I was just going to give up. My bike, stolen, my brother died at the end of November from Cancer, and no one would let me hand out the donation forms. I was chased off Fortinos lot by a very ticked off security guard who called me a panhandler and threatened to call the police.
Well, I'll have the bike replaced march 31st (Cannondale F5 MTB) and I did vow to my brother the day before he died that I would do the ride. So, if I can raise the money, I will.
Is anyone in the downtown Hamilton area and willing to train with someone who hasn't ridden for three months, five by then? Or to just keep in touch and all that?
Also, how the heck do you raise money? I can't get beyond 165 dollars. it's disheartening.
Thanks everyone. Chase chase.cameron@live.com
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
I am jealous of your drive to do this ride. Honestly I was having a lot of trouble raising money until recently. You'll find that people may not donate now because the ride is 5 months away. I think you'll find that your donations will pick up as the ride nears. Ask friends/family/co-workers all you can.
Good luck with all your fundraising and training and hopefully we'll see you in June!
thanks for the encouragement. My cousin actually said; "Why would people donate, no offence, so you can do something you want to do?" Hello? i have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, neck vertebrae fused in an accident, a bum knee, and survived cancer. Twice. I can only ride thanks to pain meds and lots of asthma inhalers, with breaks. Something FUN?? Her father owns the company that manufactures Motomaster products and bike lubricants and such. He has yet to donate. said the economy is bad. I said, "Yeah? my only brother just died from cancer. his economy is sucking too."
The security guard calling me a panhandler at Fortinos just ticked me off, several family members told me it would be best to give up. I won't. I swore to Jerry right before he died that i would do it and he lit up, and cried, thanking me. How do I give up?
if i could sponsor myself, I would. you're right though, closer to the date.
Anyone doing the 200 miles ride or should I chose the km? I can do either, I know I can. I'll have pain meds. LOL.
The only thing that shocked me was no iPods...i only put it in one ear so I can hear...i'm going to be lost without the music. that's a long ride without sound.
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
The no Ipods, well, last year I met a man that was riding for his son that was diagnosed with leukemia. I met a lady that was a two time survivor, I met a man who was riding for his wife that had passed away (the list goes on...)
I thought the same about an Ipod until I rode with all the people. I did train with my ipod, but when it came to the ride, it wasn't missed at all. It truly was amazing. It is hard to talk to someone when they have an ipod in.
Trust me, it will be worth it not having any music.
It is the people that make the music in your heart.
You're probably right. I'll chill out if i ever raise the money. And I'm looking forward to all the other riders, as well. I'm not giving up on raising the money, even though people keep saying i should.
It's for my brother.
see you on the ride.
Chase
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
The power of positive thinking. You will be suprized at where the money comes from. Make it a point to get $20.00 from every person that you know. That is what I did on my first walk in 2003. (on my 6th walk and 2nd ride) Remind peope that $20.00 is less then one day parking at the hospital.
You can make the money, and you will surpass your goal.
Long story short as possible: Jerry dying. no will. Aunt thought I would inherit everything, caused trouble. Called school loans, who forgave me, I'm on disability for life, and told them I had like 300,000 dollars inheritance coming. They called and called, threatened to take half my income. I sold what I had to move, bought non refundable tickets to the states...USA/canada citizen. Gonna be homeless, going to be warm, right? Cut off services. Aunt continued causing trouble I found cat a home, practically gave away guitar. Then in January a guy tells me a legal help. I try it and find out they can't do anything. And I didn't get a dime, btw. A "friend" of my brother's he trusted, pushed me out and took everything. Everything Jerry had. House, property, car, motorcycle, money. My aunt isn't on my happy list.
Ergo, I just replaced guitar, as a promise to Jerry to play on, have two more payments on bike, no cable, no phone, have to find wifi locations to internet on tiny netbook. Nothing to auction. I did get Jerry's tv off cousin, but it's all i have. that and one photo of him. I'm not auctioning the tv. I get one channel, but it was his.
My family was not helpful to be kind about it. I broke a lot of cheap plates when this went down. Next year, I'll sponsor part myself each month, work on fundraising. For now, next month I'll do the business cards, print out letters and hand them out on the trail, on the street, and beg.
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
Whatever you do do not give up!! If you tell people your story they might feel more connected to why you are riding and be more inclined to donate. I think it is remarkable that you are doing the Ride while facing the obstacles you mentioned in your post.
Oh, i'm keeping at it. I hit the news station yesterday to leave information and a letter for a reporter who seemed friendly in previous emails, then today the customer service rep at Metro told me she'd be happy to see their manager received the materials. I must have looked shocked. "Are you alright?" "Uh huh. sorry, I just get tossed out of places, like Fortinos. This is the first business that was remotely receptive. Listen, any amount would be great, and if the manager would agree to let me put out cards and donation forms, ride information, I would be thrilled." "Leave a phone number as well." I did, and hiked the rest of my trail walk. Twenty days until I get my bike.
Meredith, I truly appreciate the encouragement. It's not in my nature to try anything like this, the asking for donations, but I'm getting good at it. I'm just shocked at how often Haiti is tossed in my face. "They get cancer there too." I finally told someone.
I carry donation forms and cards with me. It has to work eventually and next year should be less hellacious. The ride will be nothing compared to trying to raise money. LOL.
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Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
