I need advice on creating a Charity Bike Ride

bluemarlinchef2

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

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 !

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Charlie V