Back in the beginning of May 2010, I made a comment on Facebook that if all of my friends donated $1.50 then I would be able to get my dream bike for my birthday (May 5th). It was a joke and I we had a good laugh here at work about it. The next thing I knew people were bringing me money and a Facebook page had been started to raise money for the bike! It was insane! It all happened so fast and I couldn’t believe it!
Within a week and a half, all of the $600 necessary was raised! People I had never met were sending money from all over the east coast!
Truth be told, I was a little uncomfortable with all of it… I know so many people who could use that money and I was getting a bike with it? It didn’t seem right somehow. Especially after all that had been given to me this year! It was then that I started thinking of a way to give it back. Pay it forward so to speak…
I didn’t have $600 all at once, but I could pay it forward a piece at a time. And if I could do that…then what else could I do?
Once I really started putting the mileage on, I realized that I was saving a good chunk of change in gas. ‘Riding for a Reason’ is the final result of all of the pieces.
For every 15 miles I ride, I will donate $1.00 to a local charity. At first I was thinking that it wasn’t very much money, but I believe it will add up quick as I get better and faster. For April, May, and June, I rode 537.82 miles and donated $35.85 to the ASPCA. For July, August, and September, the money will go to the Roanoke Rescue Mission and after that, Bradley Free Clinic. In addition to the money I give per 15 miles I ride, I will add an additional .05 for every person that joins the Facebook page.
Why local? Well, the truth is that I feel like I have lived in this community without being a part of the community for far too long. I have taken and expected without giving in return. It’s time for that to change.
Once again, I would like to thank all of you that donated as well as all of you that just ‘liked’ the page. I hope that somehow, someday this will help someone you know. Who knows where it could lead…
Surly Long Haul Trucker
My ride to the beach! :)
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