Hatching Plans: ALA's Big Ride Across America

[ridebikeme]

Another Soma fan here! I built up a Doubke Cross this summer intended for self contained riding, and what a treat it is! Although I typically ride lighter weight road bikes and love them, including a custom ti frame... this Soma frame was incredible! Rides well, handles well and even has me thinking about building a steel road frame.

I built this bike with Velocity Deep V wheels, 32 hole 3 cross pattern, bar end shifters for reliability with any shifting issues, and Avid Shorty brakes. Whether I rode the bike loaded or not, I had NO issues with "lack" of brakes. They worked well on my self contained tour which consisted of dry conditions, a bit of dirt roads, and tons of rain on the last day.

It's defintiely heavier than my other bikes, but more versatile in terms of where I can ride it, AND rides extremely well.


http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Reesha]

I can't even express how disheartening it is to try and find a bake sale location in a city. Seriously. In a rural area it would be no problem whatsoever. It's like they've just conspire to collectively outlaw that sort of charity event all together. One grocery store guy actually said "well it's in direct competition with us". REALLY? Yes, we'd be doing so much damage to your multi-million dollar sales.

I am just venting. I understand that people don't want to be pestered by people just soliciting without offering, but at least with a bake sale they are getting something in exchange for their donation.

Grargh. I don't even know what to do. I feel like I'm only going to get a 1/10th of the way to my goal with letters to my family and friends. I guess being new in town (well, three years new) is a real disadvantage when it comes to fundraising.

[/rant]

[Blueberry]

I truly hope that I'll have funds to support your cause, and one day do the ride myself. My grandfather passed away while I was in college from smoking related emphysema, so the ALA is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.

A couple of ideas:

What about bringing lunch for all teachers? Like Chili? And asking for donations. Maybe enlist someone to bring sides?

How about setting a dollar amount to "sponsor a day of your ride?"

Some folks here used to ride rollers outside of stores (with permission). The "trick" would earn them donations.

Local bike clubs that might let you "lead" a ride and ask for donations?

Info Table/donation jar at a school sporting event?

Can your friends with the documentary plug your ride in their social circles?

Good luck!!

ETA: What about asking restaurants to donate a portion of the profits from a night? Lots do that.

With stores - try grocery coops and small places (or places like Whole Foods). I think they are more likely to support your cause than "big box retailers."

[Reesha]

Thank you for the advice, Blueberry. When you're busy and you set your mind to do something it is simply exhausting to be told NO so many times.

I'll have to get creative I suppose! The restaurant thing is a good idea!

[Sky King]

Reesha also what about a bake sale at your favorite LBS? And if there is a group ride and they knew in advance that you were showing up with goodies they would remember to bring money to buy said goodies. I am horrid about not carrying any money on group rides so that what made me think - need to know ahead of time

[Reesha]

Great idea, Sky King. When I am riding more often in the spring I will definitely try that. I am also hoping that they'll let me do a bake sale at some of the races I am not participating in next spring!

I made a thread at a forum that I've been posting in science 2004 offering handmade cookies of their choosing for anyone who donates at least $30. I've already had 2 donations, but they said the cookies were unnecessary. They were happy to help

Lastly, I am going to try to put together a small, but classy benefit dinner. I work in the kind of environment where people often support these kinds of events and so I'm hoping someone will be able to help me organize it. I've never done anything like it, but I already have a venue that's willing to donate wine. It's just a matter of tapping into the right resources.

Thanks for all the encouraging words, everyone!

[Reesha]

New blog post!

http://larissaridesforcleanair.org/2...nd-sufferfest/

Got myself rollers and a trainer and some videos. Did my first Robbie Ventura workout tonight and had a good time.

Avg speed 14 mph, 35 minutes, avg HR 157.

I'm planning to get some sufferfest vids for longer workouts on the recommendation of pll!

[Reesha]

I'm starting to be overwhelmed by the amount of gear I need for this trip. Holy smokes! As if raising the minimum isn't hard enough...

A lot of my bikewear is wearing out... bought it a bunch of years ago and haven't restocked. Need some really quality bike shorts-- ~80 miles a day for 49 days... high.quality.

I need a big tent. People are recommending a tent big enough to store my bike inside.

It's a looooong list.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a gear for a ride like this? I put a set of seat post mounted bottle cages on my christmas list... figure it would be good to have back up when we ride through long uninhabited stretches.

I need a new saddle, new shoes. Sigh. So much gear!

[Reesha]

I wrote a new blog post today: http://larissaridesforcleanair.org/2...o-get-serious/

I'm starting with a personal trainer who specializes in cycling (he's a Cat 1 MTB racer) on Sunday and officially kickstarting my goal to lose 15-20 lbs by April. I think I can do it with the right guidance!

In other news, I am at ~$700 in my fundraising... nearly 10% of my goal! Yeehaw!

I thought of a fantastic idea for a fundraiser I can do with students at my school called Penny wars. I am hoping my head of middle school will approve it as it's for a wonderful cause and it's in support of one of their teachers. It also won't break the piggy bank so to speak, depending solely on coins.

Additionally, my mom is in the process of making a gorgeous queen size quilt for me to raffle. She is donating it, and I'm really excited to see it once it's professionally quilted. This is the pattern she and I settled on. We'll be ready to start the raffle in January.

[redrhodie]

That quilt is gorgeous! I bet that will get you a lot closer to your goal. What a generous mom!

[indysteel]

That quilt is gorgeous! I bet that will get you a lot closer to your goal. What a generous mom!

Seriously. I would be all over that.

[WindingRoad]

Wow! That quilt is amazing! Your mother is a talented woman!

[Reesha]

Well I should say that that quilt is not hers... It's the one we found that she is going off of. Hers is still in the midst of production. Apparently the design is not that difficult to put together!

Anyway, when the time comes, if anyone would like to purchase raffle tickets, you can do so through my donation site and send me a PM and I will mail you your tickets (and keep the stubs for the drawing naturally).

[Reesha]

Oh, I feel like I should share this here because I know there are probably women here who would love this blog:

http://www.bigride2011.com

The lady responsible for this lovely collection is an excellent writer who took marvelous pictures of the journey. I definitely feel like I'm along for the ride with her posts. I think my blog aims to be a bit more utilitarian for the aspiring Big Rider. More training/fundraising information. On the ride, I hope to take lots of pictures of things you might not normally think to take pictures of-- meals, annoyances, things you can't live without. Nonetheless, I have read some of her blog posts thin in anticipation!

[Reesha]

I met with my new personal trainer today. He is going to be a great fit for me and works for a very reasonable price ($45/hr, plus $60 for each 6 week plan). Our first session today was hard and he had a lot of great advice. I feel certain that if I stick to his program I'll be 15-20 lbs lighter by April

Today the single calf lifts were the hardest part... I figured I had more calf strength than I did, but I haven't been running so apparently they need some work. Shoulder presses were embarassingly hard as well.

On the other hand, I was surprised by my abilities in the roman chair... I was certain that I couldn't do a single knee up. I'm also pretty decent at stiff legged dead lifts! I just need to remember to slow down each movement and to get zen when I do them. I tend to go too fast.

I think I was most thankful for the nutrition advice. It's good to hear one plan from one person who knows their stuff. I'll be looking for good morning and afternoon snacks and I'll have to watch my carbohydrate intake (keeping it under 150 grams per day). I'll also need to elevate my protein intake.