The 4th annual “50 Mile Ride for Project Rwanda” will be held on Saturday April 10, 2010 in Orange County, CA.
What began as a 50th birthday ride back in 2006 has evolved into one of the most anticipated and talked-about mountain bike events in Southern California. Last year’s event was enjoyed by over 400 fun-loving mountain bikers, and organizers expect over 500 riders to participate this year.
What makes this ride different? First of all, this event is a “ride”, not a race. Riders participate for a lot of reasons: some for the challenge of riding further on a mountain bike than ever before, some because they love the Project Rwanda cause, some for the fun of sharing the day with tons of other biking buddies. Second, the event is a fundraiser (with an emphasis on “fun”). 50 Mile Ride has raised just over $100,000 for Project Rwanda over the first three events.
According to event founder Doug Grant, “Our 50 Mile Ride event has grown every year. Once riders catch the vision and experience the fun – they come back again, year after year.” One such participant is John Andrews, who said about 2009’s event: “Congratulations on another great event. Everyone I spoke with had a great time, and once again had nothing but positive things to say about the event, the volunteers, the sponsors, prizes, everything!”
Riding for a cause appeals to lots of mountain bikers, including Jeff Yip: “My two friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Best part was that we took our passion for mountain biking and put it to a great cause.”
Participant Diane Parks agrees: “What a great event! I deeply appreciate the true sense of community that you have created around this event. I had a wonderful time and am so happy to donate time, energy and $ to such a worthy cause.”
Project Rwanda was founded by Tom Ritchey, a pioneer in the mountain bike industry. Tom first visited Rwanda in 2005. He was awed by the natural beauty of the country – “the land of 1000 hills”. Even more than that, Tom was inspired by the people and their stories of reconciliation and hope. Tom knew he could use his talent and resources to help make a difference – and Project Rwanda was born. Project Rwanda’s mission is to further the economic development of Rwanda through initiatives based on the bicycle as a tool and symbol of hope.
The purpose of Project Rwanda is four-fold:
- Special Bike Design – Project Rwanda has designed a special utility bike that can quickly and efficiently transport heavy loads of coffee. This coffee bike can increase a Rwandan farmer’s earning potential by 30-40 percent, giving them an opportunity to rise above poverty for the first time in their generation.
- Build Awareness for Rwanda – The annual “Wooden Bike Classic” is an example of how Project Rwanda is reaching out to the world’s cycling and travel/adventure communities.
- National Pride – Project Rwanda has developed and equipped the Rwandan National Cycling Team. This team is now participating in international cycling events, and one day hopes to represent Africa in the Olympic Games.
- Bike Distribution – Project Rwanda plans to establish bike distribution to needed organizations. Micro-finance mechanisms will subsidize the cost of these bikes, at rates that are fair and reasonable.
In addition to the 50 Mile Ride, there are 25 mile and 5 mile “fun ride” options available. For more information about 50 Mile Ride for Project Rwanda or to register for the event, please visit www.50mileride.com.
