I need advice on creating a Charity Bike Ride

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Hello all,

I am new here and must say that I find cyclingforums.com to be very helpful!

I wasn't sure where to put this post so I put it here.

I am an amateur cyclist that started riding as a way to try to regain my health.
You see, I am a 28 years young man and suffer from an illness called Severe Ulcerative Colitis which is one of a few conditions of Irritable Bowel Disease. It affects the Large Intestine.
I have had it for about 3.5 years and it has been a horrible experience. I do not wish this on my worst enemy even though I have no enemies!
To learn more about it click here: www.ccfa.org (http://www.ccfa.org)

I have been cycling for about 2 weeks. I just bought a Trek 7.6FX bike and I really like it. Because of my illness I have lost alot of weight and muscle since I got sick. I am currently 115lbs @ 5'8" :(
I have been doing a daily 2.2 mile ride and today did it 2 times for 4.4 miles. Once in the morning & the other at night. Since I live in Las Vegas those are the coolest times of the day right now.
I plan on working my way up to longer rides as I feel better and get used to doing something I have not done in a very long time.

Over the years I have met some very inspirational people and read some very inspiring stories. I never would have thought that I would say this but, I now consider my illness a "BLESSING"! I say that because it has affected my life in many ways but mostly in a positive way. I have learned new things about myself and have seen the true love and support my family has for me.

Anyways, enough about me.

I plan on forming a Non-Profit Organization in Las Vegas. The goals will be to raise awareness of IBD & Colon Cancer as well as raising money through charity events for research and to find a cure. I also want it to be a place where sufferers can go to for support and information.

I want to raise money to help myself get through this hard time in my life. I cannot hold a regular paying job because of it and have trouble paying for treatment and medicine since I have no insurance.
I would also like to raise some money to put towards starting the Non-Profit.

I was thinking of having a Bike Ride to raise money. I am considering doing it myself and asking for "per mile donations". I would like to complete a 30-50 mile ride on flat land. I know that some of you can do 50 miles in your sleep but please consider my health.
Maybe I can get anywhere from $5 on up per mile and an incentive for completing the entire trip under a certain time!

My plan is to do the ride in a couple months when it cools down. Also because I need time to prepare my body for it as well. Hopefully by the end of October depending on the response from others.

Keep in mind that this is just a thought I had recently. I want to find out if I can gain support for it.

I would advertise this to friends and family and maybe a couple local bike shops.

Have any of you ever done something like this?

I would really appreciate your advice and suggestions.

If any of you have questions for me please email me @ bluemarlinchef24@yahoo.com

Also, would any of you consider donating to my efforts?
It could be tax deductible if I can get my Non-Profit up and running before the ride :D !

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Charlie V

I charity riding for years and per mile doesn't work. The best run rides are with The National MS Society, JDRF, and Livestrong Foundation. If you did it yourself choose a route with various levels of mileage or experience levels to start. Second sponsorship also helps from various cycle shops, companies, and Media. Third thing to think about "FOOD" the most important thing riders crave(Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch). You would also need a team of volunteers to help set-up, admissions, SAG's, Rest stops, Arrow painting crew, and last advertising in the area. Talk to the city if they can help or show interest in your idea of charity bike ride.

Good Luck

Dbtu
Fleutz@yahoo.com