Some of you may be aware, some of you not, but I’m telling you now anyway – I bike for money. Yep, it’s not just beer for which I ride, it’s moolah too. Now, I’m no professional rider … unfortunately … no one actually pays me to ride for a living. But I’m lucky that I have people in my life that pay charities so that I may do some cool bike rides with those charities.
While I was still feeling good riding the 2012 Century for the Cure
Here’s how it works. I signup for charity rides, usually at a substantial registration fee (well, except for The Ride for Amy, which is one of the things I love about it – no registration fee), I commit to riding a certain length (though there is never any shame in not finishing – I tell me that after my abysmal performance in last year’s Century for the Cure), and I commit to raising a certain amount of money for those charities. Then I get my very generous friends (hint, hint) to donate money to these charities, thus sponsoring me to ride in the aforementioned cool rides.
I like to think it’s a win, win, win situation. The charity benefits from the donation, I benefit because I not only get to do some cool bike rides, but I also get some training goals throughout the season and, you my friends (hint, hint), get to feel good that your money goes to some worthy causes (and that you don’t need to have a sore crotch/butt in the process).
This year I’ve selected three charity rides to do.
The first is in a few short, weeks. It’s the MS Coast the Coast, a 170 mile ride from central NJ down to the southern tip in Cape May over the course of 2 days.
The second, is on June 2 – and it’s the 6th Annual Ride for Amy for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer. Becky is riding with me this year. We’re doing the 25-mile route this year as I’ll be supporting the other riders by “bringing up the rear.”
The third is in September and is the 9th Annual Century for Cure that supports the NJ Cancer Institute. This is the ride I most fear as it’s a grueling 100 miles in 1 day, over some seriously hilly terrain in central and western NJ. I’ve completed it once, and failed out last year but Chris has me in “Riemann Hill Training” already, so I’m hopeful for a strong ride this year.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spend your tax refund, or reduce your taxes for next year, feel free to donate to any or all of these charities.
Thanks.
6th Annual Bike Ride for Amy (Kim) or better yet, sponsor Becky and make her feel good!
