

Dave: Studying handball videos. Have you adapted well to sleeping in a tent?

Emmett: Well, I never went camping as a kid. I had a, "My little pony" tent in my back yard and I slept there once. So, this is a shocker. DV is making it easy on us.

Dave: I didn't grow up with a "silver spoon" so I have had to adjust at a young age, without the luxuries that most kids are fortunate to have.

Most interesting people you've met so far?

Emmett:There was this biker that we stumbled across that went off the road. His bike was on top of him and he was screaming for help. So, DV got out of the truck and we got off the bikes, lifted his motorcycle off of him. He tried to get up and farted (broken leg and ankle and all) and then tried to cover it up with curse words and other profanity. He drove off without saying a word. DV cracked the biggest joke at the perfect time, as this guy sat in a heap undfer his bike farting and cursing. DV is a genius! God, I will never forget that moment. If we didn't show up the guy would have died and yet, he only farted and didn't thank us.

Dave:The newspaper reporter and her family that invited us into her home for a warm meal and treated us like family.

What are the odds The Team will bike all the way to New York City?

Emmett:I'm ready to go to NY and further

Dave:I want to stop at as many handball clinics as possible along the way. As long as our schedule calls for it, 100%

Think you'll ever do this again?

Emmett:I want to make the next trip across Ireland

Dave:Yes

Have you heard a discouraging word?

Emmett: All kinds of curse words from the farting/distressed biker
Dave:Yes, everytime I am updated on mb posts from Albert Apuzzi

Have you watched the buffaloes roam the prairies?

Emmett:We haven't made it to Kansas yet, Ben. And, we aren't going thru New Mexico

Dave:Yes. I watched Dances with Wolves

They say there's nothing like a X-Country bike trip to test the mettle of even the best of friends. Have you found this to be true yet?

Emmett: Every second

Dave: This is nothing compared to living with the "Kings" in Australia

Does DV sleep in the truck - or at a 4-star hotel?

Emmett: 5-star hotel

Dave: He shares a sleeping bag with me.

Heard any good jokes lately?

Emmett: Dave Fink beating Sean Lenning

Dave: Dave Vincent told me he was an Open Handball Player once? Sorry. What? Wait!

What other thoughts would you like to share with the handball world?

Emmett: We need your support. Support the WPH. The WPH is the best thing in handball right now. If we can just give it a boost it has the know-how to sustain itself and become great.

Dave: I'm appreciative of the support we received and hope to receive a lot more in the coming weeks.

Good luck guys. May the wind at your back never be your own.

Emmett: Thanks Ben

Dave: Love you Ben

Ditto. You too, DV. Not surprised to hear the Toyota Tundra is a GREAT truck! Keep on' truckin'

Update: Sat-Tue May 24-27th

2008-05-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Toyota Tour De Tundra/WPH Bike Tour: Day 6-9

It took The Team eight days to get from San Francisco, CA to the Utah/Nevada border. As mentioned before, the weather was not agreeable and even a small tornado touched down east of Reno, NV on the day we were riding through (pic attached below captures the storm cloud in the making).

Storm Cloud forming in Reno Nevada

On Saturday, May 24th, Emmett, Dave and I hit the road at 7am (our earliest departure of the trip). The boys drank protein drinks, bananas, and suited up their bikes with water and small supplies. The weather was still in the 40's, but flat ground made for easy riding conditions. We decided to head down to Carson City, then highway 50 to Fallon, NV, then back up to H-80 (See route above) based on construction zones, weather, and safety. Along the way, we stopped multiple times to warm-up the riders, get lunch, and to talk handball with the locals. We passed out twenty 2006 Simple Green US Open DVD's between Reno and Fallon, then another thirty DVD's over the next day and a half. Along the way we were able to talk about handball and explain our cause; proving that our professional athletes are just as "fit" as other top sports.

Sunday, May 25th, brought us to Mill City, Nevada. Due to some lucky pre-planning, we sent out press releases prior to the Nevada trip and this gained much attention by local media in Reno, Carson City, and Fallon, Nevada. One local newspaper reporter invited us to a dinner party (Pic posted below) and we took-up the offer. Besides eating some warm food, The Team needed the rest and relaxation. This dinner party was a great break in action! Emmett pulled out his guitar and played a couple tunes before we called it a night.

Emmett Plays for the locals (and a dog name Stanley)

"This bike tour is draining, physically. I am glad that we have the Toyota Pace Trucks and the support from the people because I would have given up by now. Please, if you truly feel that this is a good cause for handball and it's growth, please consider donating or pledging a few dollars to our cause. The WPH (DV) personally spent over $8,000 in the first week of our tour and food and gas are quite expensive. We are showing people that anything can happen. That our professional athletes can stack up to other sport's top pros. Additionally, we have given out many Handball DVD's and fliers regarding handball. I am happy to report that local news, radio and TV stations are covering Dave Fink and myself and handball is getting exposure. Next up is Salt Lake City and the Aces Handball Tournament. We will play, put on an exhibition, get some rest, and head to Colorado. Dave Fink and I would like to thank you for the support. Please know that we appreciate it so much and can feel it from the road. Do not worry, DV/WPH is keeping us safe and keeping us company with humor and friendship. Please consider a donation to help us help handball's growth. Thanks, El Rock (Emmett Peixoto)"

From Fallon to Mill City, The Team put in the most miles-to-date for one single day of riding: 100! But, that was nothing compared to Monday, May 26th, when we trekked across the flat Nevada desert nailing down 153 miles in 12 hours of off-and-on riding. Needless to say, Tuesday (today) was a rest day for the Team who woke up in Elko, NV WANTING to get on the bikes to close out Nevada. As I type, Emmett and Dave are suiting up and want to hit the road, as we make way for Salt Lake City, Utah, for a big handball EXPO and local tourney.

By the end of today, we will take two days off in a row before riding into Salt Lake City, Utah. West Wendover, Nevada is 100 miles from Elko and we have a lot of flat ground and cold temps to navigate through. Wish us luck, but DO NOT WORRY ABOUT SAFETY!!!

Peace!

-DV
PS. Sorry for the lack of pics, but the Internet connection is the slowest I have ever seen. Took two hours to upload two pics! Feel my pain please!!!

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

WPH/Toyota Tundra Bike Tour Day 4 - 5

2008-05-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Toyota Tour De Tundra: Bike Tour Day 4 and 5:

Thursday, May 22nd- This was a "rest day" for The Team. Tour De Tundra brought The Team to WPH Headquarters, located in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. Emmett and Dave caught a movie (Indiana Jones Opening), ate veggie burritos, and played some ball at Club Sierra in Grass Valley, CA.

Friday, May 23rd- The Team woke up early (due to the guitar-playing Peixoto) from their camp-site and headed East. This trip started in 77 degree weather and ended in 37 degree temps. Along the 87 mile journey, Emmett and Dave had to battle rain, wind, sun, sleet, construction zones, crazy drivers and even snow. By far, this was the most taxing day of battle.

37 degrees on the California/Nevada border. Snow and Bikers don't mix!!!

Upon arrival in Reno, NV The Team stop by the grounds of JOGO and visit with Joe Garcia. JOGO is a sports complex that will feature more than 20 handball courts; four-sided glass show-court, hotel, restaurant, lounge, and business center (Opening planned for May of 09). JOGO will also be the home (headquarters) for the WPH in 2009.

The Team at the site of the Emmigrant Trail Summit (and almost 8,000 ft above sea level). They finally conquered the mountain!

We finally found a resting spot for the night in Reno, NV. Tomorrow it's Fallon and places east, as we make way to highway 50 and eventually Salt Lake City, UT.

To sponsor or donate to the World of Pro Handball and the Toyota Tundra Bike Tour, please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com : Dave Vincent, C/O WPH, Box 208, Rough and Ready, CA, 95975

WPH/Toyota: Tour De Tundra Day 1 - Day 3

2008-05-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

Tour De Tundra- The World of Pro Handball has teamed up with Toyota Motors and Firstar Sports, Inc., to bring you a grassroots TransAmerica bike tour to promote the sport of handball across the heart of this country.

"The Team" AKA Dave Fink and Emmett Peixoto are two top-seven world ranked handball players that vow to win the USHA four wall National Championships in Kansas City and the one wall National Championships in New York, as they peddle their way across the United States of America on their bikes promoting handball along the way. The Team will be traveling from San Francisco, CA to New York, NY from May 20th until Mid August, 2008.

The World of Professional Handball is raising money to help create a new instructional video for junior players, off-set webcasting and filming costs, and to help with bike tour finances. Please contact us at weplayhandball@cs.com for details about making pledges and setting up handball clinics along the Tour De Tundra Bike Route.

Monday, May 19th- Emmett and Dave (The Team) started their coast-to-coast bike tour in San Francisco at the Olympic Club with a fundraiser and pro handball exhibition.

Tuesday, May 20th- Dave and Emmett get fitted for their bikes, as provided by the WPH and Mike's Bikes in Berkeley, CA.

Meanwhile, Ken Moeller (WPH Supporter), stores our Toyota Tundra Pace Trucks back at his home in the East Bay of Lafayette, CA. We all thank you Ken for "watch-dogging our rides!"

The Team quickly get suited-up and head across the street for a pre-tour grub fest, at The Mayflower.

Marv Burke (WPH VP Sales/Detroit AC) and Dave Vincent (WPH President) drive just a couple blocks down the street and start the bike tour overlooking the SF Bay.

After the mini-photo shoot, The Team get on their bikes and head toward Sacramento, CA. What a long day! 77.4 miles later and 16 bottles of water, The Team call it a night just south of the State Capitol Building.

Wednesday, May 21st- The Team makes the State Capitol Building in Downtown Sacramento before heading over the the Capital Athletic Club for some Handball!!!

The Team make quick business in Sacramento and head up north (towards WPH Headquarters). Next up? Reno, NV.