Register for Big Ride Glacier 2008! | Sponsor a Rider 2008! | Rider's Login 2008

Waterton - Glacier International Peace Park
7 Days
375 miles

July 12 - July 19, 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.

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." ~Ernest Hemingway

The Challenge

Dramatic glacier carved landscapes, stunning views over high mountain passes and billion year old rocks allowing a glimps into the earth's past. Experience the exceptional natural beauty preserved in this geologically and culturally significant region like few ever will, one pedal stroke at a time.

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 Glacier offers those who can ride a bicycle over stunning mountain passes 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. The help teach children to make informed decisions about smoking.

The Ride

The American Lung Association® of Washington's Big Ride Glacier 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 9 days, we will take care of your basic needs as you will become part of the Big Ride family.

• 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.

Courtesy of Glacier National Park

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. 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 $1,500 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 $60,000 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.

Courtesy of Glacier National Park