Hey Bikers and friends,

For the last few years, I’ve cobbled together a handful or so of friends, and made an annual run around Mt. Rainier. This year, I’ve decided to make it a bit more official and try to do something good at the same time.

I’d like to announce the First Annual Charity Ride around Rainier! On August 22^nd we’ll be meeting to take a nice, leisurely ride around Mt. Rainier. The ride is open to any and all types of motorcycles, scooters or anything on two or more wheels with a motor! (Yes, cars are welcome – but they will be asked to ride in the rear of the pack!) J

The tentative agenda has us meeting in Lakewood, following Highway 7 (Mountain Highway) through Elbe and into the Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier. From there, we’ll ride to Paradise. We’ll stay there for a while and let folks rest up a bit for the next leg of the run.

From Paradise, we’ll follow the Steven’s Canyon Road out of the park and continue to Highway 410. We’ll stop again in Greenwater for lunch and then follow 410 back through Enumclaw. Our friends from the Northern parts can split off there and head back up towards Black Diamond, Hwy 18 and points North. The rest of us can either stay on 410 or as I plan, peel off at Buckley towards South Prairie and Orting.

What’s different this year? Nothing – about the ride. But what I did do is to setup a fund raising page for this year’s charity – Team World Vision.

Now – in full disclosure, yes – I work for World Vision. But this is not a World Vision ride. It is not sponsored, sanctioned or in any way supported by World Vision. Next year I’ll likely pick a different charity to support. There are plenty of charities that need our support, so I picked one that I believe in and support.

There is no mandatory donation – it’s a give what you can, if you can, when you can event. If you don’t want to give, don’t. But PLEASE don’t let that keep you from one of the best rides this state has to offer (in my opinion). The primary goal of this event is to get together and have a great ride. If we can do that, and help a charity like World Vision at the same time, I say we’ve done a pretty good thing.

SAVE THE DATE!

August 22, 2009
Departing from Lakewood Washington
Destination: Around Mt. Rainier
Contact: Tom Tracey (tom@tomtracey.com or 253-370-4601)
Donations of any amount accepted at: http://www.firstgiving.com/tomtracey 
Please note: I will NOT be accepting donations on the day of the ride. The only way to donate is through the website above.

Please drop me a line and let me know if you are coming and how many will be with you. I’d like to be able to make arrangements with the Park Service if we have a large enough group.

Please help spread the word! Post this mail on any rider list / board you may visit regularly where people may be interested in this type of ride.

Thanks – and Ride Safe!

Tom…