RTB Virtually: My Ride

Now more than ever the American Lung Association needs your support! The Lung Association launched the COVID-19 Action Initiative, a comprehensive $25M initiative to end COVID-19 and defend against future respiratory virus pandemics. Your support as a Reach the Beach participant will help fund the expansion of the Lung Association’s ongoing respiratory research program, enhancements to key public health measures through education and advocacy, and the establishment of an advanced network to increase collaboration across sectors.

Support the American Lung Association and participate in Reach the Beach with My Ride. Now through Sunday, October 11, we encourage you to ride your bike in your community while fundraising to support lung health. Do you prefer shorter rides? Are you adverse to hills? Do you want to ride with your children? My Ride is a perfect fit for all abilities because YOU select your route. Ride your bike from the location of your choosing to the destination of your choosing (or even on a stationary bike), at the time that works best for you, and with whomever you would like. You can complete your desired mileage in one trip or spread it out over multiple rides.

My Ride participants will earn their commemorative Reach the Beach Oregon T-shirt, 30th Anniversary finisher’s medal and commemorative bib number! Simply complete the $130 fundraising minimum by October 11, and your items will be mailed to you. To get your gift early, meet your goal level by this Saturday, August 1, and receive your preferred size by October 11.

We are excited to offer this flexible option that will allow more cyclists to be a part of the Reach the Beach community! Riders are encouraged to join the PBC team and share your progress on your participant center (e.g., click here to see Ashley’s participant center), on social media, and on our Reach the Beach Strava club.

Put the “social” in social distancing by connecting with fellow riders and tracking your activity! Please remember to practice social distancing while spending time on your bike and working towards achieving your mileage goal of 26, 56, 73, 100 miles or a distance of your choosing! Daily exercise is key to both lung health and mental health.

To register, visit our Reach the Beach Oregon team page: http://action.lung.org/goto/PBC_Team_2020, select ‘Join Team’, and then select ‘Virtual Rider’ as your participation type. After you register, join the Reach the Beach Oregon Strava Club to track your training and connect with fellow riders. There is no registration fee to join us with My Ride. If you are already registered and would like to switch to participating in My Ride, or if you are having any technical difficulties, please contact me at [email protected].

Julia Baker, Development Coordinator, American Lung Association in Oregon