As some of you might know, Chris and I caught bicycle fever in 2006. Chris began racing in May, and my first big group ride was that fall. In spring 2007, Chris and Charlie raised money for the Get Your Guts in Gear ride in June, and I volunteered as part of the crew. We've done a few more charity rides since then, and gained a lot of valuable experience.
After I started volunteering for my local cat shelter, and saw so many cats lose their homes and families in the terrible economy, an idea started to form: "What if we did our own ride to raise money for Forgotten Felines?" I got brave, and I talked to our friend SDC who knows a lot more about this stuff than I do. He and MrsSDC answered my millions of questions (thank you again!). One night late last summer, Rosie and I wrote a proposal. Did you know cats can write?! Chris and I submitted it to the shelter board, and they approved it. Pedal for Paws was born.
logo designed by Paul Haligan.
Our ride will take place, rain or shine, on Oct. 2, 2010. Chris put together four lovely bike routes for all abilities: the flat & leisurely beach cruise (10 miles), the challenging river village tour (25 miles), the combination of those two (35 miles), and for those who really love to suffer, the previous ride plus a finishing loop through more coastline towns (50 miles). If you are local, and want to join the ride or volunteer with me and the rest of the crew, I would love to see you there. Registration will begin this July. I am not, not asking for any donations here, though if you want to donate to our shelter or your own local rescue, it is always gratefully appreciated.
Sometimes I panic a little, worrying about how everything will come together. It's a huge project, with a lot of little details to track, but it's so exciting to see how the seed of an idea can sprout and grow in ways you've never dreamed. As the new year unfolds, and our ride plans with it, I'm looking forward to seeing what will happen! In the meantime, I'd best get back on the indoor trainer...
you are tempting me, you know
Posted by: Martha H | January 14, 2010 at 07:55 PM
What a fabulous idea - I wish I lived closer, so I could participate!
I love the logo, too.
It all just seems to work together, congratulations on making it happen.
Posted by: Bridget | January 14, 2010 at 08:56 PM
I'm excited to help out with the ride -- I'll definitely be there working registration or whatever you need!
Posted by: Dorothy W. | January 15, 2010 at 09:54 AM
Wow! Go, you guys, go!
Posted by: Chris | January 15, 2010 at 12:08 PM
That's just freakin' awesome! Our feline crew will be cheering you on. :-)
Posted by: Bubblesknits | January 16, 2010 at 12:36 PM
What a great idea! I'm happy to donate.
Posted by: Robin | January 18, 2010 at 04:44 PM
This is so cool that you are doing this. I hope your fund raiser goes well! If I lived close I would join in but I will have to just send good thoughts your way!
Posted by: Danielle | January 18, 2010 at 06:33 PM
What a great idea! I'm sure it will all come together in the end.
Posted by: Sydney | January 18, 2010 at 09:49 PM
Oh, that's a wonderful idea! I wish I lived in your area.
Posted by: Brigitte | January 19, 2010 at 08:12 AM
What a great idea! If I lived in your area, I'd totally participate!
Posted by: madalyn | January 20, 2010 at 03:44 PM
What a great project and cause! Congrats! If my Fall travel schedule permits, I may be able to volunteer for you....
Posted by: Robin | January 20, 2010 at 11:35 PM
You are awesome! What a great idea and a great cause. I'm sure it will go off without a hitch.
Posted by: Sonya | January 24, 2010 at 10:21 PM