We are entering the final countdown of this year's Charity Challenge for World Bicycle Relief. Through the match that goes through the end of this year (and the end of this fundraiser), every dollar donated is doubled, making the impact of what we do in these last few days even greater. So far, we've raised $58,825, but I'm hoping we can finish with a bang!
The window to be one of the first 100 donors has now passed, but we do have a special announcement for those folks, who are getting another goodie added to their swag-bag. Our additional giveaway for the first 100 comes thanks to The Turbine by Rhinomed. They have chipped in 100 of their size-samplers (one of each size of Turbine - S, M, and L). These will be mailed out with the hats and Chipotle cards in early January to the first 100 donors. The Turbine helps expand your nasal passages to make it easier to breathe. Interestingly, I've found it to be the most helpful when swimming, but I also enjoy running and cycling with it as well. I used one at IMMT, Kona, and IMAZ this year. The product is based around another Rhinomed product called Mute which was originally designed to help people nose-breathe while sleeping. You can sleep with a Turbine (it's just designed to be more rigid than the Mute); I use mine every night. I like it for training and racing. But I love it for sleeping. Anyway, it's a very innovative product that I'm excited to be able to share with folks. If you want to show your love on Twitter, and you can shout out to them @TheTurbineCom.
To enter the challenge, you can donate online at the URL below. Like last year, the Ironman Foundation has been very generous in hosting and handling the donation site for us (Thanks IMF!). Link:
https://www.crowdrise.com/rappstarcharitychall/fundraiser/theironmanfoundation
As in past years, you can donate ANY amount, but ONLY donations of $147 or more (the cost of one bicycle) will make you eligible for prizes. For every multiple of $147 that you donate, you get another entry. $294 earns you double eligibility, $441 earns triple, etc. Donations of 7 bikes ($1,029) get you an extra spot. For more details, read the first article at the link below. Award drawing tickets will be assigned automatically from the donations, so please make sure to give us an email or phone number (or both) where we can reach you.
As a reminder, 100% of your contributions are tax deductible and will be directed back to World Bicycle Relief. For those interested, you can also submit donations via traditional mail at this address:
World Bicycle Relief
Attn: Development
1000 W Fulton Market
4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60607
Thanks for your support and commitment to WBR! And now onto the good stuff. The first of these donations come from folks that have supported me since year one. Their perfect track record of seven years of support is amazing. And I cannot thank them enough. It's great to have them back for another year.
The new Kiwami Spider trisuit and Kona Wings top (MSRP $500) is the ultimate combo for all races distances. The recipient has their choice of either the front-zip Spider LD1 or the back-zip Spider WS1 triuit and either the short sleeve or long sleeve Kona Wings top. Talking about their suits, Kiwami says, The Spider line is designed to be the pinnacle of triathlon performance wear. Using new innovative materials and technologies, the suit aims at optimally performing in all three disciplines. When the suit was designed there was special attention given to technical integration of compressions throughout the suit to slow down the onset of fatigue. On their tops, they add, Validated after intensive wind tunnel testing, Kiwami's short sleeved Kona Wings will offer you free speed. With its unique and very breathable fabric, this top will let you speed through the wind and reduce drag to its minimum. You can shout out to NormaTec on twitter at @KiwamiTri
Kevin Pollock was born and raised on Michigan's west coast. He says, Our incredible skies, waters and maritime life were all my influences growing up and still are today. My photography focuses on the beauty, color, and details in these elements. While much of this splendor can be seen during the day, it's the peacefulness and solitude of the night that has been always been most addictive to me. It has become my favorite time to shoot and I've developed a style that attempts to showcase its hidden beauty. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the images! Kevin has been kind enough to donate three of his amazing prints in large format 20x30 mounted on 3/4-in foam board ready to hang (MSRP $600. Three separate prizes). Winners will have their choice from a selection of Kevin's prints, each showcasing incredible nighttime maritime scenery like the one above.
And now, onto the incredible offerings from SRAM, Zipp, and Quarq, a SRAM RED22 groupset (road or tri), a SRAM Force1 groupset (what I race on), a Zipp 606 (404 front and 808 rear) Firecrest wheelset (tubular or clincher), and a Quarq Elsa powermeter . MSRP - $1,725 + $844 + $2,865 + $1,650 = $7,070. (Four separate prizes.) WOW! The goal for the end of this fundraiser is to exceed the value of SRAM's donations in donations. $1,768 a day will get us there. Please share. Please donate. You can change the world through the Power of Bicycles!
World Bicycle Relief was founded in early 2005 by FK Day, one of the executive vice-presidents of SRAM and brother of SRAM president Stan Day, after the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated much of Sri Lanka. FK and his wife, a documentary photographer, traveled to Sri Lanka and witnessed the devestation to Sri Lanka's infrastructure firsthand. Recognizing that transportation was a major limiter to the recovery of this small nation, FK founded World Bicycle Relief to put purpose-built bikes in the hands of the people who needed them most. Bicycles were able to navigate trails, battered roads, and more, transporting food, aid, water, and other supplies to those who needed it. And, as the country began to recover, it allowed people to rebuild the economy by allowing them to transport fish, goods, and more for trade and sale.
Seeing the clear impact of the power of bicycles, the World Bicycle Relief team made it their mission to, "mobilize people through the Power of Bicycles. We envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to education, healthcare and economic opportunity." In that first year (2005), WBR distributed 6,100 bicycles. Last year, they distributed 47,200 bikes. So far, there are 280,401 bicycles in the field thanks to World Bicycle Relief. This incredible growth has landed WBR on the top-25 list of Barron's Most Effective Philanthropies, alongside the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Oprah's Angel Network, and more of the most prestigious charities in the world. All this without a major name or major financial backer behind. This was grassroots change, built quickly and powerfully by people donating their time and expertise, and by the recipients of these bicycles using them to make a difference in their own communities. It's an incredible organization and one that I'm hugely proud to be a part of.
Simple, sustainable bicycle transportation multiplies an individual's efficiency. Compared to walking, bikes improve access to education, healthcare and economic opportunity. They increase carrying capacity and accessible travel distance while decreasing the time it takes to commute to schools, clinics and markets. Student attendance increases by up to 28%; grades increase by up to 59%. Healthcare workers reach 40% more patients more often. Entrepreneurs travel 4X further, carrying 5X more goods, increasing profits by up to 50%.
HEALTHCARE Bicycles help Volunteer HIV/AIDS healthcare workers in rural Africa reach their clients more quickly and more often.
MICROFINANCE On a bike, entrepreneurs travel 4X further in ⅓ the time carrying 5X more goods, multiplying profits and opportunities.
EDUCATION With a bike, school attendance increases up to 28% and grades improve up to 59%, allowing students to pursue their dreams.
FIELD MECHANICS Skilled workers in rural Africa receive a bike, spare parts, tools and training to launch their own local bike businesses.
ENVIRONMENT South African families earn bikes in exchange for nurturing native saplings and collecting recyclable trash.
With six assembly facilities, World Bicycle Relief is empowering people across Africa. So far, they've provided bikes in Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Where will you take them next with your donation?
As a reminder, 100% of your contributions are tax deductible and will be directed back to World Bicycle Relief.
Tweet at them all to thank them for their support at @ZippSpeed, @SRAMRoad, @Quarq, and of course @PowerOfBicycles.
