Thursday, May 7, 2015

100 Mile Race to Help Nepal



The devastating 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th has taken more than 7,600 lives so far and has forever altered the lives of millions. Having spent more than three months in Nepal, Denise and I have made lasting friendships with many of the Sherpas and other peaceful, loving Nepalese people during our three trips to their beautiful country.  Hearing of their hardships, loss of life and homes is heartbreaking. 

We sit comfortably in our home with electricity, all of the food, fresh water and conveniences of life in America, and wonder what we can do to help our Sherpa friends and the people of this desperately poor country who are in grave need.  And the need is urgent especially as disease is spreading and the coming monsoon rains are threatening the estimated 2.8 million people left homeless, including many of our friends.
I have decided I am not going to sit comfortably, but instead pedal 100 miles in the Leadville Trail Mountain Bike Race in the Colorado Rockies - the "Race Across the Sky." Known as one of the toughest single-day bike races in North America, at elevations between 10,000 to 12,400 feet, with more than 12,000 feet of climbing in between, this will be a brutal test of endurance to be sure.  It will be even more challenging for me considering I just started mountain biking in earnest this year and bought my first true mountain bike only three months ago.  I have made some unique modifications to the bike that have been a breakthrough enabling me to safely and effectively ride with my right arm. More on that later, but suffice it to say that having the proper equipment is what has allowed me to enjoy this new sport that up until now, I have been unable to do. Providing the right equipment and support is exactly what the Challenged Athletes Foundation has been doing to help individuals with far greater physical challenges than me.

I will be attempting this savage race on August 15 and I will be riding to support CAF and also the people of Nepal.  I am asking you to support me by making a tax-deductible donation to CAF through this link:

For every dollar raised, Denise and I are personally MATCHING (with no limitations) and donating to the American Himalayan Foundation, Mercy Corps and other qualified organizations with staff in Nepal who are best able to help those currently suffering.  Thank you for your time and compassion. 
Namaste,
Paul

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