Gulp.

[Owlie]

I just signed up for Tour de Cure, NE Ohio (it's in Cuyahoga Falls), the 30-mi "moderate" ride.

The actual riding doesn't scare me. I can do ~25 in cold weather and not feel much the worse for wear, just a bit sore the next day. Provided I do a bit of cardio work starting Friday (when I don't have morning classes), I know I can do 30. If it's hilly...well, I'll just need a bit more work, then!

What scares me is figuring out how to raise $150 (or a bit more won't hurt). :D

[Catrin]

I just signed up for Tour de Cure, NE Ohio (it's in Cuyahoga Falls), the 30-mi "moderate" ride.

The actual riding doesn't scare me. I can do ~25 in cold weather and not feel much the worse for wear, just a bit sore the next day. Provided I do a bit of cardio work starting Friday (when I don't have morning classes), I know I can do 30. If it's hilly...well, I'll just need a bit more work, then!

What scares me is figuring out how to raise $150 (or a bit more won't hurt). :D

I just did the same thing two weeks ago. I was surprised to see that within a couple of days of sending out fund-raising emails that I had raised over half of my $150. It may come easier than you fear :D

My 25-30 miles is going to be around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - which is going to be interesting in itself - hopefully the event will keep it from getting too boring going around the 2.5 mile track, and around, and around...

[sfa]

$150 shouldn't be too difficult. Best way to raise money is just to ask.

When I did an autism fundraiser a few years ago I set what I thought was an aggressive goal of $250 in personal fundraising for the event. Within two weeks I had raised over $1,000. I only sent the request to family and a few close friends, but they ended up sending it on to more people, and that's what brought in the funding.

Make your request personal (that is, tell people why this cause is important to you) but remember that you aren't asking your friends to give money to YOU--you're asking them to support an organization that is worthy of support, so there's no reason to be hesitant or apologetic about it. What I found was that people really wanted to help out and felt good about making their donations.

Good luck!

Sarah

[MommyBird]

Is there a FaceBook option?
My husband's office manager raised $100s with one for the "Walk for Life" event.

[Owlie]

I just did the same thing two weeks ago. I was surprised to see that within a couple of days of sending out fund-raising emails that I had raised over half of my $150. It may come easier than you fear :D

My 25-30 miles is going to be around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - which is going to be interesting in itself - hopefully the event will keep it from getting too boring going around the 2.5 mile track, and around, and around...

The route here hops on and off the bike trail that runs through various area parks. Should be interesting.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll stick a link on my Facebook profile. My parents will probably be willing to give me a little bit, as will BF. I think I can find some $$ through various things here, too.

[MM_QFC!]

The route here hops on and off the bike trail that runs through various area parks. Should be interesting.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll stick a link on my Facebook profile. My parents will probably be willing to give me a little bit, as will BF. I think I can find some $$ through various things here, too.

Since it's a Tour de Cure, I'm guessing that there are plenty of fundraising tips, templates, examples of other riders' letters and general support for you to be successful in meeting the minimum fundraising goal for the event, so I'd recommend checking it out.
I don't know how many years there's been a fundraising ride for that cause (diabetes, right?), but I've been doing AIDS fundraising rides for years and have seen the start of many other walks, rides, etc to benefit non-profit associations, medical research and the like and the organizers want you to be successful, so they usually provide plenty of support and guidance; you are not left on your own for either ride training or fundraising. Look around on the website and there will probably be good information to help you...good luck and have fun!
Tailwinds!
Mary