Is anyone doing TransAm or another long route as a fundraiser?

[roderick.young]

Long ago, I met people raising funds for American Lung, not as an organized ride, but on their own DIY fundraiser.  I'd be interested in hearing from anyone doing such a ride in the near future, especially American Lung, or Multiple Sclerosis, but other causes as well.  Or perhaps you know someone?  Or can advise me as to where I could locate such folks?

[roderick.young]

It took a bit of digging, but searching "sponsored bicycle ride" and "charity bicycle ride" got some hits.  Much of the information was outdated, for example, an American Lung Association tour from 2014 (they seem to no longer be doing those).  Multiple Sclerosis seems to be largely following Adventure Cycling routes, including TransAm, Northern Tier, and Southern Tier.  The Arthritis Foundation (or something like that) is doing the Pacific Coast route down from Seattle.  There's also a BikeToBuild or something like that doing long tours and building affordable housing along the way.  It looks like that last group is virtually all college students or recent grads, and might be loosely led.  They have an "In Memoriam" page for the 3 on their tour that died over the years, hit from behind by cars.  I wonder if as many get killed on normal Adventure Cycling tours?  Unthinkable, but who knows.

[Motomarcus]

I might be indirectly in this category.  Plan is a 2017 transam with efforts to raise funds to endow a scholarship in memory of my mother who had MS.  Honestly I'm not very good nor comfortable asking for donations so I'm still working through my thoughts/plans on this.

Good luck with your search... mark

[dtownva]

I'm on an 11,000 mile, 2 year ride to raise awareness for MDA. (Ride between the Stars) http://tjforrester.blogspot.com/

What's up?

Best,

TJ Forrester

[SeattleCyclist]

Hello-I'm doing the TramsAm route starting June 20 from Astoria.  I'm doing my own personal fundraiser with proceeds going to the Alzheimers Association.  I am not part of an organized group just doing this on my own with my Sister and her husband as my SAG team.  Not sure if this is what you are looking for but just giving you the information.

 

[roderick.young]

I might be indirectly in this category.  Plan is a 2017 transam with efforts to raise funds to endow a scholarship in memory of my mother who had MS.  Honestly I'm not very good nor comfortable asking for donations so I'm still working through my thoughts/plans on this.

Good luck with your search... mark

Unfortunately, I don't have experience with the logistics of setting this kind of thing up.  Maybe someone at your bank could advise you on how to set up a proper 501c(3), so you could be a verified, tax-deductible charity.  It always looks better to me on places like GoFundMe when someone has that verified status.  I'm certain that you're sincere, of course.  Your reluctance to solicit donations is proof enough.  I think you'll find that people are astoundingly generous if you're the type that generally doesn't ask.

[roderick.young]

I'm on an 11,000 mile, 2 year ride to raise awareness for MDA. (Ride between the Stars) http://tjforrester.blogspot.com/

What's up?

Best,

TJ Forrester

I'm interested in the story behind what drives a person to do this kind of ride.  I see that you're a lifelong adventurer, and your substantial blog answers my questions.

[roderick.young]

Hello-I'm doing the TramsAm route starting June 20 from Astoria.  I'm doing my own personal fundraiser with proceeds going to the Alzheimers Association.  I am not part of an organized group just doing this on my own with my Sister and her husband as my SAG team.  Not sure if this is what you are looking for but just giving you the information.

 

Yes, this is exactly the kind of thing that interests me.  Do you have a web page or blog explaining your connection to Alzheimer's?  I know that MS will actually host a page for you to help you fund-raise.  Is Alzheimer's the same way?

[SeattleCyclist]

 Yes, I have a blog that explains my trip which is:
Www.lauriesbikeadventure.blogspot.com

Also, my sister started a GoFundMe page that explains our connection to Alzheimers.

https://www.gofundme.com/bikeadventure

I'm also working with the Washington State Alz association chapter and they will help connect me to their website.

Hope this helps.

Laurie

[roderick.young]

...
I'm also working with the Washington State Alz association chapter and they will help connect me to their website.

Hope this helps.

Laurie

Should be a fantastic trip!  Glad that you met your basic funding, already.  It's a good idea to see if you can arrange for direct donations to the Alzheimer's Association, either through them, or even through GoFundMe.  While I'm certain you're honorable, I feel much more at ease donating to a verified charity.

[roderick.young]

When I originally posted, I had not yet read the May 2016 issue of Adventure Cycling.  Looks like all the answers are in an article there titled "Riding with a Purpose."  (not sure if that's the exact wording)

[Soulboy#1]

Hi Roderick

I plan to do the transam eat to west in May 2017. I had heart surgery last year (aneurysm on my aorta and valve replacement)  and had massive support from a forum in the US for people with similar ops. They are always looking for donations hence my planned trip.

Best regards