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"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

Mary Oliver, poet

48 days
3,300 miles
Seattle to Washington, DC
June 23 - August 9, 2008

There are 260 million people in the United States going about the daily routine of living. In any given year, a few of them will do something extraordinary. Something will move them -- stir their imaginations -- and they will step out of their comfortable routine to make their lives truly memorable.

Some will do that by riding their bicycles across the beautiful expanse of earth we call America. Why they do it is something they can never quite explain to someone who asks, but never need to explain to anyone else who has done it. They come from all walks of life and all ages from 18 to 79 to accept the challenge of riding a bicycle from sea to shining sea.

The Challenge

To ride across the entire country is to experience everything a bike ride can throw at you: the mountains and river valleys of the west; the prairies and farm lands of the country's middle; the ridges and rail trails of the east; 3,300 miles, 96,000 feet of climbing and 40 days of riding. Life simplified to ride, eat and sleep.

The Cause

Heroics come in a number of forms. For some people who suffer from lung disease, a walk across the room is a heroic journey. The Big Ride Across America offers those who can ride a bicycle across the country the opportunity to journey with a purpose: to make a difference by giving hope. The funds raised go to support research to find cures for lung diseases such as lung cancer, emphysema and asthma. They provide educational programs to help children with asthma live happy, productive lives. They help teach children to make informed decisions about smoking.

The Ride

The American Lung Association® of Washington's Big Ride Across America is produced and staffed by former Big Riders who have the touring experience and route knowledge to make your ride truly special. Each day, for 48 days, we will take care of your basic needs as you will become part of the Big Ride family. You'll team up to help cook breakfast and have a blast doing it!

• 3 meals a day on riding days
• Daily rest stops with support and refreshments
• Complete daily maps
• Hot showers, washing facilities
• Transportation for your gear
• Emergency mechanical support
• A caring and professional staff

You bring your own tent, air mattress and sleeping bag, bike gear and clothing. We'll take care of the rest.

Once you register

As soon as we receive your registration, we will send you a Rider package and other materials to help you get started. We are here to answer your questions and help you get ready for this extraordinary adventure. If you wish, we can assign an experienced volunteer Big Ride Buddy who can act as a mentor, advisor and liaison to your Big Ride. You will receive periodic newsletters with updates and advice, including articles by past Big Riders. We want the opportunity to get to know you and build the support, camaraderie and compassion of the Big Ride community.

Fundraising support

Raising $5,500 is an ambitious project and may seem overwhelming at first. Remember, the money you raise will benefit the American Lung Association® of Washington. We will give you the same expert advice and assistance that we've provided to hundreds of participants involved in our cycling events every year. To assist you in your fundraising efforts, you will receive:

• Rider Support Form that encourages your donors to make large gifts of $100 to $1,000 and more.
• On-line access to many successful fund raising strategies including samples letters and proven ideas that work
• Your own personal web page where donors can make online contributions to your fundraising.

To register for the Big Ride

Register online or contact us at the Lung Association (800-732-9339) for a paper registration form. Complete and mail the enclosed registration form along with your $150 registration fee. You can also phone or fax in your registration with credit card payment. Your Rider package will be mailed to you as soon as we receive your registration. You have now begun the adventure!

American Lung Association® of Washington

All proceeds from the event will go directly to the American Lung Association® of Washington. Growing faster than almost any other major illness, lung disease, including asthma, emphysema and lung cancer, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Breathing problems are the number one cause of death in infants. In addition, lung cancer has become the number one cancer killer in America, both in men and women.

The American Lung Association® of Washington fights lung disease through education, community service, advocacy and research. Founded in 1904, it is the oldest voluntary health agency in the United States. The American Lung Association® of Washington works to help those who suffer from lung disease today, and to stop the spread of lung disease tomorrow.

Important: Our ambitious goal is to raise over $250,000 to help people with lung disease breathe easier. At least 50% of the contributions go directly to American Lung Association® of Washington programs - a very high level of return for this type of event. As Riders strive to make the goal a reality, we will make every effort to minimize administrative and fundraising costs. Help us make that happen by registering today.

When you can't breathe, nothing else matters.

Big Decisions Take Courage

If you choose to register, do it right away. As Goethe said, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

Make "some day" today!

Ride Big. Do good.