In order to more efficiently communicate with the RPRA Sponsors, donors, and supporters, I will be putting out a weekly update with new information, FAQs, and more about the ride.
Have any questions about the ride? Reach out on our Contact Page.
1. Bike I’ll Be Riding
I can always tell who has experience in cycling based off of this… I’ve noticed cyclists tend to be gearheads about their bikes–and for good reason. I’ll be riding a modified Surly Long Haul Trucker. The Long Haul Trucker is considered to be the ‘Gold Standard of Touring Bikes’ making this an ideal candidate to support me and my gear for 43 days on the road.
2. Upcoming Fundraising Opportunities
One of our business affiliates, CrossFit Hereafter, has agreed to let us host a class to support the RPRA. On Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM, we’ll be running a ‘Sunday Morning Mobility and Weekend Recovery’ workout series.
Any of our athletes who have experienced our corrective protocols will have at least a slight understanding of the nature of the class. The description for the class is as follows:
The class will consist of a series of mobility exercises, activation drills, core exercises, and correctives in general. Although this will mostly be bodyweight exercises and stretches, it will be formatted in a way to elevate your heart rate and provide a full-body workout.
If you’re unsure if you’ll like it, don’t worry, the class is free to attend. There is a suggested $20 donation to support the 4,000 mile ride and the charities that the ride benefits.
Although this workout series will be on-going throughout the summer, it will not be every single sunday. The schedule for the Sunday Morning Mobility and Weekend Recovery class is listed below.
Sundays at 10:00 AM on the Following Dates:
June 9
June 16
June 23
June 30
July 21
Aug 4
Aug 11
3. Logistical Updates
The RPRA route is largely predicated upon the existing Adventure Cycle Route Network as the backbone for the ride. From the start, I’ll be riding along the Western Express Bike Route which will encompass the first 18 days of my trip. From the end of the Western Express in Pueblo, CO, I’ll pick up the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.
The TransAmerica will be my home for the following few weeks until I diverge from the route to head north on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Beyond Skyline Drive, there are just a handful of bike routes which will take me to my ultimate destination in Pottsville, PA.
In all, I’ll be averaging about 90 miles / day for the duration of the trip. The entirety of the trip will take 43 days to get from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Garfield Square in Pottsville, PA.
4. Foster with Back in Black Dog Rescue
Love dogs but not ready to commit to raising and caring for a dog long-term? Back in Black Dog Rescue’s distributed network of foster volunteers is always in need.
As a foster you’ll care for a pup until its ready to move-in or be adopted to its furever home.
Contact Chivon Murray at backinblackresq@yahoo.com for more information.
5. Sponsors Wanted!
To help us reach our fundraising goals, we’re actively seeking business partners to sponsor the ride, helping us defray some of the costs, pay for promotional materials, and more.
Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to us on the aforementioned contact page. You can also donate in smaller increments to the ride’s GoFundMe.
