This August 3rd, I'm participating in my 10th Raise + Ride to fundraise for Phoenix Bikes, Arlington's youth bicycling nonprofit that uniquely combines youth education programs with a full service bike shop with the most affordable sales and service in the region. Phoenix is a fantastic organization that educates youth in grades 6-12 in bike mechanics, allows them to earn their very own bike for free, and gets them out riding, racing, and giving back to the community with their new skills.
In addition to youth programs, Phoenix donates bikes to community members in need -- a program I had the pleasure of running last summer and got to see the impact of Phoenix Bike's work in the community. We gave away more than 100 bikes last year, changing the lives of scores of people who could not afford their own bikes.
Again I will be riding a vintage bike that I got from Phoenix, a 35-year-old steel roadbike from BiTech (the precursor to Performance Bikes). This bike is extra special because I DONATED it to Phoenix, and it was bought and gone for over a year, then donated back. That was a sign to me, and I traded another bike to get it back. Now I'm never getting rid of it.
By supporting my ride, you're making Phoenix's mission possible: harnessing the power of bikes to help youth build passion, purpose and a place in the community! This organization means a lot to me, so please consider giving to help us reach our Raise + Ride goals and support a great cause!
Finally, this year is extra special because soon after the ride we a losing our executive director of 5 years, Emily Gage. To go out with a bang, she and several team captains -- including me -- have pledged to get their teams over the $20k mark in fundraising. So if you are inclined, please help, and if you can, give a little more to help me reach this aspirational goal.