Dam2Dam Thumbs Up! Bike Ride 2007
OK, so last year you may remember that I bought a new road bike with the intent of eventually being in shape to ride the 204 mile Seattle to Portland bicycle ride. I've done a few rides of 20+ miles so far and this weekend, Brandon, Steve and I are heading out for what is looking like 40 miles.Last year Steve signed up for a ride to support the Mike Utley foundation and Spinal Cord Injury Research called the Dam2Dam Thumbs Up! Bike Ride. It's a ride of 25, 50, or 100 miles and the route takes you between two Dams in Eastern Washington, hence the Dam2Dam moniker. So being inspired by Steve (who is training to do the STP this year in ONE DAY!) I've signed myself up to ride in the Dam2Dam in September. I'm going to do the 50 mile event, unless something crazy comes up and I feel like superman and decide last minute to do the 100. (You never know)
So, one component of doing this ride is fundraising. So, if you enjoy reading my blog and would like to support my cause, I've set a goal of raising $3,000 in support of the Mike Utley foundation. I'd really appreciate it if you'd show your support for my blog and my commitment to losing weight and getting in shape by making a donation. The Mike Utley foundation is a 503.c organization and as such, your donation is 100% tax deductible.
If you'd like to donate online, you may do so at the following link:
http://www.mikeutley.org/shop/product.esiml?PID=4
Just be sure to put my name "John Hurlbut" in the Rider's name box. I will be eternally grateful!
More about Mike Utley and the Mike Utley Foundation:
On November 17, 1991, Detroit Lions' offensive guard Mike Utley (#60), was paralyzed during an NFL game. His courageous "THUMBS UP" gesture has become the national symbol of Mike's fighting spirit. In the many months that have followed since his injury, Mike has focused all of his energies towards rehabilitation. This has meant countless hours of therapy which have made Mike nearly 100% self sufficient. Today, Mike has voluntary movement of muscles in his lower legs and feet and participates in a "gaiting" program with the help of leg braces and crutches.
In addition to his own fight to walk again, Mike has now taken on a new challenge...helping all people with spinal cord injuries. Thus, the Mike Utley Foundation was established in December of 1991.