SRAM Support Sweeps the US
It has been over seven years since the India Ocean Tsunami struck Sri Lanka. At that time, SRAM Corporation Vice President F.K. Day along with his wife, Leah, set out on a project to provide simple, sustainable transportation to aid in the relief efforts. World Bicycle Relief, supported by SRAM, was founded out of this initial distribution of 24,000 bicycles. With roots connected to SRAM, the symbiotic relationship has done nothing but flourish over the years, giving pride to members of the SRAM family. Here are a few ways that SRAM’s support continues to boost World Bicycle Relief’s mission....
One of the newest members to the growing SRAM family is Quarq, makers of high-quality power meters that help cyclists achieve their training and racing goals. At last year’s Ironman World Championships in Hawaii, World Bicycle Relief had the great pleasure of meeting with key members of the Quarq team as they hosted the Quarq Arm Wrestle Challenge in benefit of WBR. The initial energy and enthusiasm of these “Quarqies” expanded to ongoing support of WBR. In late December, the team hosted a breakfast fundraiser, raising $1,100. Now, World Bicycle Relief literature is included in every shipment of Quarq Power Meters, so word is spreading to Quarq customers across the country. Check out the insert>
In April, SRAM employees headed to Monterey, CA to attend the Sea Otter Classic, a 4-day "Celebration of Cycling" that welcomes nearly 10,000 athletes and 50,000 fans. At the Classic, SRAM hosted a WBR Spin-the-Wheel Swag Giveaway that raised $2,680--donors would simply spin the wheel for prizes such as water bottles and t-shirts, while being educated on WBR’s mission. SRAM MTB Brand Product Manager Jenny Crowley commented on the event, stating "We are always looking for ways to incorporate and promote World Bicycle Relief in our onsite marketing efforts. Sea Otter is a great event that attracts really passionate, enthusiastic attendees, so it was the perfect venue to engage people while incorporating a grassroots fundraiser.”
The action continued in New York City as SRAM/ZIPP representatives Sandy Chapman and Brian Wester invited World Bicycle Relief to attend the first annual Bike New York Expo in line with the Five Borough Bike Tour – a 40mile ride through the streets of downtown NYC that attracts 32,000 cyclists. Students from the recent Inwood Academy fundraising group (story coming soon!) visited the expo to ride the WBR Buffalo Bike while we shared the news about our Better Than Walking Challenge and Team WBR.
Coming up, SRAMmies in San Luis Obispo, CA will host the second annual Bicycle Poker Run. Then, keep your eyes peeled for the WBR display at the SRAM party at Paris Mountain in Greenville, South Carolina during this year’s US Pro Championships!
