Ratley Memorial Ride 2008

Recap

2008-09-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I apologize for not writing sooner. The first part of this was difficult to write. The ride ended prematurely, after just three days and 329 miles. I strained my right knee pretty badly during the first day and it got progressively more painful with even pedal stroke. The third day I rode 93 miles essentially pedaling with just my left leg and realized I had to call it quits. The injury is correctable, though, so I'll make a full recovery and will be back to ride for the animals again!

The fund raising part of the ride was a huge success! Total amount received was over $1800! Setting a goal of $1000 at the outset, I had a lot of doubt it would be attainable. I'm blown away how much support was given by so many caring, wonderful people. Thanks to all who sponsored me. Thanks to my amazing girlfriend, Mandy, who opened my eyes to the plight of small animals, who brought in a lot of sponsors through a lot of hard work, and most importantly, kept my spirits high during the ride and when I made the decision to end it. The ride wouldn't have happened without her and I can't appreciate her enough. And lastly, thanks to to the incredible volunteer staff at Wee Companions who do so much for so many animals. Their tireless efforts go year round. Drop by their website and send them an email of appreciation.

http://www.weecompanions.com/

Until next year,

Jason

On my way!

2008-08-16T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'm out the door, going for a bike ride. I'll be back in 11 days, after covering more than 1200 miles. Keep the sponsorships coming and spread the word. I'll be sending the money to Wee Companions upon my return, on the 26th. Can we hit $2000?

Take care everyone,
Jason

$1500!

2008-08-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm ecstatic to be sharing that we've hit the $1500 mark! Totally rad! With still three days (well, roughly 55 hours) before the ride starts, we've already destroyed my initial goal of $1000. Thanks for all the support. Please spread the word so the support keeps coming. Use the below information on how effective the money is to encourage others to sponsor. And send an email to Suzanne and everyone at Wee Companions thanking them for all they do. They are truly wonderful people.

$850 and counting

2008-08-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

Update: We've cleared $850! Thanks to all who have generously sponsored me so far. Below is some great info on how far money will go:

$25 will pay for lab blocks for 30 rats for one month
$25 will pay for pellets and hay for 20 chinchillas for a month
$25 will pay for a weeks of hay for 50 guinea pigs
$30 will provide bedding for 75 rats for a week
$35 will pay for a rat or guinea pig neuter
$50 will feed 50 guinea pigs pellets for a week
$50 will pay for a rat or guinea pig spay
$100 will pay the electricity for the chinchillas' air conditioner for a month
$100 will provide bedding for 80 guinea pigs for a week

2008-07-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Terrific news: We've cleared the $500 dollar mark! Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far!

2008-07-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

Friends,

From August 16^th through August 26^th, I’ll be biking from Chicago to Minneapolis and back. I’ll ride at least 1100 miles (more on that in a moment), averaging more than 137 miles per riding day (8 riding days, 3 days allowance for inclement weather – if weather is favorable all 11 days, I’ll just ride more!). I’m riding to raise money for a small animal rescue group, Wee Companions, of San Diego.

Many of you know that I did this trip last year, already proving I am capable of riding that distance. So, as an added incentive to sponsor me, I’m going to commit to riding 200 miles on the 4^th day. This will be 51 miles more than I’ve ridden in a day so it will not be easily accomplished. I’m both excited and intimidated by this challenge but hope that it will demonstrate how committed I am to this important cause.

Wee Companions is an entirely volunteer-run 501(c)3 non-profit that focuses on guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, hamsters and mice. Animals are taken from private surrenders, local animal control, and small- and large-scale rescue situations. To date, Wee Companions has rescued 4,234 animals, taking in 813 in 2007 alone.

At Wee Companions, animals are not euthanized except for extreme health issues. Aggressive, antisocial or otherwise unadoptable animals go into a system of sanctuary homes and are adopted only to homes equipped and capable of handling these special needs cases. Wee Companions currently has approximately 300 animals that will live out their lives with committed volunteers.

You can sponsor me directly though Paypal through this link:

"The moral progress of a nation and its greatness should be judged by the way it treats its animals."
- Mahatma Gandhi