Make "some day" today!

In July of 2008, a group of cyclists will gather in Whitefish, MT bound for beautiful Glacier National Park. 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. Seeing the country and visiting beautiful national parks 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!

We plan on taking approximately 40 riders. This close-knit group will share the experience of riding each day 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 during the course of the week. (It's actually lots of fun!) Riders will get breakfast and dinner each riding day and can also make sandwiches to take with them on the road. We will be camping each night and hot showers will be available each day. Support vehicles 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 62 miles a day, with hills! 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. 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. 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.

Riders will all make their way to Whitefish, MT where our adventure begins the morning of July 13th.  There is easy transportation access via plane, train or auto to this wonderful western town and suggestions for travel and lodging will be provided.  From there, we will ride north and west from Whitefish into British Columbia.  The route turns east and then south into Alberta with a rest day in the breath-taking Waterton Lakes portion of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.  There are lots of hiking and riding opportunities on the day spent visiting this beautiful park.  The ride resumes south back into the US and over Chief Mountain Pass, then continuing west over the stunning Going-To-The-Sun Highway through Glacier National Park and finishing back in Whitefish, MT on the morning of July 19th.

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!