New Chariot

Well, I finally took the plunge and purchased my new chariot with which I plan to cross the country. This beautiful lugged steel frame is made by Rivendell Bicycle Works in Walnut Creek, California, and is the stuff that dreams are made of.

While the bike is definitely not what one would call "light," it's construction is rock solid, and it rolls over the pavement like a hot knife through butter. I look forward to becoming more acquainted with the bicycle in the coming months as I prepare for the ride.

-Erik

Multi-Sport Cross Training

View Photo Album Here




Yes, skiing in June.

Recently, I decided to do some multi-sport training for the tour. I made plans with my friend Tim Grayson to ski Powder 8's in Cody Bowl just outside of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort. What better way to add to the day than to ride with my trailer and skis to the Village. From there we rode the Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain and hiked over to ski on Cody. (And everyone thought the Tram was closed.) After some nice spring skiing, we hiked back up to the Tram. I finished the day with the 13 mile ride back to my cabin.

I started my ski season in October with Erik. It's now June and I am still going. Can I get a day in July?

Jon

Thank You

The donations have started to come in! Thank you to everyone who has donated. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ for a week of work but will get to recognize some of our donors soon. Thanks again.

Jon

Donate

We hope to raise $6000. $1 for every mile ridden. There are three ways to donate online with your credit card. You can also send us a check. Find the address here. Some employers will match your contribution. Let us know if you need ROR's tax ID number for this.

1) 90% to ROR, 10% to support the ride. Unfortunately, this option is not tax-deductible. But it will be very helpful to the riders. You may also specify any other break down of funds that you like. Just let us know in the comments section.

2) 100% tax-deductible donation directly to Reach Out and Read. Under the Gift Information heading, please fill in on the occasion of "Ride for ROR."

Donate Here

Please remember to recognize the Ride for ROR in your donation or we will have no way of knowing that you donated.

3) Donate separately with each link above. That way your donation to Reach Out and Read can be 100% tax-deductible. Then you can also send whatever amount you desire to the riders through paypal and have 100% of it go to support the tour. Just be sure to tell us in the comments section what you are doing.

We thank you very much for your support. Check back soon for updates.

Donors as of 9/12/06

Mel and Patty Alperin

Amity Bike

Annie's Homegrown

Carolina Balsbaugh

Richard and Maureen Balsbaugh

Martha Beebe

Amy Belkin

Mr. and Mrs. Noel Bishop

Kenny, Sondra, and Emma Bogursky
Erica Bonthrone

Tim Brett

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Brogadir

Shanna Brownstein

Jessica Gifford Busch
Dr. Stephen Castracane

Jenn Cavalari

David Cepoi
Joyce Della Chiesa

Clif Bar

Da Boyz Pizza - Yuma, AZ

Mary Davis

Peter and Sheila DePascale
Becky DiSavino

Christopher Donovan
Richard Doucette
Paul EnderlePatrick Essig
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Forman

Marcy Gandolfini
Joshua Gerber
Andy and Rachel Goldfarb

Peter Gori

Charles (Timmy G) Grayson

Courtney Greene
Janice Greenwald
Scott Hawkins
Eric Hersh
Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Hersh
Larry and Roslyn Hiller

Matt Houlahan

Steven Huffstutlar

Meredith Johnson
Heather Kahler
Kathy Keating

Quinn and Chrissy Keating

Marianne Kennedy

Dr. and Mrs. Kurt Koral

Johannes Kratz

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Kurns
Elaine Lamphier

Bianca and Ed Latessa

Dr. and Mrs. Fred Levy

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Margolies
David Natkin

Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Natkin

Heidi Natkin and Gilson Sirvas

Lisa Natkin and Jon Levy

Sarah Pacheco
Steve Payne and Lee Reid

Danica Perez

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Schpero
Benjamin Schreiner

Joel and Gloria Schwartz

Timothy Sharpe
Brian and Penney Stone
Natalia Subira-Cordova
Eva Claire Synkowski
Rachel Tyler

Vitale, Caturano & Company Foundation

Carol Wilgus

Wilson Backcountry Sports

Mark Winthrop

Eliot Wright

I can update paypal donors immediately. It will take some time for those who donate directly to ROR or via check to be added to the website. We will be getting period updates from them on donors.

Contact Us

To contact us, please try:

fundraising@ride4ror.com

Jon Natkin
PO Box 866
Wilson, WY 83014

(307) 734-1541

Coming Together

Our plans for the tour are starting to come together. We have good contact with Reach Out and Read. The website is coming along. Final details of the route are still in progress and will probably remain that way until we reach Florida. Time to start fundraising.