2016-10-01 DISTRICT 5500 RIDE TO END POLIO

 
DISTRICT 5500 RIDE TO END POLIO
LOOKING TO BE THE BEST YET
By Diane Ventura-Goodyear
 
On November 19 Rotarian cyclists, friends and family will once again hop on their bicycles and Ride to End Polio, collecting donations for each mile ridden. And during the week leading up to the Ride, we expect hundreds of Rotarians around the world to jump on stationary bikes in their homes or gyms and join in the effort, collecting donations for minutes ridden Indoors.
 
We are humbled by the success of this ride and by the generosity of Rotarians that ride, and those that contribute. Since the ride was first conceived by Rotarian Michael Harris back in 2009, we have progressed rapidly from a few dozen riders raising a few thousand dollars to 2015, where 99 Tucson cyclists and more than 200 Indoor riders worldwide raised more than $14 million (including matches), all of which has gone directly to aid our efforts to End Polio.  As in past years we are thrilled to host the team ofriders from Rotary International Headquarters, including John and Marga Hewko. The team gives us all a great cross section of the work that is being done at RI and gives a great boost to our fund raising efforts. And while it is too soon to make a formal announcement, we also expect several other Dignitaries from RI and from Zone 25/26 to join in the festivities.  The Ride to End Polio has truly become an international event. Last year we hosted cyclists from India and the Philippines. This year we have already registered three cyclists from India.  The Ride to End Polio is more than a bike ride. Participants, friends and family come together on the eve of the ride for a celebratory dinner. More than 50 Rotary volunteers provide food, beverage and fellowship at the largest aid station on the route. And when you cross the finish line, you will find food, fanfare, drinks, fellowship and massage….yes, massage.  Here’s what you need to know, and you can stay current at our website: http://ridetoendpolio.org.
 
  • •If you want to ride on November 19, you can choose from 28, 37, 54, 76 or 106 mile rides. If you’dlike an easier time, join the 11, 5 or ¼ mile Fun Ride.
  • •If you are coming in from out of town, we are happy to arrange hosting with a local Rotary family.
  • •If you’ll be in town but don’t want to ride, there are many volunteer opportunities.
  • •If you can’t make it to Tucson, consider leading a team of Indoor cyclists any time during the weekleading up to the November 19 ride.
  • •Once you register, you will receive lots of support to help with your fund raising, including personalized fund raising pages provided courtesy of RI (coming soon).
  • •Whichever event you choose, you must use the Rotary application available at our website to ride for Rotary. Please do not register directly with Perimeter Bicycling.
 
We look forward to seeing you in Tucson or hearing about your success riding the Indoor Ride to End Polio.