Anne's Great Bicycle Adventure for Cancer

[AnnieBikes]

Just thought you might like to hear about my big ride. I just joined the forums recently because I did not know they were out here!! It has been such a help to read all the hints. Even though I have ridden for two years, I have learned so much.

I learned about WomanTours from a lady on a cycling trip to Italy last spring. They have one cross country ride each year, the Southern Tier, and she had done it at the age of 72. So, at 57, I thought I would sign up! I have been training whenever possible outside (cold and sleety right now!!) but mostly spinning. I am doing this ride for the benefit of the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN and for the Tri-Cities Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. (the Komen Foundation just celebrated their 25th anniversary with a name and logo change!) The ride begins in 5 short weeks in San Diego and is 58 days long, with 8 rest days and 4 centuries during the 2 months. I am feeling really good, and really excited about my fundraising efforts. I have raised over $2000 already. I am now talking to lots of groups, putting up posters and trying to make sure that lots of people know about my website where I have a blog and a place to donate. If anyone is inclined to see why I am doing this, then see

http://www.grahamcam.com/annesbicyclejournal

I hope you might be able to give me a few other ideas for fundraising. Thank you.

[Trek420]

I hope you might be able to give me a few other ideas for fundraising. Thank you.

If only I had that kinda time off I only get a little over a month, 5 weeks when you add up holidays but not enough to do that ride.

Lots of tips here, good luck!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ht=fundraising

[KnottedYet]

You might also give your local Team Survivor a call and ask if they have any fundraising tips specific to your area. (events to hang out at, places to put up fundraising posters, potential sponsors)

www.teamsurvivor.org

Team Survivor has to do a good deal of fundraising to keep itself going, so they might have some ideas.

[AnnieBikes]

Thank you for the suggestions. I found many on the site and I am MOST appreciative. Please consider passing my website to anyone you know who might like to see what I am doing! It was almost funny coming back and reading the post this morning and realizing that it really is ME doing this adventure!!!

[AnnieBikes]

Well, I am off on Wednesday to begin my cross country ride! I have raised over $10000 so far and I have not even started riding. I am excited, scared, and ready!! Wish me luck!!! Thanks!

[AnnieBikes]

Well, I am on the road in Texas now and have been riding since March 9th. We are having beautiful weather. Please check out my ride blog.

www.grahamcam.com/annesbicyclejournal

[mimitabby]

wow, an epic adventure happening in real time!

[withm]

How did I miss this post earlier? A friend of mine is on that trip, and a friend of hers is sending out periodic updates on their progress. I just read the whole blog and have a new appreciation for climbing, winds, and long rides.

Gee I thought I had a hard ride today - 31 miles in 20-25mph winds (mostly headwinds of course) but this pales in comparison to what these women are doing. Amazing!

[AnnieBikes]

I am on the Southern Tier Trip with 28 other women over the age of 50 and we have two 70 year olds on the trip with us. Check out my blog. We are having a wonderful trip. There have been some very difficult days on this trip but we are doing well. See the post for April 7th. It was freezing. And in Arizona a few weeks earlier it was 110 degrees. We have seen it all and will have an experience that will last a lifetime. Start saving now for this incredible trip. I will never regret the two months I am taking from my life for this trip.

Yes, there are hard days, but the people we have met, the random people who have donated to my cause, and the scenery are unbelievable. It is just a great time.

Check out my website for pictures and blog entries for the entire route. Go to Archives and click on each day to get the different days of the ride.

http://www.grahamcam.com/annesbicyclejournal

Thank you for following my trip.

[divingbiker]

I've been following your blog, Anne, and am living vicariously through you. I'm so impressed with what you and the other women are doing. I'd love to do a ride like this--I'd probably do the northern route, since I'm not a huge fan of the desert--but am afraid I must wait until I retire, which isn't for several years.

I hope the wind is at your back for the rest of the trip.

[AnnieBikes]

Well, I leave tomorrow for Mobile, AL for my 2000 mile ride on the Underground Railroad Route. I am excited, a bit nervous, ready, and want to RIDE!!!

Keep my safety in your prayers (and all 30 of the women going on this trip).

Thank you.

www.grahamcam.com/annesbicyclejournal