What began as a 50th birthday ride back in 2006 has evolved into one of the most anticipated and talked-about mountain bike events in Southern California. Last year's event was enjoyed by 430 fun-loving mountain bikers, and organizers expect over 500 riders to participate this year.
What makes this ride different? First of all, this event is a "ride", not a race. Riders participate for a lot of reasons: some for the challenge of riding further on a mountain bike than ever before, some because they love the Project Rwanda cause, some for the fun of sharing the day with loads of other biking enthusiasts. Second, the event is a fundraiser (with an emphasis on "fun"). The 50 Mile Ride event has raised just over $100,000 for Project Rwanda over their first three years. You do NOT need to register to attend the post-ride party and auction. The auction will be held at Cooks Corner at approximately 3:00pm at the close of the 50 Mile Ride post-ride party on April 10.
Project Rwanda, founded by mountain-bike pioneer Tom Ritchey, has a passion for people, bikes and coffee. Their mission is to transform lives through that passion. The purpose of Project Rwanda is four-fold: 1. To design and manufacture special cargo/utility bikes that can quickly and efficiently transport heavy loads of coffee, 2. To promote Rwanda as a tourist and cycling destination through the annual "Wooden Bike Classic" event in Rwanda, 3. To foster national pride through establishing and equipping the Rwandan National Cycling Team, and 4. To distribute utility bikes to needy organizations through a micro-enterprise venture, offering people a "hand up" not a "hand out". For more information about Project Rwanda, visit www.projectrwanda.org.
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| Participants in the annual 50 Mile Ride for Project Rwanda enjoying a much-needed break. |