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So, what is this Courage Classic you ask? Only one of the most incredible supported bicycle rides in the northwest, that's all.
Cameron and I did this ride from 1999 (a few days after his 5th birthday) through 2006 and I plan on participating for many years to come. Without a doubt, I have some of most incredible memories from those years of riding with him. This year Cameron will be a teenager and try as I might I could not get him to participate one more time; instead, I'm going to start a new tradition and do this with Shelley!
The ride is one long weekend in August, covers about 170 odd miles total and crosses Snoqualmie Pass, Blewett Pass and Stevens Pass sporting some of the most spectacular scenery, volunteer support, food, atmosphere and spirit of any ride I have ever participated in.
For three days you ride, camp, are fed, are looked after, are fed some more, are cheered on by countless volunteers and rotary groups, meet tons of interesting people, get fed even more, soak up the sun and all for a good cause. That being the support of the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital child sexual and physical assault unit. [here is more about the cause]This is a fund-raiser ride so if you happen to be my friend you'll get hit up for a donation. Don't fight it, let the money flow from your wallet to the cause. Like Martha always says, "It's a good thing." Then again, Ms. Stewart is having legal troubles and has fallen out of favor these days so perhaps I need to find a different celebrity to quote.
Perhaps, these:
- "I pity the fool that doesn't donate to this cause!"
- "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, help Martin ride three mountain passes and be the greatest, just like me."
- "Captain, the Dilithium crystals won't hold out much longer, we need donations right now or we're all dead!"
- "It's like this, see. You're gonna donate, see; and you're gonna like it, see."
- "Neither a borrower nor a lender be; for loan oft loses both itself and friend, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: contribute on this their noble quest."
- "When you can no longer take money from your wallet, it is time for you to leave."
Perhaps not...
If in spite of my somewhat impaired sense of humor you are still overcome with the desire to do the right thing, please don't hesitate and DONATE! You can now use the internet via a secure, encrypted connection to donate using your credit or debit card. Just click on the 'donate' link:
PayPal will confirm your payment which you can print as a receipt for tax purposes.
If sending me money over the internet via these newfangled methods is a bit scary or you do not have a credit or debit card, just mail me a check made out to MBCH/Courage Classic. I'll follow up with a receipt so you can itemize your donations come tax time. You can mail the check here. Sorry, stone tablets and barter for livestock are not accepted.
Thanks a million,
Martin
