Gerry Rawlings leads the way on an eastern Washington morning. Ice cream, anyone?

Continuing the outstanding tradition of long distance bicycling events begun by the American Lung Association® in the mid-1980s the American Lung Association® in Washington is proud to announce Big Ride Washington 2010.

On July 11, 2010 a group of cyclists will depart Seattle for a loop around the magnificent state of Washington. In the course of their journey, they will raise funds and awareness for the American Lung Association® in Washington and its critical research, education and advocacy programs. For the lucky riders who will pedal 1,300 miles in 3 weeks, it is the sort of experience that will change them forever. Seeing the Washington State 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. Doing it to raise funds for vital life-saving programs makes it even more special.  For riders who can't ride for 3 weeks, 1 and 2 weeks options on available.  Email or call us for details.

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. We provide breakfast and dinner each riding day. We will be camping each night in parks around the state. Hot showers will be available each day. Sag vans will provide water and sports drink 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 general cleaning. 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 74 miles a day for 3 weeks. A detailed route guide and directions will be provided each day. They also will receive water stop service on the route and will need to stop for other sources of food 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 two 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 will be available for camping gear, bicycle gear and clothing for the trip. 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 from Seattle on July 11 and arrive back in Seattle on July 31.  Riding into Seattle after a 3 week ride will be a magic moment. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the start and finish ceremonies if they can - these 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.

Ride Big.  Do good.