Thanks for visiting my fundraising page!
Hard to believe it's been seven years since Maggie and I last rode RATPOD.
Now Maggie is in a foreign country, I moved to another state. I got a different job. On and on.
Yes, a lot has happened since then - if you know, you know…
That's one of the things that makes the return back to RATPOD so appealing; it feels like it's something that hasn't changed.
I think we can expect a start with temps just barely above 32F, then soaring to 85F by afternoon. Definitely some breezes, maybe some headwinds. The freedom of eating two slices of pie a-la-mode at the pie stop, and the blissful sweetness of plucking cold, cut watermelon out of a giant cooler at the watermelon stop. And though you don't really see it on the ride, among the Pioneer Mountains is Mt Tweedy. Despite it's silly name, climbing that peak was my favorite mountaineering experience.
What's new this year? I'll be riding a very light carbon-fiber bike (though it's still the rider that makes the difference, not the bike). My friend Lane will be making his RATPOD debut. He'll have not problems as his mileage for the year is already double what mine is.
And Camp Mak-A-Dream is a special place for so many kids. You may not know it, but I nearly took a job with the Camp Mak-A-Dream foundation just before Covid hit. Though I love what I do now, I sometimes think about how working there would have been.
So thanks again for taking a read and considering supporting Camp Mak-A-Dream and the dynamic team: Coffee, Coffee Cake, and Carbon!
Here's a little more from Camp Mak-A-Dream…
RATPOD is a one-day cycling event that raises money for Camp Mak-A-Dream and this year RATPOD is on its 24th year!!
This annual event is not just about cycling; it's about making a difference in the lives of cancer survivors and their families by supporting Camp Mak-A-Dream. Camp Mak-A-Dream provides a safe space and supportive community setting for cancer survivors, providing them with transformative experiences in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana. For over two decades, RATPOD has been the driving force behind Camp Mak-A-Dream's success, making it the largest fundraising event for this extraordinary cause.
By participating in RATPOD, we contribute to empowering cancer survivors and their families to navigate life with resilience, strengthen vital life skills, and foster lasting connections. Cancer can be an overwhelming journey, but together, we have the power to instill hope and dreams in the lives of those affected.
I invite you to join me in making a difference by donating any amount you can. Your support plays a crucial role in bringing hope and positive change to the lives of survivors and their families. Your generosity will go a long way, and I encourage you to share this message with anyone you believe may be interested in riding or contributing to this meaningful cause.
Many thanks for your invaluable support as we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those touched by cancer. Together, we can turn dreams into reality!
