I Challenge Myself is on a Roll (Literally and Figuratively)

For those of you who have followed my biking adventures (and, if you're reading these words, that probably includes you!), you'll recall that much of my fundraising is channeled to supporting I Challenge Myself, the non-profit of which I've been Board Chair for almost 10 years. So I thought a report on their recent (and amazing) progress was in order.

First, on June 8th, the kids at ICM biked their annual Century Ride (100 miles), basically from Upper Manhattan to Carmel, NY, along the various Westchester bike paths, and back again. The picture at left was taken after the ride -- they don't look much the worse for wear! In fact, we had to pull them off the field behind them, where they were running around and playing Frisbee, in order to take the photo!

I rode with them again this year, and it was again an inspiring experience. The kids were playful, but careful and polite riders, and really looked after and supported each other on the ride. They also were pretty darn strong in the saddle. This year, we also also had more volunteers than ever -- supporting all aspects of the ride, from meal and snack set-ups, to driving sag wagons, to riding along with and encouraging the kids. It was a long day for everyone, but the kids really did a great job, and I'm not exaggerating to say that all the adults came away impressed with the whole undertaking and, I think, re-invigorated themselves by the good use of their donated time.

Second, a smaller subset of riders took off in late July on a multi-day summer bike tour program, covering almost 400 miles, of seven colleges in Upstate New York: Syracuse, Cornell, Binghamton, Oneonta, Cobleskill, Bard and West Point. Each visit included a guided campus tour and meetings with financial aid and admissions counselors. I just recently met with the kids, and the bonding, enthusiasm and excitement they all showed, having completed a challenge of this size, was extraordinarily heart-warming and inspiring. Please check out their Facebook page for some amazing coverage of this adventure! And if you can't be bothered with clicking the link, here are some photos for you without leaving this very page!

Last, but certainly not least, through the dogged determination of our Executive Director, Ana Reyes – ICM earlier this year received a 3 year Carol White PEP Grant, which is a US. Dept. of Education federal grant, worth over half a million dollars! It means we will be vastly expanding our program, including hiring additional staff, to reach more kids through a cross-fitness program that we hope will become a standard for physical education across all of New York City's public high schools. We'll still maintain our Cycling Smarts program and its Century Ride, as well as the College Summer Bike Tour, but this additional program will, we hope, be a way to get entire schools involved in challenging themselves!

Now I've never quite figured out whether getting a grant of this size positively or negatively impacts prior financial supporters. One reaction might be: "they've got a lot of money now -- they don't need my $50." The other (and the one we hope for) is: "wow, they're really taking it to a new level -- I want to be associated with this organization and support it more than ever!" Seriously, though, the grant does have an obligation to raise some matching funds that means that continued support from our best and earliest donors continues to be needed and much appreciated. End of pitch.

More posts coming soon about my upcoming Climate Ride Midwest ride -- which will be in support of both Climate Ride and I Challenge Myself. I hope you'll follow along.