2015: Power of You

2015 was a record year for many reasons. We distributed more bikes than ever before and saw individuals and communities unite to help mobilize individuals through the Power of Bicycles. So many of you used your voice and activated your community to expand the reach of World Bicycle Relief. Our fundraisers are our greatest voice. You share our work with the people around you. Jordan Rapp said it best:

THE POWER OF BICYCLES IS TRULY AMAZING. BUT EVERY YEAR, I’M REMINDED THAT NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POWER OF PEOPLE.

We couldn’t agree more. This year we saw groups gather over beer and curry, cyclists rally their team, a church group ride the coast of California, students create art, and hundreds of individuals step up to give the gift of joy, hope, and mobility. Every $147 helped change a life and we couldn’t have done it without you. We hope you get inspired to join us again in 2016!

While we can’t highlight every fundraiser, we wanted to share a couple reflecting the Power of YOU:

Cyclocross for a Cause: SRAM employee Chris Shotwell used his last season racing cyclocross to give back and race for a cause. He finished his season at Nationals in Asheville, NC where he had his best finish yet, placing 39th. Congratulations on a great season, Shotty! Shotty Dedicates Final Season to WBR

 

 

2 Hours of Suffering: The Sufferfest is a series of indoor trainer rides that individuals can complete to improve their fitness and power on the bike. When 12 videos are completed back-to-back with no rest, they earn their ‰Û÷Knighthood’. Terry Lazarou chose to undertake this challenge and raise funds for World Bicycle Relief. Sufferlandria Knight Raises $1,300 on Indoor Trainer

 

Bangkok to Siem Reap: A group of cyclists from the Dutch bank firm ING, cycled from Bangkok to Siem Riep through the ING Orange Bike Challenge. With bikes being distributed into the Philippines and Thailand, they look forward to visiting some of these sites in 2016 on their next ride. Bangkok to Siem Reap: Cyclists Ride Asia with a Goal of 5,000 Bikes

 

Michiganders Ride Inside: Team WBR Michigan joined forces with a local cycling studio and other cyclists in the area to host an indoor riding session during the bitter cold months. While they worked hard, there were smiles all around. Great work guys! Team WBR Michigan

 

 

Baker Bill Shares His Talents: Bill Middeke loves to ride bikes. He also loves to bake. He made his first one-bike donation to WBR in 2007 and then decided to do more. He has hosted a bake sale every year since then and has raised over $11,000 in that time. Cinnamon rolls for a cause? Yes, please! Baker Bill Raises Thousands for WBR

 

 

Cyclist Rides Cross Country: Rory Macleod left the comforts of a ‰Û÷typical life’ to fulfill a lifelong dream of riding across the country. But he decided to share his story in a bigger way by raising funds for the Power of Bicycles. A Chance Encounter Leads to Impact and Inspiration

 

 

Leadville Mechanics Wrench with Purpose: The Leadville 100 MTB race is famous for attracting some of the toughest riders around. The SRAM mechanics set up shop to help people out with their last minute race needs and raised over $4,000. Every individual got top-notch treatment and walked away ready to take on the Colorado mountains. SRAM Mechanics Ready Riders for Big Races

 

The Power of Curry: Biju’s Little Curry Shop, now a staple in the Denver dining scene, hosted two evenings of beer and curry to benefit World Bicycle Relief. With special guests including Ted King, this local shop produced big results. The #PowerofCurry Spices Things Up for WBR

 

 

Church Group Rides 360 Miles: The M360 ride has been going on for over 10 years. After learning about World Bicycle Relief, they felt it was the perfect fit for their 6-day cycling tour down the coast of California. They smashed their goal of raising 360 bicycles, with a final tally of 416! The M360 Charity Ride

 

 

SRAM Gets Athletes Race Ready: Athletes show up to the Ironman World Championships ready to go. But every detail matters. This year, SRAM helped apply custom Kona decals to the Zipp wheels out on the course and donated all proceeds to World Bicycle Relief in honor of the late Bill Keith, a long-time friend and supporter of the Power of Bicycles. Mahalo, Zipp!

 

Pedicabbers Give Rides in Seattle: A group of pedicabbers helped spread the word and raise funds for World Bicycle Relief by displaying signs and sharing our message with people getting rides around downtown Seattle. Pedicabbers Take WBR to the Streets of Seattle

 

 

Mountain Community Rallies for WBR: In a community in Colorado where residents love biking and beer alike, Eric Hockman hosted an evening at a local brewery with celebrity bartenders, great music, and an awesome raffle. He’s already looking to grow the event in 2016. Eric Hockman Grows the WBR Community in Golden Through Brews for Bikes

 

Leadville Rider Rallies Her Community: Kate Ginsbach qualified for the Leadville 100 MTB race during the summer and decided to make her journey about more than just the race. Before heading to law school, Kate held a local event in Boulder to help share her desire to help give girls better access to education. Team WBR Member Kate Ginsbach Hosts Pre-Leadville Fundraiser

 

Kegs for a Cause: Sarah Barber became inspired to get involved with World Bicycle Relief after racing the Leadville 100 MTB with the team. She noticed the importance of sharing the cause with those around her and tabled at the Boise Fry Company and Payette Brewing Company to raise funds and awareness. Team WBR Member Hosts Kegs4Kause

 

Giving Tuesday: This day was magical. Seeing so many of you step up together and reach out to your communities to help us raise over 1,000 bikes in a day was amazing. It truly showed the power of community and their ability to change the world. An Epic Giving Tuesday

As you can see, there are lots of ways to use your skills and talents to share the Power of Bicycles. A special thanks to all of our fundraisers. We hope you’ll rejoin the revolution in 2016.

 

 

 

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