Whitney Classic: Raising Funds

Dear friends and family,

You may have heard that I’ve decided to ride the Whitney Classic bike ride, a fundraiser for Summit Adventure.  Well, it’s true, and this is the donation request to prove it.

Registering for this ride was a bold decision for me because I have volunteered the past two years and I have seen the ride take its toll on friends, most of whom were unable to finish.  Also, I have never been much of a cyclist, and, until only a few weeks ago, had never ridden more than thirty miles in a day.  The Whitney Classic, on the other hand, is a 135 mile ride that gains 15,300 vertical feet.  It starts in the heat of Death Valley National Park at the lowest elevation in the United States (-282 ft) and crosses two major mountain passes in the Mojave Desert before ascending up the lower slopes of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower United States.  In order to minimize the heat exposure, riders endure through the night, passing 12 checkpoints which provide food, water and technical support along the way.  Of the solo riders who finish, most ride for 15-20 hours.  A few of them continue on foot to the summit of Mt. Whitney. 

Picture taken by a friend as I was volunteering at the 2011 Whitney Classic

Like I said, it was a bold decision for me, and, to be honest, I’m not sure I will be able to finish the ride.  But that’s part of the appeal—uncertain outcomes are part of the definition of adventure, and, I think God made all of us for adventures of one sort or another.  There are certain things that can only be understood on the brink of one’s potential.  But it is not only the hope for personal growth that inspires me to ride, I also am glad to be raising money for Summit Adventure, an adventure-based ministry I have worked with the past five years.

Summit’s mission is to facilitate transformational learning that strengthens relationships, builds compassion, and deepens faith through Christ-centered adventure, service, and experiential education.  They serve a wide variety of people from wealthy families, to persons with disabilities. 

During my time with Summit, I was often impressed with the transparency and humility its employees showed which created a safe atmosphere for beat-up and doubt-riddled Christians.  I have seen Summit act as a haven for wounded people who were unwelcome elsewhere, some of whom are now my closest friends.  Personally, Summit equipped me with tools for conflict management and interpersonal communication that I would not otherwise have discovered.

One of my first training rides

In order to raise money during the bike ride, Summit Adventure requires riders to raise a minimum of $700.  However, due to the intense logistics involved with the ride, Summit doesn’t raise a significant amount unless riders bring in far more than $700 per person. 

You can support me many different ways including prayer and encouragement, both of which are much appreciated.  If you want to financially support me, you’ve got a couple different options:  1)  send a check to Summit Adventure at the address below and make sure to note that it is for Ben Speicher’s Whitney Classic fund. 2) Pledge to give a certain amount based on the number of miles I ride, for instance, if you pledge one dollar per mile, your maximum commitment is $135.   Either one works, just make sure to let me know.

As much as I would appreciate sponsorships, I don’t necessarily expect them.  Give if you want to—don’t give if you don’t want to.  I understand either way; and either way, thanks for reading this letter.  I hope you’re doing really well.

Ben

Please send donations to

Summit Adventure

PO Box 498

Bass Lake, CA 93604

Donations over $25.00 will receive a tax donation receipt.

You can also donate online at www.summitadventure.com.

Just include “Ben Speicher: Whitney Classic” in the comments.