Last call for cyclists to ride Sea to Sea

The Sea to Sea 2013 Bike Tour is a nine-week, 3,900-mile cycling trek across North America designed to raise awareness and funds in support of those living in poverty around the world. The tour begins June 22, 2013, in Los Angeles and ends August 24, 2013, in New York City. Stops include Phoenix, Colorado Springs, Pella, Grand Rapids, Toronto and Montreal. Organizers expect this will be the largest bicycle tour to ever cross the United States and Canada. Riders have the option of going the full distance or registering for one to five week segments. The registration deadline is March 1, and the recommended fundraising deadline is April 1 so cyclists can focus their efforts on training.

The challenge includes nine weeks on the road, cycling an average of 68 miles per day, and resting only on Sundays. Each rider who is riding the full distance is also required to raise at least $10,000 toward the cause. Those riding a week are only required to raise $2,500.

The 2008 tour, which rode through the U.S. and Canada, sent over $1.5 million to local, national and international agencies fighting poverty. Funds generated through the tour will be used to support new or ongoing initiatives in the areas of business and community development, and will provide people around the world with access to clean water, immunizations and other vital medical services. Additionally, 35% of the tour proceeds will be distributed to local programs that assist the poor. The tour is hosted by the Reformed Church in America, Partners Worldwide and World Renew.

Interested in riding? Visit www.seatosea.org for more information.