April 27, 2010
Volunteers get in free! Reach the Beach
The 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach is coming up on May 15th! You get get into the finish line party at the Pelican Pub, sing your toes in the sand in Pacific City and enjoy a day at the coast FOR FREE when you sign up to volunteer! You'll also get a free embroidered at and breakfast. What a sweet deal. Volunteers are especially needed at the Portland start location, but the organizers are also always looking for more volunteers to help at the coast. Either way, you get all the cool perks that are just for volunteers.
Do you have friends riding Reach the Beach? Sign up to volunteer and you can join them at the finish line for the party. We think that's a pretty cool way to be involved in this 20th Anniversary ride. For more information on all the various positions available (including some in gorgeous parts of scenic Oregon), see the website.
Every year Reach the Beach becomes more popular, the ride grows and tons of people use the Reach the Beach route as their preferred cycling route to the coast. The ride is capped at 3,000 riders to ensure a quality ride, so if you have not yet signed up yet you should get on it fast! The ride is quickly filling up.
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March 22, 2010
20TH ANNIVERSARY REACH THE BEACH RIDER PROFILE: Charles Magahay
Charles Magahay has been riding Reach the Beach for 13 years and this year he'll turn 55 right after the 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach. "This event is a great beginning to summer riding," Charles says. "It has a few tough miles, but to finally arrive at the coast is the finishing touch not to be topped. You can choose from several routes and mileage choices to test your abilities in a safe and supported group. You'll have ample time to finish the ride and if you feel you just can't make it, sag wagons will help you get to the end in comfort and safety. Food and fun are at the finish and if you plan ahead, there are great places at the coast to stay the weekend."
Charles says he enjoys meeting other riders as they pedal along side each other and likes taking in the scenery. His favorite spot on course is approaching Chapman Road in Yamhill County, looking down into the valley. "You see where you were and where your headed," he says.
After 13 years, Charles is an experienced Reach the Beacher. He's ridden through rain, wind and hail. Charles says the ride has changed over the years. The food has become more delicious, lunch is served at just the right time on course and there are more riders.
Charles also appreciates the opportunity to support the American Lung Association in Oregon through his ride. "I've been lucky to work for a large company so I've been well supported in donations. Donations help fund the ride, but better than that, it's helping the Lung Association of Oregon help those with lung disease live. I know those with lung disease wish they could ride along with us, eh!?"
Charles may set out on the ride by himself, but his journey is a family affair.
"My special moment is that every year my wife volunteers at the finish. I get a real welcome when I get to the coast with a great lunch and a vacation weekend. These past three years one of our daughters and a grandson have helped at the end as well. I even had our trailer at the RV camp at the finish and our eight month granddaughter to hug and greet me."
Though Charles loves this ride, he does have a few suggestions for improvement, "Less wind in your face coming into Pacific City, but I guess we'll have to pray about that one!" Okay, Charles, we'll work on it.
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March 8, 2010
20th Anniversay Reach the Beach
The 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach is almost here! Get ready to ride the best route to the coast, enjoying hearty lunches and yummy snacks at rest stops along the way, and finishing in Pacific City with a sink-your-toes-in-the-sand party right on the beach. Relax after a rewarding day of riding and listen to the waves crash on the shore as you enjoy the feast served up at the award-winning Pelican Pub.
This event is a great introductory distance ride, whether it is your first ride of the season or your first distance ride ever. Courses range from 26 to 100 miles over relatively flat terrain and feature top-notch support every step of the way. This year the ride features a new route from Newberg, which clocks in around 80 miles.
The 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach is limited to 3,000 participants so register early to secure your spot and take advantage of the $25 early registration which ends on April 11.
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February 8, 2010
20TH ANNIVERSARY REACH THE BEACH RIDER PROFILE: Surfer John Thompson
John Thompson says his life motto is "An ounce of 'I must do something' is worth a pound of 'something must be done'" which is why he loves riding Reach the Beach and hopes that someday both his sons can ride the full course with him. "My son Geoff rode the second half of RTB with me when he was about 25. He was MY inspiration." His son, now 33, lives with asthma and John rides to honor his life struggle and in support of the American Lung Association in Oregon.
John says his favorite part of the course is from Grand Ronde to Pacific City: "Rolling, twisty and only one short hill to climb... then arriving at Pacific City!" He also fondly remembers the year Geoff rode with him. The young man was a go-getter, way ahead of everyone else. "He had thighs of steel," John says. But Geoff's energy didn't last longer than necessary: "Partaking of the food at Pacific City, Geoff fell asleep at the table" after enjoying the finish line dinner.
John loves the challenges of Reach the Beach. "I like pushing my own envelope a bit to see how much better I can do on the ride itself," he says. "I also enjoy being able to raise donations, give back to the community and knowing I am making a difference."
John says raising contributions really isn't that hard, and he suggest seeking contributions early. "I tend to keep friends and potential contributors informed about my progress when it comes to training and meeting my fundraising goal. I try to write about humorous episodes while training. Although I have a two or three friends who really helped raise my fundraising goals, it is just as important to have many who can donate a small amount."
John first rode Reach the Beach in 1994 with a team he formed comprised of his coworkers from the City of Portland, Bureau of Environmental Services. Now at age 61, he's still riding, and loves the thrill of actually reaching the beach. "My car always goes on RTB with a surfboard on top and bike on the back." COWABUNGA! We'll see you at the beach, John!
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May 11, 2009
Record Numbers for Reach the Beach: Volunteers Needed!
Reach the Beach, the annual gorgeous fundraising ride for the American Lung Association in Oregon, will reach a record of 3,000 riders this year! The ride is May 16th and volunteers are still needed. Hundreds of volunteers have already signed up, but the more volunteers there are, the more fun the ride is for everyone.
This event is a great opportunity to hang out in the gorgeous countryside, get a FREE beach party in Pacific City at the Pelican Pub, which includes a gigantic buffet lunch and a chance to sink your toes in the sand while you take in the amazing views (haystack rock, the ocean, the dunes....)
AND ALL THIS!:
* A hat
* Lunch or breakfast
* Delicious Nossa Familia coffee
* A chance to hang with thousands of bikers
* A day in the countryside AND at the beach!
* A chance to support a great cause
Sign up here.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 7, 2009
Unicycle to the Beach!
Check out this cool video about a crew of people who are riding to the beach - all 100 miles - on ONE WHEEL - that's right, unicycling to the beach as a part of Reach the Beach on May 16th.
By the way, this ride is capped at 3,000 riders and it's filling up fast - so register before it is too late. The last day to register online (and save) is May 10th and if spaces are still available (the website will say) you can register at the start line.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 6, 2009
Reach the Beach Discussion Board
Reach the Beach is a great springtime tradition as thousands of cyclists pedal their way to a huge surfside party in Pacific City in support of the American Lung Association in Oregon. New this year, the event has a discussion board where you can offer or find carpool rides back from the beach, ask detailed route questions and learn more about this great ride.
Reach the Beach is May 16th and this is an ORbike member event. If you're an ORbike member, you'll save $10 when you register in advance online.
DISCUSSION BOARD >>
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March 7, 2009
Reach the Beach Launches Carpool + Discussion Board
Reach the Beach, which happens every May, just launched a carpool and message board for participants. The event offers participants four route options with distances of 26-100 miles, which results in a lot of questions and sometimes a need to carpool. The organizers hope the discussion board will help make that easier to coordinate.
The discussion board is also a chance to share ride stories and to ask questions. Right now there are three great rider profiles up there, two of which were originally articles we ran here on ORbike.
This is an ORbike member event. If you're an ORbike member you'll save $10 at the time of registration. Contact us for your discount code.
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November 26, 2008
The Best Gift Ideas
Shopping for friends and loved ones can be hard. You want to get something they'll love, and something meaningful, but who has the time to be running all around town? So we've done the dirty work for you. We put together a guide with our favorite gift options for this holiday season - all of which are gifts of a FREE RIDE!
We've even included a special four-ride Fun Package that gets riders in to the Worst Day of the Year Ride, The Night Ride, the Hottest Day of the Year Ride and Tour de Lab at a savings of $26. But savings aside, these four rides are so fun. They each got great food, cool routes, relatively flat courses, quirky themes and hundreds of other enthusiastic riders. These rides are not to be missed, so buy a gift pack and be finished with your holiday shopping.
[ read the full list ]
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 12:25 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 5, 2008
Best of 2008 - Vote Now!
Every year, CompetitorNW Magazine puts together a list of the best events from the year, as voted on by readers of the magazine. Last year, Mt. Bike Oregon and Reach the Beach, both ORbike member events, were voted the best! No question about it, those two events, organized by Good Sport Promotion, definitely deserved the honor.
So what were your favorite events of 2008? You can weigh in here on the CompetitorNW website. And in case you need a refresher on the season, we really liked all of the ORbike member events. See the list here. Worst Day of the Year Ride.... Portland Century.... Just some suggestions!
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May 20, 2008
2,400+ Reached the Beach!
Reach the Beach this past weekend was an amazing success - and a great example of good event planning. The weather was hot, hot, hot, but the water on course was ample and there were support vehicles making loops to pick up riders in need. Extra ambulances ensured the safety of all riders and there was no shortage of smiling faces and happy participants at the finish line. Reach the Beach is a great way to see rural Oregon and an even better way to raise support for the American Lung Association of Oregon. In fact, riders raised over $385,000 for the cause (final numbers are still being tallied). Impressive!
The funds raised will help the ALAO fulfill their mission of preventing lung disease and promoting lung health. That will make a big difference for Oregonians living with respiratory ailments like asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.
Photo by Evan Pilchik
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:09 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 12, 2008
ORbike Member Profile: Heather Andrews
ORbike member Heather Watson starts her e-mail messages to people with an enthusiastic, "Aloha!" That's because Heather, who is new to Portland, moved here from Hawaii, where she loved participating in organized bike events and triathlons. "The very first time a crossed the finish line in my first triathlon, what an amazing feeling. All that hard work and determination paid off and even though I was in pain it felt sooo good, I wanted to do it all over again."
Heather's favorite bike event is one she had to leave behind in Hawaii, "I love riding the century ride on Oahu because we start at dark and when you ride over top of Diamond Head Mountain the sun is rising. It just lets you know it's gonna be a great day." We hope we can help Heather find many new favorite rides here in Oregon.
Heather was off touring the globe for three years and is excited to get back into riding. She says she is looking forward to Reach the Beach, an ORbike member event coming up on May 17th, where she hopes to meet other members out there on the ride. "I signed up with ORbike to meet some great people to ride with at local events and to find out all the different events and races going on here."
Join Heather (the taller one in the picture) and the hundreds of other ORbike members out there. Sign up today!
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May 1, 2008
Rider Profile: Unicycle to the Beach!
It's impressive to ride to the beach in the awesome Reach the Beach ride, but it's even more impressive to get there on a unicycle. Bah! Crazy, no one would do that, you say. Well, in fact several Portland unicyclists are taking the Uni Challenge for this year's event. I ran into Michael (aka MJ Freshy Fresh) at the Pre-ride Party at REI and he admitted he's one of the ambitious unicyclists, so I asked him to tell me more. Is it hard? Does it hurt? Are you insane?
ME: So why are you riding a unicycle to the coast?
MJ: The unicycle is has the highest fun-factor of any mode of transportation that I've found yet, so why not ride it to the coast?
ME: How does riding a uni differ from a standard bike?
MJ: It's way harder to ride but provides you more freedom, no handlebars, gears, brakes, etc. For this ride I'll be on a unicycle called a Coker, it's got a 3' wheel which helps you go faster.
ME: Are there any other unis riding, that you know of?
MJ: Yes, I think there are 2 other riders from our gang and they are braver than I! I'm doing the 50 mile but Max and Zeke are going for the 100 miler!
ME: What route are you doing and why did you choose that route?
MJ: I'm doing the Amity route. I think that's all the miles my body can take, a unicycle seat is rather invasive ya know?
ME: What kind of riding do you usually do and are you training on a uni?
MJ: I play unicycle polo weekly, I do some urban trails riding and some trail riding. Not much training, just riding for fun.
So if you see Micheal, or his other unicycle buddies, out there on the course, give them a high five!
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:03 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 30, 2008
Fundraising 101 Clinic
If you're riding, or considering riding, Reach the Beach, there is an easy-to-reach $50 fundraising goal. It's a snap - all riders do it. But let's say you want to get the really cool In-Focus home projector entertainment system, one of the fundraising prizes. How do you get to that level of fundraising?
Well, first off, let me tell you that is achievable too! Fundraising, at it's most basic, is asking. And when the cause is something as important as clean Oregon air and healthy Oregon lungs, people will feel proud to support your efforts.
Jennifer Baldwin, Development Director at the American Lung Association of Oregon, is making the process even smoother for you when you attend her Fundraising 101 clinic at the Clackamas REI (12160 SE 82nd) this Monday, 7pm. Jennifer, a real expert in fundraising, will share time-tested fundraising tips that have helped hundreds of cyclists raise thousands of dollars for this great cause.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 3:41 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 23, 2008
Reach the Beach is Hot!
Ridership for the 2008 Reach the Beach is off the hook! What's with all the activity? Well, for one, Reach the Beach is simply an amazing way to experience the beauty of rural Oregon. And forget planning what you'll bring and where you'll eat and how you'll get there on safe roads; Reach the Beach organizers have that all planned out and, in fact, have been offering that service for 18 years. On top of that, Reach the Beach is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon so you can feel good about riding and supporting a great organization.
There are six courses to choose from - a little of something for riders of all skill levels. If you're not signed up yet, do it today! You don't want to miss out on this great ride.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 3:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 15, 2008
Reach the Beach
Many of us are draw to Oregon for it's beauty. We enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring what our state has to offer. And for those of us who also love riding our bikes, Reach the Beach is a fabulous way to get out into the countryside and experience Oregon's bounty. If you've ever dreamed of touring Oregon's countryside by bike, this is the best way to do it, with tons of support, yummy food and great routes.
Reach the Beach is the major fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon. Every pedal stroke helps promote clean Oregon air and healthy Oregon lungs. You'll meander along quiet, gorgeous rural roads in search of a spectacular beach party in Pacific City. Register before midnight on April 13th and you'll pay only $25 for the entry fee.
The packet pickup is Sunday, April 27th from 7-9pm at REI in NW Portland. This special night is an opportunity to review the routes, meet other riders, enjoy appetizers, sample treats and learn more about the ride. You can also sign up for the ride and turn in fundraising contributions at this pre-ride party.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:48 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 29, 2008
Reach the Beach Training Rides
The training rides schedule for Reach the Beach has just been published. For years, the American Lung Association of Oregon has partnered with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club to help riders get in shape for the May ride to Pacific City. So it you're not quite feeling up for the 100 mile ride from Portland or the more challenging 110 mile ride from Corvallis, you've got some options. You could hope on the shorter routes, such as 26 miles from Grand Ronde, 55 miles from Amity or 80 miles from Salem. Or you could start training now! the ride is not until May 17th, so, really, you've got plenty of time to get get your legs (and rear) ready.
The training rides are free and they're a great way to get ready for riding miles on end. They range in difficulty so you can choose a ride that's right for you. Plus, many of the people on the training rides are veteran Reach the Beach participants so they can help answer questions you may have about the route. [ schedule ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 24, 2007
Best of 2007
Competitor NW just recently published their list of the best of 2007 - as chosen by readers. Check it out, do you agree? What were your favorite rides and events? Topping the list are Oregon favorites Reach the Beach (an ORbike member event), Mt. Bike Oregon (another ORbike member event) and the Portland Marathon.
[ Read the list ]
Comments (13) | Posted by orbike at 3:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 15, 2007
Rider Profile: The Clydes
Joe and Margene Clyde live on a farm 13 miles outside of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Joe says he and his wife "ride to eat and eat to ride." Last summer the couple, ages 69 and 67, spent two weeks in Southern France doing 50 and 60 miles a day. Spain was on their list for this summer, but instead they'll be building a house "closer to town" so they can ride more with friends. Joe says they ride year round, "This time of year we are riding 100+ miles a week. Our riding in general we do as part of our healthy lifestyle."
The Clydes are two of the 2,000+ people who will be participating in Reach the Beach this Saturday. They say they like the event "because it is for a great cause, is well supported, has lots of great people to visit with - and it's not a killer ride." They have participated in the ride six times: three along the Salem (80) mile route and three along the Portland (100) route. "We enjoy the whole scene," Joe says, "the ride, the food, the people and the finish with a visit to the Pelican Pub!"
So look for the Clydes out there this Saturday! And let's all cross our fingers that the weather continues to be as great as it has been lately.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 11, 2007
Reach the Beach - Take the Ferry!
(Today is the last day to register online, but you can easily register at the event also.)
It's hard to want to write about anything other than Reach the Beach these days. The amazing weather we're having (albeit a little chilly in the morning) makes me think about sunny days spent lounging on the Oregon Coast. Reach the Beach lets you do just that - after a bit of riding.
But the real kicker this year is the FERRY! The southern routes now go over the Wheatland ferry north of Salem. If you like the idea of hopping on a boat for a little rest and a fun ride, you've got two ride options:
the 80 mile route out of Salem or the 110 route out of Corvallis. Reach the Beach has three other routes: 100 miles out of Portland, 55 miles out of Amity and a nice introductory 26 miles out of Grand Ronde.
Online registration closes today, but you can still register at the start line.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:13 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 8, 2007
What's your Shark Tale?
Reach the Beach puts out a rider newsletter called Shark Tales. It gives details info on the ride, tips for fundraising and features profiles on some of the riders. It also have photos of the ride and all sorts of other cool pre-ride info. We want to know about your personal shark tales! Have you participated in Reach the Beach? What was the ride like for you? Are you riding this year?
Comments (6) | Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 7, 2007
Not Scary: Fundraising for a Benefit Ride
Here's a little help for those of you who are riding Reach the Beach. I spoke with Jennifer Baldwin, the fundraising guru at the American Lung Association of Oregon, and she assured me fundraising isn't scary, it's simple. Here are the five tips she suggests that make it quick and easy to qualify for cool fundraising prizes (like the sold-out Cycle Oregon).
* Start by sending an e-mail to all of your friends. Tell them what you're doing and ask for their support.
* Don't be afraid to follow up with people who have said they will donate to your fundraising efforts. A quick reminder e-mail.
* Ask everyone to support your fundraising efforts. You never know who has been affected by lung disease.
* Include pictures: of you on your bike, of your loved one with a
lung disease, of you and your family. This reminds your supporters that it’s an important personal issue.
* Use the online fundraising system. These easy-to-use tools make it a snap to quickly meet - and exceed - your goal.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 10:38 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 2, 2007
Rider Profile: Jessica Judah
There are tons of people riding Reach the Beach this year. Jessica Judah, 24, is one of the 1,500 riders who has already signed up. Everyone who rides has a different connection to the event. Some people like the physical challenge. Others like the camaraderie among riders. For Jessica, it goes even deeper. Jessica is participating memory of her grandmother who died of lung cancer. Every one of her pedal strokes will be supporting the American Lung Association of Oregon's efforts to promote clean and prevent lung diseases.
So why is Jessica riding? "First of all...it's for a great cause! Secondly, it sounded like a great event to do with my husband and brother in-law and a great way to stay in shape." Of the six route options, the Jessica, who will be riding for the first time, chose the 100 mile route from Portland. "We chose that distance because we really want to push ourselves. Neither of us have ridden that far in one ride and look forward to the challenge!" But Jessica and her husband average about 50 miles a week and usually go for a longer ride every Sunday.
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 9:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 27, 2007
Reach the Beach Pre-Ride Party
The Reach the Beach pre-party is this Sunday, April 29th at REI. Come on over to pick up your rider number so that on the morning of the ride, you're all set to hit the road. They'll be serving up yummy hors d'oeuvres and providing plenty of samples from Clif Bar, Pioneer Organics and more. You'll also get 10% all REI merchandise, a chance to ask fundraising questions and they'll have the new Reach the Beach t-shirt for sale.
Here's a tip: come later in the evening. The event is 7-9 pm. People start lining up at 6 pm, which means there is a huge line at the beginning. Come at 8 pm and avoid the madness.
Comments (6) | Posted by orbike at 10:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 24, 2007
Volunteer at a Biker Party
Help get things started off right for Reach the Beach, a 17 year tradition and a benefit for the American Lung Association of Oregon. Snack on yummy cheese and crackers, help riders get signed up for the ride, sample tasty energy snacks and organic fruit, sell t-shirts and generally help out.
It's the Reach the Beach Pre-Ride Packet Pickup Party on April 29th at REI Portland, NW 14th and Johnson.
All volunteers get free access to the party, a 10% off coupon to REI and a commemorative cap. To sign up, see the Reach the Beach website. 13 volunteers are still needed, so spread the word.
This picture is of a volunteer in action at the finish line last year, handing out leis - how fun! If you can't make it on Sunday, there are PLENTY of other volunteer opportunities on the ride, so join in on May 19th instead!
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 2:04 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 23, 2007
Larry and his Babe
No really, that's her name - Babe - and she's the reason Larry is here today, riding Reach the Beach. Several years ago, Larry Tanner, from Tillamook, was injured on the job and unable to work for a long period of time. The normally-active guy didn't take well to all this sitting around, and he quickly developed severe depression and an addiction to his pain medication. Larry gained a lot of weight and his life began to spiral our of control.
But Babe, his wife for 40 years, wasn't about to let that happen. Through her love and support, Larry was able to kick his addiction to the pain medication and he started riding his bike for exercise. Before he knew it, he lost over 100 pounds and signed up to ride Reach the Beach.
That was three years ago and Larry has been riding Reach the Beach ever since. Larry's preferred route is the 100 miles from Portland, but this year he is considering the Corvallis Challenge, a new 110 mile route. And his favorite part about the ride? "First of all," Larry says "its a great ride and for a great cause." He also really loves the anticipation and excitement leading up to the start of the big ride day.
And Babe has been there every step of the way. The first year, she rode with Larry. Now she's an equally-helpful contributor to the event as she volunteers at rest stops along the course. Babe says she loves directing traffic and cheering on riders - and seeing Larry cross the finish line.
These days, Larry puts in 100-200 miles of riding a week, and in 2006 he clocked 6,000 miles. He has come a long way from his days of depression, and Reach the Beach has been a big part of his recovery. So look for Larry out there on the ride, and give him high five. Way to go Larry! We'll see you at the beach.
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 8:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 16, 2007
You Could Win This Rack!
Check out this cool Yakima bike rack. It's solid, easy to use and can carry two bikes. It's perfect for taking your bikes anywhere you want to adventure - and could be yours if you attend tonight's Reach the Beach Fundraising 101 workshop at REI Portland, 7pm. Every attendee will be entered into a drawing for the rack, a $500 value.
You don't need to have ever sold Girl Scout Cookies, gathered pledges or raised money for a cause before in order to be a great fundraiser for Reach the Beach and the programs of the American Lung Association of Oregon. Expert fundraiser, and ALAO Development Director, Jennifer Baldwin will be on hand to share with you her favorite tips and techniques for raising funds. She'll help you get ready as she shows you how fun, and rewarding it can be.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 12:54 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 9, 2007
Don't be Afraid to Ask
For most of us, asking for is nervewracking. Even when it's a great cause, like the programs of the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO) - programs that save lives, help children run and play and educate people with lung diseases. I mean, when you think about that great work, it shouldn't be so hard to ask for people to give a little to support it.
And yet, for many of us, the mere thought of asking for money makes us clam up and want to crawl in a hole. But there's no reason it should be that way! That's why Jennifer Baldwin of the ALAO is hosting Fundraising 101 for riders of the ALAO's Reach the Beach. Jennifer is the ALAO's Development Director and at the workshop, which is April 16th at REI Downtown, 7pm, she'll share her knowledge from years of fundraising experience. She'll show you how easy it is to raise support for the ride. Jennifer will break it down and give you comfortable, simple-to-use tips and techniques for asking for support from friends, coworkers and family. You'll walk out of there ready to conquer the world... or at least reach that top fundraising prize of a free pass to the sold-out Cycle Oregon ride.
And everyone who attends will be entered into a drawing for a Yakima rooftop bike rack, a $500 value. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss. If you're riding Reach the Beach, we'll see you at REI on the 16th.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:53 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 4, 2007
Reach the Beach Says, "Hello Corvallis!"
Reach the Beach, well known for its beautiful routes through rural Oregon, continues add new, exciting features every year. This year they've added a Corvallis Challenge, 110 mile route starting from Cheldelin Middle School in Corvallis. This distance route will take you along winding roads through a gorgeous region or Oregon. The quiet rural route will meander through Oregon wine country along the way to Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City where a Finish Line Beach Party, and your pint of Pelican Pub beer, awaits. That's right, a party directly on the beach, as in sink-your-toes-in-the-sand. You're going to love it.
To sign up or for more information on any of the six routes of various lengths, see the Reach the Beach website.
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 7:49 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 26, 2007
Reach the Beach Amazing Video
You've got to watch this Reach the Beach video. People ride Reach the Beach for all sorts of reasons. This video features Brian, a rider who only has one lung, and how his company, Rejuvination, rallied around him to support his ride. It's a great story.
[ watch the video ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 9:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 18, 2007
Everyone Can Reach the Beach
If you've never ridden to the coast, Reach the Beach is a great way to do it! You can choose a variety of routes, from as few as 26 miles (starting from Grand Ronde) to as many as 110 (Corvallis Challenge). And if you've done this ride or your own ride to the coast before, you know how great the routes and scenery are.
Reach the Beach makes it easy, carefree and fun with yummy food along the way (including a hot lunch and a Deli Sandwich Stop), rest stops nearly every 10 miles, support vehicles to carry your baggage and a fabulous beach party - on the sand, at the Pelican Pub - in Pacific City. When was the last time you sunk your toes in the sand while drinking a pint of beer? That's what I thought. It's been TOO LONG. Sign up for Reach the Beach today and cure those winter blues.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 9:58 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 21, 2006
How Do You Make 1,800 Cyclists Happy?
Well, you tell them it's going to rain then surprise them with gloriously clear skies, take them through some of Oregon's most beautiful landscape, feed them tons of delicious food along the way, plan their ride to end at a pub on the beach and make sure they never have to wait in line. It may sound too good to be true but it's not - that was Reach the Beach yesterday.
I was at the Grand Ronde stop yesterday and it was awesome. Riders couldn't say enough good things about the beautiful route and the tasty food. These are just a pictures from the day - more to come. Oh, and that 1,800 count is a low estimate. The final numbers aren't in yet.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:27 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 11, 2006
Volunteer for a Bike Beach Party
Reach the Beach is a 2,000 rider strong benefit bicycle ride for the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO). You don't need to be on a bike to make a huge difference in the ALAO's work to promote lung health and clean air. Over 300 volunteers are needed to make this event a success on May 20th.
FREE STUFF FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Breakfast, coffee drinks, snacks, a commemorative hat and free entry to the finish line beach party in Pacific City.
PORTLAND START
The Portland start is the largest location. At least 1,000 riders will be there there and tons of volunteers are still needed. Sign up to share your time for a great morning. The location is Conestoga Middle School and you'll be all finished by 10:00 am. This location also features delicious coffee from Nossa Familia.
SIGN UP TODAY!
See the website for details about morning and afternoon positions in all different parts of Oregon.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 28, 2006
Reach the Beach Packet Pickup Party
Morning of a 2,000 person road ride, who wants to wait in line? That's why for Reach the Beach we put together an early packet pick up. Day of, you're ready to ride. Oh, but we took it a step further when we planned this year's Packet Pickup Party at the downtown REI!
Join us this Sunday, 4/30 from 7-9 pm for an evening of great food, health information, coffee by Nossa Familia, new products from Clif Bar and... well, there's much more but you'll just have to come down and see for yourself.
If you are not yet registered for Reach the Beach you can register at the event on Sunday.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:53 AM | Permalink | TrackBack