It was a very wet Saturday morning. Unlike typical Colorado weather where storms come and go quickly, this wet weather cell stuck around all day bringing lots of moisture (rain!!!) to our arid landscape. Perfect day for a bike rally, right?! Well, we can't control the weather, only our attitudes and actions, so that's what nine bike riders and seven Carbondale Rotarian event supporters did in the Bikes for Bikes rally on Saturday 10/10.
Bikes for Bikes participants huddled under the makeshift registration tent! In front, District 5470 Rotarian of the Year, John Stroud.
Your team, the Bicycling Butterflies, was impressive in fundraising and bicycling (and costuming!). With amazing financial support from club members, my son's girlfriend, Kara Moranville, and I rode the 15 mile course from Hooks Bridge in Basalt to Iron Bridge along the Rio Grande Trail in the pouring rain. Kara is very proud to say we won the "race" finishing the course first. I am so grateful to have 24-year old Kara propelling me onward!
Event organizer, Tim Whitsitt, said we were lucky this was a tropical rain, like those in Africa. Thus it was apropos that we rode in the rain in solidarity with the African community health providers for whom our funds will purchase Buffalo Bikes. These bikes are the only way to get the vaccines, supplies, and mosquito nets to the remote villages and towns where they are needed. So we rode to help those who will ride!
The rain added some excitement and drama to the inaugural fundraiser to support the worldwide initiative, Rotarians Against Malaria. Funds raised by this local event, as well as events all over the world, fuel efforts to eradicate malaria throughout Africa.
I was so honored to represent our club and meet some wonderful local Rotarians. It felt good to be involved, support the project of a neighboring club, and share in the delight of a successful fundraiser under inspiring conditions. Thank you so much for supporting me! Special appreciation for generous contributors:
- Alpine Bank (John Stezreide)
- John Haines
- Doug Yajko
- Jim Ingraham
- Charlene Revoir
- Nick Adams
- Steve Thompson
- Steve Shute
- and Kara Moranville!
One of things I love about Rotary is its ability and willingness to support and impact international needs, as well as local organizations that have need. Being a part of an organization that is so BIG and also so local and personal is a wonderful thing. Very few organizations have this kind of opportunity, reach, and impact. Wow! I am blown away to be involved and wear the Rotary logo (and butterfly wings)!