Hello again. It's hard to believe a year has passed since the second annual Rappstar Charity Challenge. For those that don't know me. my name is Jordan Rapp. I'm a professional triathlete from the USA. Since I spend most of my time training, I don't get out much, so you might know me online, where I spend most of my non-training time, as "Rappstar" here on Slowtwitch.com, Twitter, and elsewhere. But I'm not important. What is important is this organization, World Bicycle Relief.
On November 20, 2011, I will be racing at Ironman Arizona in Tempe for the fifth (that's a lot...) time. Every day that I’m out training, I know I’m making a difference in my own chances for winning the race. I am fortunate enough to be able to “make my own luck.” But, for many kids in Africa, that is not the case so I’m hoping that I can change their luck. Last year, I raised $34,501 for WBR, and the year before, $22,675. So this year the goal is to beat last year's total, so I've set a goal of $42,880 (320 bikes), which will put us at over 100,000 raised over the three years of doing my charity challenge.
$42,880 will change an entire community’s luck in rural Zambia by bringing bikes to over 300 secondary school children who face extremely long commutes – some of them walking close to 4 hours just to reach school – and also provide the supplies and training of new field mechanics to care for those bikes. Just think, in the same time you complete your marathon portion of the Ironman, these kids are just getting to school. But, unlike you and I, who have a place to rest our feet after the hard day, they’ll have to do it all over again at the end of the day. So, why not take the step and provide a bike by joining World Bicycle Relief and my charity challenge and help give back through the power of bicycles.
Many of my sponsors have been very generous in providing awards for the challenge that we will be doing in the days after the Ironman. The challenge awards will be done electronically, so you don't have to be there. We will do selection on a roll-down system. So the first person will get first pick of awards, second place gets second choice, etc.
You can donate ANY amount, but ONLY donations of $134 (the cost of one bicycle) will make you eligible to earn some of the great fundraising awards. For every multiple of $134 that you donate, you get another chance at an award. $268 earns you two chances, $402 earns you three, $536 earns you four, etc. As a way to expand the fundraising, donations made on your behalf will also be tallied towards your total (and then divided by $134). So if you get 10 people to donate $13.40 in honor/recognition of you, then that earns you another chance as well. N.B. people donating for you must make a notation in the "Donor Info" section with your name - i.e. Name - "John Doe (for Jordan Rapp)".
To enter the challenge, you can donate online at:
http://ironman.kintera.org/arizona/rappstar
If you want to snail-mail, you can do that to:
World Bicycle Relief
Attn: Katie Bolling (Rappstar Raffle)
1333 Kingsbury Street
4th floor
Chicago, IL 60642
Award drawing tickets will be assigned automatically from the donations, so please make sure to give us an email or phone number (or both) that we can reach you at.
This year, due to the overwhelming generosity of some donors, there are certain items (marked on the pages on Slowtwitch) that are only eligible to people who raise two or more bicycles worth; for those awards, the previous math holds, except it's only the folks who give/raise more who are eligible for the bigger awards.
I'm still working on getting the awards/prizes page up and running, so keep your eyes here for updates, as I'll list a link to the award item page on Slowtwitch once I've got it built. I'll also be adding new items there as I am able to collect them.
For my part, I will be donating 10% of my prize money from the race, rounded up to the nearest whole bicycle amount. For example, in 2009 when I won, the prize money for that was $8,500. Ten percent of that is $850. $850 divided by $134 is 6.3, so in that case, I rounded up and donated seven bicycles - $938. This year, if I win, the prize money is $12,000 so that means even more bicycles.
You can help me change the world through simple sustainable transportation!
If you want to read more about how your donation helps, check out the World Bicycle Relief Website at worldbicyclerelief.org.
Thanks for your support!
Jordan "Rappstar" Rapp
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Now, what can you get? It's good stuff! Below I've listed each company and what they have provided. I will be updating this list as I collect more items, so please check back often.
NormaTec MVP: complete NormaTec MVP recovery system. (MSRP $5600) - TWO-BIKE Prize
This is by far the most valuable and amazing donation I've ever received to this fundraiser. The high value of this item makes it a two-bike item per above. Many thanks to NormaTec for really stepping up with this one.
The NormaTec MVP ("Most Valuable Pump") Sports Medicine Technology was created from the successful collaboration of physicians and athletes. The NormaTec MVP has become the treatment modality of choice for athletic trainers around the country. Top Pro and College teams, the U.S. Navy SEALS, the Garmin-Chipotle Pro Cycling team, and other serious athletes seeking the best recovery tool are among those already incorporating the MVP into their daily protocols.
This version will come special with World Bicycle Relief patches on the legs. A special one-of-a-kind touch to remind you about how you can feel good about feeling good in your boots!
Zipp: *MY* "Rappstar Is Backstar" Zipp Super9 & 808 Firecrest tubular race wheelset. (MSRP - $3200) - TWO-BIKE Prize
This is for my race wheelset. This is the wheelset that I rode in Arizona last year coming back from my crash, rode to wins at Leadman and Ironman Canada, and will ride at ITU LD World Champs and Ironman Arizona. I will (at the request of whomever gets them) sign them if you want. Wheelset is in the sort of condition you'd expect from someone who is maniacally obsessive about his gear.
The 808 changed perceptions about deep-section wheels. At first, its 81mm-deep profile appeared only in time trials and triathlons. And sure enough, its early incarnations netted numerous Grand Tour stage wins and Kona IM world championships.
The Super-9 disc excels in races won on full-throttle power. Intended for time trials, track racing, and the occasional Tour de France prologue, the Super-9 is stiffer than the 900 disc and matches the Sub-9’s remarkable ability to generate forward lift when paired with the Tangente tire.
Quarq: SRAM Quarq Cinqo powermeter. (MSRP $1795) - TWO-BIKE Prize
The CinQo Saturn - the second generation is here. Five arms, each precisely instrumented in a (patent pending) arrangement and now connected by the "Ring of Saturn". Add in the ANT+ Wireless Communication with the convenience of a user replaceable CR2450 battery and you've got Quarq Power! The Quarq CinQo is a bicycle powermeter that is integrated into the crankset of the bicycle. Specifically, the CinQo is a instrumented crank "spider" that mounts on specific production cranksets.
This is only for a Cinqo with SRAM crankarms, but you can choose GXP/BB30, crank length, and 130 or 110 BCD.
SRAM: *TWO* SRAM Force complete groupsets. Winner's choice road or TT. (MSRP $1499, Total Contribution $3000) - TWO-BIKE Prize
The SRAM Force groupset brought DoubleTap to the world first. Evolutionary improvements mean its focus on professionals who value innovation and thrive at the far end of the cycling spectrum is unwavering. If you want performance and affordability, then SRAM Force products are a great choice to make.
Road groupset includes DoubleTap levers and choice of 110 or 130BCD cranks. TT includes R2C shifters, plug-in brake levers, and TT rings (130BCD).
1st Endurance: *FOUR* $250 gift certificates. Also comes with an initial consult to determine best breakdown of products (bars, gels, etc.). (total contribution $1000+)
First Endurance integrates the latest clinical research with the input from the best cyclists, runners and triathletes in the world to provide the ultimate endurance-specific sports nutrition.
Zoot Sports: two pairs of Zoot shoes and a Zoot wetsuit. (MSRP $1000+)
Zoot Sports, a global leader in endurance sports, is 100% focused on providing the athlete with the ultimate in performance apparel, wetzoots, footwear and accessories. For 25 years, we have been pioneering innovative product solutions that cover the athlete from start to finish and head to toe. Zoot continues to draw on its history in the sport and its athletes to deliver the most comprehensive, technologically-advanced and complete multisport product line in the world.
Kiwami USA prize packs: *TWO* $150 gift certificates (two separate prizes, total contribution $300)
KiWAMi was created in 2003 by triathletes Craig & Hélène Watson (nee Salomon). After ten years of international competition, and nearing the end of their own careers, Hélène and Craig decided to embark on providing future generations of triathletes with something that had not been readily unavailable in top quality during their racing careers: quality garments that are purposely designed and produced for triathlon competition.
True-Motion prize pack: T-Zero Jacket, hoodie, long sleeve t-shirt, polo shirt, t-shirt (MSRP $277)
True-Motion sportswear was founded by a group of four passionate triathletes whose vision was to create casual sportswear that people feel good about wearing. We offer cool styles and comfortable fabrics to embrace the active lifestyle. There are numerous offerings of technical apparel available to today’s athlete, but what do you wear when you are done training and racing? That is how True-Motion was born. We want to be the after race, after training, or just hanging out on a Saturday afternoon brand of choice. So whether you are a fierce competitor, a promising novice, or simply a passionate spectator, off the field/court/roads you’ll look like all three. Be True.
SaltStick: SaltStick Mega-Pack - one each of EVERY SaltStick (dispenser, caps, etc) product plus SaltSick hat. (MSRP $150)
Electrolyte capsules and dispensers powering World Champions. SaltStick Caps are the most comprehensive solid electrolyte source with sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride to minimize muscle cramping and heat stress during training and endurance events. The only electrolyte capsule formulated to closely resemble the electrolyte profile lost in sweat, with a buffered salt composition that helps digestion and absorption. The unique SaltStick capsule dispenser fits inside aerobars, bicycle bars, and on running belts: Keeps capsules clean and dry.
Hachette Publishers & Chris McCormack: 100 copies of I'm Here to Win. (MSRP $2800)
As always, we have a special prize for the first 100 people who donate at least one bicycle. This year, Chris McCormack and Hachette Book Publishers have stepped up to give 100 copies of Chris's excellent autobiography - I'm Here to Win.
In I'M HERE TO WIN, Chris "Macca" McCormack opens his playbook and reveals everything it takes-mind, body, and spirit-to become a champion. Now he shares the story of his triumphs and the never-say-die dedication that has made him the world's most successful triathlete.
In 2010, at the age of 37, Macca beat the odds and won the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii for a second time in what many called the most dramatic finish in the race's history. Macca's journey to athletic greatness is more than just one of physical perseverance. After coming in fourth in Hawaii in 2009, Macca returned to the island on a mission: He was there to win. A game plan containing a new strategic approach to winning brought him first across the finish line.
Highway 12 Winery & Vineyards TWO (separate prizes) mixed cases of wines hand selected by founder Michael Sebastiani PLUS a personal barrel tasting in Sonoma (MSRP - $268 per case = $536 total PLUS a once-in-a-lifetime experience)
Founded in 2003, Highway 12 Winery was inspired by the agricultural abundance of this region and the winemaking legacy that has evolved.
From the beginning it’s been our goal to create wines of Sonoma Valley and Carneros in the proud tradition of each of those famed growing regions. We realize our very name comes with responsibility in that we share this corridor and its persona with a multitude of vineyards and wineries. For that reason, honoring the agricultural traditions and preserving the region’s reputation for quality guide our every step.
Barrel tastings will be arranged between the winner and Highway 12 for a mutually agreed upon time in Sonoma at Highway 12.
Eric Wynn: half-day professional photo shoot with Eric. (MSRP $1000 PLUS a once-in-a-lifetime experience)
One of the official photographers and videographers for many of the best known companies in the triathlon world, Eric Wynn will donate a signed, large-format print of the winner's choosing from his extensive archive of stellar triathlon photos. Eric shot many of the images from my win at IMAZ last year.
Photo shoot will be arranged between the winner and Eric for a mutually agreed upon time/location.
Slowtwitch contribution: Slowtwitch will match my 10% prize money donation to WBR!
Well, I'm pretty sure you all know what Slowtwitch is, but... Dan Empfield, the man behind Slowtwitch, competed in the first Ironman held on Hawaii's Big Island, in 1981. He designed the original triathlon wetsuit, and founded wetsuit manufacturer Quintana Roo in 1987. In 1989 Empfield debuted another design, the first bike "built from the aerobars back." The first Quintana Roo Superform had 650c wheels front and back, and an 80-degree seat angle.
He sold Quintana Roo to Saucony, Inc., in 1995, and stayed on to run Saucony's bike division - which included Quintana Roo and Merlin - for four years. He left in 1999 and founded Slowtwitch.com.
Life Time Fitness Leadman Triathlon: Entry for you and a friend to both the Las Vegas, NV and *new* Bend, OR Leadman Events. (One winner will get two complete entries to both races, so four entries total.)
Life Time Fitness has announced a new triathlon series in Las Vegas, Nevada and Bend, Oregon with the Leadman Triathlon Series - two Epic events each totaling 250 kilometers. The Las Vegas event will consist of a 5km Swim in Lake Mead, a 223km Bike through the famous Valley of Fire State Park and 22km Run with a turnaround overlooking the monumental Hoover Dam. The Bend event will consist of a 5K Swim Course at Cultus Lake, a 223K Bike Course that will feature 2 laps around Mt. Bachelor, and a 22K Run course that is a relatively flat, fast course through the City of Bend, Oregon.
The Leadman Triathlon, EPIC 250 is the next step in the evolution of triathlon. Participants race in an event designed to both completely challenge the world's triathletes. A Half Leadman option will also be available.
Swimmers will rejoice at the long swim, but have to ride strong on the long and challenging bike before getting to the shorter run.
N.B. The winner must be someone who wants to do both the Las Vegas and Bend races, but he/she can give the companion entry to a different person for each race.
