360 Mile Bike Ride to fight HIV/AIDS in southern Africa

[Trekkie Dad]

In just four weeks, I (along with about 60 others) will embark on a six-day 360-mile bike ride down the coast of California for the purpose of raising funds to fight HIV/AIDS in Lesotho.

The trip is organized by the Horizon Community Church of Galt, California, and nearly all the participants are members of the church. All participants pay their own expenses and commit to raising funds for the charity project.

Through World Vision, Horizon Community Church sponsors several hundred children in the community of Malumeng in the southern Africa country of Lesotho (pronounced Les-ew-too). World Vision is working hard in Lesotho to bring hope and physical relief to children and families plagued by the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is devastating the country.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

While I am not a member of the sponsoring church, I am honored to participate in this event and have met some of the cyclists I'll be riding with on this journey. For most, a six-day ride is a high athletic achievement, and they have been training on weekly rides since the beginning of this year. For me, it will be more than I ride in a normal week, over roads I have not experienced on two wheels.

We start outside of Santa Cruz on July 7 and end in Malibu on July 12, with camping stops in Big Sur, San Simeon, Buellton, Pismo Beach, and Ventura. We spend the last night in Universal City before being transported back to Galt on July 13.

When I have participated in fundraising rides in the past, friends and members of MiceChat have contributed to the cause. Any amount is greatly appreciated. You can donate online by clicking on the "Make a Donation" button on my personal page here or use the link I have provided in my signature. Thanks.

[alphabassetgrrl]

​That's quite a challenge!

[Trekkie Dad]

I rode 6 out of 7 days in the last week, for a total of 265 miles with over 11,000 feet of climbing. Tomorrow, a few of us plan to ascend Mt. Diablo one and a half times. I'm on track for the tour.

[Trekkie Dad]

A friend of mine reported that neither of his credit cards were accepted on the donation page. I have no idea if anyone else has this problem. I am having it looked into.

[Gullywhumper]

You go! Enjoy the experience. I rode the AIDS Lifecycle last year, down the California Coast, 545 miles, to raise money for HIV and AIDS programs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. It was an amazing experience.

[Trekkie Dad]

Three weeks to go!

[Trekkie Dad]

I did not know Dan Brown, but he was one of the movers behind this ride. Here's an article in a local paper about him and the ride:

Riding for a father and a community

Dan Brown was a revered father and counselor in Lodi. He passed away on a charity bike ride in 2007, but his family and friends are preparing to honor him with an annual 360-mile ride that raises money for a community in Africa.

[Trekkie Dad]

Two weeks to go! Today I passed 5000 miles for the year, putting me on track for 10,000. I still don't have any "sponsors" online, but I have at least one informal promise.

On today's ride, I stopped to talk with a few other Mission 360 riders on break. One who I've known for some time was pleased to hear I was joining the ride. He said I am an inspiration, even if I don't raise any money. What a nice thing to say!

[Trekkie Dad]

One week to go! I believe I've had my biggest month ever. 1043 miles, 72 hours, and 51,000 feet of climbing. Halfway through the year, and I've been on 127 bike rides for a total of 5211 miles.

[Trekkie Dad]

The specific project supported by the bike ride is described below:

World Vision appreciates the commitment and partnership of Horizon Community Church as we work together in Lesotho to save lives. Your $39,717 gift to the Khoete Foot Bridge project has helped support the initial stages of construction to create a safe route across the Motsepe River, connecting the villagers of Khoete to essential services in the town
of Mofoka.

The tragic death of 11 children in March 2009 while crossing the Motsepe River on their way home from church struck to the hearts of families in Khoete. This village, which is located in the Malumeng community development area, is cut off from all essential services by the Motsepe’s erratic flooding. Families must cross the river to buy basic necessities, visit healthcare clinics or the post office, go to church, or access local government assistance. Children must cross the river to go to school, and if the rains start during the school day, the children can be trapped on the wrong side of the river and unable to return home.

Without a bridge, the most vulnerable people—children, those who are ill, the elderly, and pregnant women—are unable to receive life-saving medical assistance or basic education.

In response to these economic and health issues, World Vision’s community development project in Malumeng emphasizes HIV and AIDS response, food security, and education. But for the people of Khoete, the help they receive from these programs doesn’t mitigate the danger they face from the raging river as they go about their everyday business. To reduce fatalities and link Khoete with the nearby town of Mofoka where many essential services are offered, World Vision is
building a foot bridge across the Motsepe River.

The bridge will allow children to reach school safely and keep them from missing classes during heavy rains. People living with HIV or AIDS will be able to reach the health clinic to receive their antiretroviral medications. Older residents, many of whom care for children who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS, will be able to safely receive their pension checks. Pregnant women also will be able to safely reach the clinic, resulting in better prenatal and postnatal care.

The construction of the bridge also benefits the community by providing
employment for local workers.

[Trekkie Dad]

The ride starts Saturday. Spending tomorrow packing and making sure I have everything I need for the trip.

[alphabassetgrrl]

​Have a great ride!

[Trekkie Dad]

Everything is packed and loaded up. It will probably be a week before you hear from me again.