Many of you may already know that I have recently become very passionate about biking. What most of you don't know is that at the end of this month, on April 29th, I will be attempting my very first 100 mile bike ride!
I will be joining the Tour de Cure, which is America's largest cycling event for diabetes.The ride is a fundraising event, and every participant is required to raise $175 dollars. All of the proceeds go to the American Diabetes Association, which is responsible for research and implementation of programs towards the prevention and cure of diabetes. Now, at first I was quite skeptical about raising $175 for a bike ride, but I realized that the cause is very significant for me: I am at risk for diabetes. My father has diabetes and three of my grandparents had/have diabetes.
On a personal level, this ride is very significant for me. For those of you who are not familiar with cycling, one's first 100 mile ride is a pretty big deal. We call a hundred mile ride a "century." Once a cyclist has completed his first century, he has, in a way, passed the initiation rites of cycling. This century will be a testament of how healthy and fit I am. The longest ride I have ever been on was about 60 miles, and that included a long break in between. So in this century ride, I will be pushing myself beyond my limits. Very significant!
Raising the $175 has been easier than I thought it would be. So far, I have raised $100 of that $175. Friends, I need your help to reach my goal of $175. I don't usually ask for money, but I will now, because this ride is so important to me. You can donate anything from $5 to $20. Any contribution will help me immensely, and I will be very grateful (if you like, I can go into your home, dorm room, apartment and play you some solo cello in return!).
How to donate online:
You can donate by clicking on the Tour de Cure SUPPORT link on the right of my blog. That should take you to the Tour de Cure website.
There you will click on DONATE.
You will then need to type in my name: Mikko Pablo
Then you will be able to make a contribution to my fund by clicking on [click here to sponsor me]
Alternatively, you can meet me and hand me the donation in person (much simpler). Then, I could also give you a better idea of what the event is about, and maybe I can even persuade you to join the ride! =)
If you decide to donate, I thank you very much for your generosity and your support for my goal. If you choose not to donate, then I invite you to join the ride! You don't have to do 100 miles, there are shorter distances available for riders of every level (from an 8 mile cruise, to 11 miles, to 32 miles to 61 miles). Regardless of what you decide, please wish me luck and support, because this will be quite a boundary-pushing experience for me. However, remember I can't ride unless I raise the $175!
Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Mikko
P.S. If you would like to know more about the Tour de Cure, please watch this video!
