by Rich Savitt
This will be the 20th year Canyon Velo has participated in the Tour de Cure, the signature fund raising bicycle ride benefiting the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Over the years, the club’s participation has grown in participation, volunteerism and in funds raised. Last year was the first year that the club treasury was put to work, chipping in some money on behalf of “Team Canyon Velo.” This year the Board of Directors has elected to apply up to $50 in a dollar-for-dollar match on behalf of each of the first 20 participants that sign up as a member of “Team Canyon Velo.” This includes the nine members already registered (Rich Savitt, Ed Kissee, Kevin Strand, Paul Leek, William Simpson, Robert Bell, Lisa and Danny Davison, Justin Dobis). The strategy is expected to help grow the ranks of our participation and thereby have a multiplying effect on the overall funds raised. Money donated on behalf of a participant is credited toward the rider’s fund raising minimum ($200) and qualification for fund raising premiums from the ADA. According to ADA statistics, the average participant in Ship-to-Shore Tour de Cure raises $420.
In addition to the $1000 commitment, Canyon Velo is also donating the undistributed $250 prize list from the 2014 Roger Millikan Memorial Criterium Masters 45+ race. A crash which required neutralization of the race during the final lap ended with no official results. Another team contribution of $200 will be made to honor the wishes of member Dave Stanton. Dave graciously returned his race reimbursement (after taking a photograph of the check for posterity) provided the club donate it to a charitable cause.
How to participate in the Ship-to-Shore Tour de Cure (April 27, Long Beach):
Go to http://main.diabetes.org/goto/CanyonVelo and register as a member of Team “Canyon Velo.” The first 20 registered participants qualify for the matching funds. Participants need not be a current member of the Canyon Velo cycling club roster (e.g. friends and family, former club members, associates are eligible).
How to volunteer:
Volunteers are needed on the afternoon before the event (April 26) to help with route marking and on the day of the event (April 27) for route marshalling/safety positions. Contact Rich Savitt (fivelaps2go-at-yahoo-dot-com) if you are interested in helping out with these key tasks.
Help us reach our goal:
Team Canyon Velo’s goal is to raise over $6000. If you are unable to participate and/or volunteer please consider making your own donation. Go to http://main.diabetes.org/goto/CanyonVelo and click the donate button. Choose to make a donation on behalf of one of our team members or on behalf of the team.