Dear Friends and Family,

With your support I completed the ride and raised $3,000.

 It was a long ride, with headwinds the almost the entire 205 miles.
 
The finish line was an exciting place, set up like a Tour de France finish line -- but in downtown Portland. There were 7,000 riders coming across the finish line over a six hour period. Overhead was a large "Finish" banner, colored  flags waving in the wind, someone standing ringing a large hand bell, announcer on a PA system, live music in the background, a 15' wide ramp, lined by barricades, behind which stood cheering crowds and kids reaching out to high-five us, photographers snapping pictures!  It was very, very  moving to come across the line: tired, proud, beta-endorphined, somewhat in a daze transitioning from hours of non-stop riding into such a bustle:

 

STP Pix

As I dismounted my bike, I was approached by a photographer from the Portland Oregonian, the local metropolitan newspaper.  She told me she had just taken my picture and wanted to publish it the paper. She got lucky and chose one who had a good public interest angle for the picture caption!  Here's Monday's paper:

 

 

 

                      

(Click on any of the above pictures for details)

 

Dear Family, Friends, Friends of Family, and Friends of Friends,                                                                  July 7, 2003

This coming Saturday, at 5 am, I begin a two-day, 200 mile fund-raising bicycle ride from Seattle to Portland.

On this ride, I am raising funds for the National MS Society. Through its nationwide network of chapters, the National MS Society supports research efforts, educates, provides a variety of empowering programs, organizes fund-raising events, and advocates for people with disabilities.

I started training six months ago. Training included:

This isn't a casual outing for me. Nor is the cause for which I raise funds one with which I'm unacquainted.

One thing that has kept me going while training was anticipating writing this note to you, and getting your supportive response.

So, now it's your turn.

I am motivated, committed, and eager for your support. While I hope to see your support in the form of money, your good wishes and cheers will sustain me on the ride … and your congratulations will be accepted when I arrive on two wheels in Portland next Sunday .

Sincere thanks for your support!

 Tom (a.k.a. "Mr. Not-Quite-A-Jock")

(See next page!)

Yes, I will support Tom’s effort to support The National MS Society at the following level:

 

____    $2500  Lifelong Friend level:        You GO, guy!

____    $2500  Good friend  level:             I love you and am proud of you!

____    $1000  OLD Old Friend level:        Hard to imaging he is doing this at our age!

____    $1000  Collector level:                   This is a collection I can respond to!

____    $500    Close Like-Family level:    If he can do this, anyone can, even me!

____    $250    Cheerleader level:             Can’t wait to cheer. Great cause.

____    $120    Bicycle Spinner  level:         I always knew he was good at spinning wheels! 

____    $100    Gratitude and Guilt level:    Thank goodness those we love are healthy!

 

____    $____ Finisher level  

I know Tom has the drive to do this and finish, even if he is slow.

I will contribute at a level I can. Thanks for giving me the opportunity!

  

Please race in honor/memory of ___________________________________

 

Please make checks payable to The National MS Society
and mail to me by July 15, 2002.

 Name

 Mailing Address

 City, State, Zip

Or, send an e-mail or surface mail with your credit card number, name on the card, expiration date, and amount.

       Address to mail checks:

[If you need it, ask me for my address. I've hidden it and my email to prevent spam.]

  You can open and print out this document and mail part of it to me! Thanks so much!