Make "some day" today!

In June of 2008, a group of cyclists will depart Seattle, Washington, continuing the outstanding tradition of cross-country bicycling events begun by the American Lung Association® in the mid-1980's.  The American Lung Association® of Washington is proud to announce Big Ride Across America 2008.

In June of 2008, a group of cyclists will depart Seattle, Washington, bound for Washington, D.C. In the course of their journey, they will raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association® of Washington and its critical research, education and advocacy programs. For the lucky riders who will pedal 3,300 miles in less than 7 weeks, it is the sort of experience that will change them forever. Seeing the country at bicycle pace is an experience unlike any other. It broadens your perspective and gives you the opportunity to get to know a great group of "new friends for life". Doing it to raise funds for vital life-saving programs makes it even more special. Ask others who have done it - they will tell you!

The ride in 2008 will be smaller than past years and will be managed entirely by the American Lung Association® of Washington . The innovative structure for the 2008 ride will guarantee at least a 50% return to the ALAW - a very high level of fund raising return for this type of event.

We plan on taking approximately 40 riders. This close-knit group will share the experience of riding cross-country while helping out with a few of the camp duties to help keep costs down and increase the fund raising return for the ALAW. A single truck will carry the riders camping gear, clothing and cooking gear. The riders will share the cooking duties in small teams of 3-4, meaning that each team will cook no more than once a week for 7 weeks. (It's actually lots of fun!) Riders will get breakfast and dinner each riding day and will make sandwiches to take with them on the road for lunch. We will be camping most nights with a few nights planned to stay in college dorms to provide a little change from camping. Hot showers will be available each day. A sag van will provide water and snacks as required and will transport riders if they are unable to ride that day. Riders are expected to do their own minor bike maintenance which includes: changing flat tires, adjusting gears and brakes, and cleaning and replacing chains. Tools and a maintenance stand will be available for emergency bike maintenance from the staff to repair wheels, cables, etc.

Riders are expected to ride each day and will need to train sufficiently to ride an average of 83 miles a day for 7 weeks. A detailed route map and directions will be provided each day. They will also receive limited water stop service on the route and will need to stop for other sources of food & water in towns and along the road. Every effort will be made to provide water and snacks in remote areas that do not have many services (particularly in the western part of the country.) Riders will need to carry several water bottles and/or a hydration system (camelback) as well as energy snacks to see them through each day on the road.

A recommended packing list for camping gear, bicycle gear and clothing for the trip is provided in the Rider Handbook tab. We will also provide access to Big Ride mentors to provide council and support as they prepare for their big adventure. This support includes all facets of the event including training, fundraising, bike preparation, etc.

We will depart form Seattle, WA on June 23rd and arrive in Washington, D.C. on August 9th. Riding into our Nation's capitol after crossing it by bicycle - experiencing it up close - is a magic moment that all the previous riders have cherished. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the start and finish ceremonies if they can - they are experiences to be remembered for a lifetime.

We will do our best to let you know what you can expect from the Big Ride, but part of what keeps it interesting is the unexpected things that pop up along the way. Stay flexible, and keep an open mind and the one thing we can guarantee is that if you choose to ride, you're in for the experience of a lifetime!

Please give us a call. We are eager to talk with you about the ride and to answer any questions you may have.

Make someday today!