Help if you can! 2014 Ride To Conquer Cancer

[burnin_vernon]

I lost my sister 2 years ago to leukemia and my uncle is currently battling as well. My friend did this last year in honour of his wife and he said it was fun, challenging, uplifting, and emotional.

I don't have a big network in my life so I thought I'd reach out here for some support. As a non-rider, I'd also appreciate any advice as far as equipment and/or training goes. I will be shopping for a used road bike; I'd like to hear what riders recommend. Fund raiser ideas are welcome too, as I'm very concerned about reaching the $2500 minimum (if you don't raise, you don't ride).

The ride is June 14th.

Thanks in advance!

My Ride To Conquer Cancer Page

[GGG]

I'm sure that this ride is very important to you emotionally so I dont want to put down what you are doing but the overhead on these types of events tend to be quite high.

http://www.moneysense.ca/the-2013-charity-100-grades

The fundraising arm of the ride is the Alberta Cancer Foundation which spends $33 to raise $100. Its one of the higher overhead numbers out there and if the goal is fighting cancer and providing treatment a direct donation to the Tom Baker Cancer Center is more effective.

[rain_e]

Originally Posted by GGG

I'm sure that this ride is very important to you emotionally so I dont want to put down what you are doing but the overhead on these types of events tend to be quite high.

http://www.moneysense.ca/the-2013-charity-100-grades

The fundraising arm of the ride is the Alberta Cancer Foundation which spends $33 to raise $100. Its one of the higher overhead numbers out there and if the goal is fighting cancer and providing treatment a direct donation to the Tom Baker Cancer Center is more effective.

You are right that events like this do waste alot of money on overhead however they definately bring in money that would otherwise not be donated/raised.

[Resolute 14]

Actually, in Burnin_Vernon's case, it would be the BC Cancer Foundation. (Alberta's ride is August 9-10). I've been a volunteer/crew member for the last three years. It's a hugely worthwhile event even if the parent foundations have such a high overhead. The four rides last year raised over $43 million. Even if 1/3 of that is overhead, it's still $30 million to research.

Anyway, donated. And best of luck with your fundraising, Burnin'! Sometimes you have to get creative on it. My friend and I organized skydives the last couple years to draw people into donating.

[burnin_vernon]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Actually, in Burnin_Vernon's case, it would be the BC Cancer Foundation. (Alberta's ride is August 9-10). I've been a volunteer/crew member for the last three years. It's a hugely worthwhile event even if the parent foundations have such a high overhead. The four rides last year raised over $43 million. Even if 1/3 of that is overhead, it's still $30 million to research.

Anyway, donated. And best of luck with your fundraising, Burnin'! Sometimes you have to get creative on it. My friend and I organized skydives the last couple years to draw people into donating.

Thank you so very much for the generous donation, Resolute! It was quite motivating to get that email. I went to a team meeting tonight and the emotional video they show got me fired up even more.

I've got a few ideas for fundraising and am excited to get them going. My girlfriend is a pastry chef so I'm going to utilize her talents.

I understand that the money could be more efficient elsewhere, but as mentioned, this event does mean a lot to me. When I hear the stories of survivors riding (one was 6 months pregnant!) and to be alongside them and draw from their strength...it's so inspiring.

[pylon]

Bump.

I will be riding again this year, and my tab will pretty much be covered by my employer and vendors I deal with. I do encourage anyone who doesn't have someone they know riding, to donate to burnin_vernon.

[onetwo_threefour]

Also riding again this year, and I will be trolling my usual sources for donations... Everybody support the newb!

As far as advice goes, just make sure you get a good regular training routine and try to make sure you have at least one or two practice rides at 85-90% of the one day distance if you've never ridden this far before. Make sure you hydrate like hell and bring enough energy (food) on your training rides. During the actual rides there's so much support that you don't have to worry as much, just bring your two water bottles.


As for equipment, it's a personal choice. I wouldn't suggest doing it on anything other than a road bike or cyclocross bike (which is what I ride) but people do it every year on mountain bikes and cruisers, they just take a lot longer, and I've heard it's harder on the knees and back. Find something that you can be on for the whole day get your spandex on! (Pylon will disagree)

[pylon]

Oh trust me, for a ride that long, I am definitely sporting the mushroom tip enhancers.

[burnin_vernon]

I'm half way there! It's been rewarding already in that I've learned of a few others struggles, victories, and losses while fundraising. The second-half push will be tougher so I could use any donations you can spare.

Thank you!

My Ride Donation Page