Bicycling from North Carolina to San Diego in the summer

[faenix]

Dear ATOT,

I am doing a great program through bike & build this summer from may 15th to july 18th. I will be riding from manteo, nc to san diego, ca over the course of 9 weeks. My team and I will be stopping along the way with helping places build affordable housing structures (like habitat for humanity) I'm extremely excited because I've never done such a thing before, (it's an extremely big deal to me) and hope that I can make even a small difference with it while going on such a journey.

My blog is at http://chonglee.tumblr.com It's pretty barren now but will be updated as much as I can along the way when the date comes. If any of you guys are bored, you should keep track of my progress! I've got butterflies in my stomach just thinking about going across the nation on a bike.

There was great skepticism from Farang that I was begging for donations here on ATOT, so I've removed my bit. Hopefully this thread will continue with some input from experienced members and I hope to share my progress with you guys if you're at all interested.

Thanks ATOT, and I will keep you guys posted!

P.S. Any experienced riders here? If you guys could take the time to answer some of my many many questions, that'd be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Farang]

How much of this is going to fund your trip versus the actual operating costs of the charity?

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Farang
How much of this is going to fund your trip versus the actual operating costs of the charity?

It is a non profit program. As far as I know, I am pretty sure about 50-60% of the funds raised goes straight towards the charity. I will get back to you on the exact number. The rest of the funds are used for housing on the way at local churches, supplies, etc.

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: faenix

Originally posted by: Farang
How much of this is going to fund your trip versus the actual operating costs of the charity?

It is a non profit program. As far as I know, I am pretty sure about 50-60% of the funds raised goes straight towards the charity. I will get back to you on the exact number. The rest of the funds are used for housing on the way at local churches, supplies, etc.

Let me rephrase.. what are you paying for on this trip and what are you provided by the charity? Is it cheaper for you to ride across the country with this charity or is it more expensive, and if either what is the difference between that and going it alone on a personal vacation?

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: faenix

Originally posted by: Farang
How much of this is going to fund your trip versus the actual operating costs of the charity?

It is a non profit program. As far as I know, I am pretty sure about 50-60% of the funds raised goes straight towards the charity. I will get back to you on the exact number. The rest of the funds are used for housing on the way at local churches, supplies, etc.

Let me rephrase.. what are you paying for on this trip and what are you provided by the charity? Is it cheaper for you to ride across the country with this charity or is it more expensive, and if either what is the difference between that and going it alone on a personal vacation?

To answer it the best way I can, the program organizes different routes from the east to the west for riders to join and fundraise separately. I have to raise $4,000, and I believe the only costs that's used on me that's obvious is the bike they will provide me. Honestly I have no clue on how much it would cost me to do the trip on my own. I'm assuming $1,000 for a bike and $500-$1000ish (terrible rough estimate) on trying to make it on my own? I might be off completely with the second number. Its a steep price to pay I know, but I wouldn't have been able to do this by myself and the fact that most of the money I fundraise can help the community drives me to fulfill that commitment.

 

[Farang]

If you have nothing to start with, and they are using $4,000 to get you from point a-to-b, and using the percentage figure you provided it sounds as if half of this money goes for the organization and half goes to getting you across the country. Now the organization, seeing as how wasteful they seem to be in terms of fund raising, also likely loses a large chunk of that 50% in operating costs.

In reality this comes across as a feel-good venture to give you a free vacation. No offense to you personally but I would reconsider ways in which I want to help my fellow man, and if I were just looking for a vacation I would consider if this plan was ethical.

 

[faenix]

Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

 

[Farang]

You can't find other programs? If you wanted to volunteer you could find countless opportunities in your community. You seem to want people to pay for you to ride across the country with a hammer and nail so you can feel good about yourself helping people, when really your ride involves massive, unnecessary waste. As a finance/econ major you should know this is a horribly inefficient way of helping people, and that inefficiency only comes from your own selfish desire for a vacation.

Nothing wrong with selfishness, only selfishness masked in altruism.

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

lol.. that is exactly what I thought of when I came in here, and my suspicions were confirmed

 

[arrfep]

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

lol.. that is exactly what I thought of when I came in here, and my suspicions were confirmed

Same reason I opened the thread. To be fair, I've met plenty of people who have done the "ride to raise money" thing. I cycled from Va Beach to San Diego in 2004, but it was for pure enjoyment, on my own dime. I'd considered trying to raise money for the American Lung Association to do their Big Ride, but I had reservations about how much of that $7k goes to the ALA and how much I would eat/shower/sleep away.

But on my trip I met plenty of people completely paying their way, but putting their hearts into spreading the word about whatever thier cause was. Sure, plenty of them got their meals paid for or a hotel room at a reduced rate, but that wasn't the goal of their trip.

OP, I'm not implying you have ulterior motives, just letting you know that there's a lot of skepticism involved when someone solicits for donations for a charitable cause while doing something that many would consider a vacation.

 

[arrfep]

PS, if you have any questions about long-distance touring, feel free to PM me. I'd be happy to talk about it.

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

lol.. that is exactly what I thought of when I came in here, and my suspicions were confirmed

Same reason I opened the thread. To be fair, I've met plenty of people who have done the "ride to raise money" thing. I cycled from Va Beach to San Diego in 2004, but it was for pure enjoyment, on my own dime. I'd considered trying to raise money for the American Lung Association to do their Big Ride, but I had reservations about how much of that $7k goes to the ALA and how much I would eat/shower/sleep away.

But on my trip I met plenty of people completely paying their way, but putting their hearts into spreading the word about whatever thier cause was. Sure, plenty of them got their meals paid for or a hotel room at a reduced rate, but that wasn't the goal of their trip.

OP, I'm not implying you have ulterior motives, just letting you know that there's a lot of skepticism involved when someone solicits for donations for a charitable cause while doing something that many would consider a vacation.

It's fine, I knew I was going to receive these kind of responses and I'm okay with that. I guess I was misunderstood, I'm fundraising my money through person, my friends, my family, whoever I can get. Even my professors have promised to help out. I just thought it'd be neat to show ATOT the progress of my ride linking to my blog and then decided it'd be a neat idea to throw in that donation plug. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if they're skeptical of me, that's alright too. I'll just keep what I'm doing and hope that may 15th comes soon.

 

[Farang]

lol a full third of your OP is dedicated to soliciting donations. It is your conclusion. You weren't misunderstood, you were asked questions regarding your request of money from people here (or I guess just me) and you failed to respond in a way which would warrant any sane person giving you any.

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Farang
lol a full third of your OP is dedicated to soliciting donations. It is your conclusion. You weren't misunderstood, you were asked questions regarding your request of money from people here (or I guess just me) and you failed to respond in a way which would warrant any sane person giving you any.

I've removed it since you thought I was extremely misguided. Hopefully now the thread will continue without you arguing my ethics. It was my mistake if it seemed like I was trying to take advantage of other people, it totally wasn't, but that decision is up to you. Thanks though for pointing it out.

 

[Farang]

No problem, you're welcome. Second thing you need to do is keep from linking to your blog which is one giant sales pitch for people to pay for your vacation under the guise of charity. Please do that ASAP, thanks

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: faenix

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

lol.. that is exactly what I thought of when I came in here, and my suspicions were confirmed

Same reason I opened the thread. To be fair, I've met plenty of people who have done the "ride to raise money" thing. I cycled from Va Beach to San Diego in 2004, but it was for pure enjoyment, on my own dime. I'd considered trying to raise money for the American Lung Association to do their Big Ride, but I had reservations about how much of that $7k goes to the ALA and how much I would eat/shower/sleep away.

But on my trip I met plenty of people completely paying their way, but putting their hearts into spreading the word about whatever thier cause was. Sure, plenty of them got their meals paid for or a hotel room at a reduced rate, but that wasn't the goal of their trip.

OP, I'm not implying you have ulterior motives, just letting you know that there's a lot of skepticism involved when someone solicits for donations for a charitable cause while doing something that many would consider a vacation.

It's fine, I knew I was going to receive these kind of responses and I'm okay with that. I guess I was misunderstood, I'm fundraising my money through person, my friends, my family, whoever I can get. Even my professors have promised to help out. I just thought it'd be neat to show ATOT the progress of my ride linking to my blog and then decided it'd be a neat idea to throw in that donation plug. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and if they're skeptical of me, that's alright too. I'll just keep what I'm doing and hope that may 15th comes soon.

:thumbsup:

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Farang
No problem, you're welcome. Second thing you need to do is keep from linking to your blog which is one giant sales pitch for people to pay for your vacation under the guise of charity. Please do that ASAP, thanks

I've tried to be as cordial as I could with you, but now I realized you've been flat out trolling policing me on my morals and virtues. I'm pretty sure ATOT is smart enough to see that my donation link is a 'scam' according to you, so I won't bother. Cheers though, sorry the economy has been so tough on you, but not everyone is as cynical as you seem to be. Thanks for wishing me well on my 'vacation.' I'll keep you updated on my salespitch blog!

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: faenix

Originally posted by: Farang
No problem, you're welcome. Second thing you need to do is keep from linking to your blog which is one giant sales pitch for people to pay for your vacation under the guise of charity. Please do that ASAP, thanks

I've tried to be as cordial as I could with you, but now I realized you've been flat out trolling policing me on my morals and virtues. I'm pretty sure ATOT is smart enough to see that my donation link is a 'scam' according to you, so I won't bother. Cheers though, sorry the economy has been so tough on you, but not everyone is as cynical as you seem to be. Thanks for wishing me well on my 'vacation.' I'll keep you updated on my salespitch blog!

Yea, hey well done on getting folks to give you $65 for you trip. Just remember it is your responsibility to explain why donations are necessary to you and not, say, a different charity organization that may provide more than half its funds towards its cause.

ATOT is smart enough for a lot of things but the mods still ban spammers quick, just sometimes if it doesn't say "free ipod" they don't do it quick enough. Hopefully our discussion here gave some help as to how useless this thread is.

 

[faenix]

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: faenix

Originally posted by: Farang
No problem, you're welcome. Second thing you need to do is keep from linking to your blog which is one giant sales pitch for people to pay for your vacation under the guise of charity. Please do that ASAP, thanks

I've tried to be as cordial as I could with you, but now I realized you've been flat out trolling policing me on my morals and virtues. I'm pretty sure ATOT is smart enough to see that my donation link is a 'scam' according to you, so I won't bother. Cheers though, sorry the economy has been so tough on you, but not everyone is as cynical as you seem to be. Thanks for wishing me well on my 'vacation.' I'll keep you updated on my salespitch blog!

Yea, hey well done on getting folks to give you $65 for you trip. Just remember it is your responsibility to explain why donations are necessary to you and not, say, a different charity organization that may provide more than half its funds towards its cause.

ATOT is smart enough for a lot of things but the mods still ban spammers quick, just sometimes if it doesn't say "free ipod" they don't do it quick enough. Hopefully our discussion here gave some help as to how useless this thread is.

The $65 were from two friends. A $60 donation and a $5 donation. Don't assume things you don't know. Get off your high horse sir. Good night.

Instead of banning my thread, Eli has given me a thumbsup. So much for that. Sorry troll.

 

[Farang]

I never claimed to know where the donations came from. Again, well done on suckering your two friends on giving you money for your trip. Unless they thought you needed a vacation and wanted to give you money for that purpose, in which case it was not suckering.

There is no high horse. You claim to be a charity but want money for your vacation. Really it is simple as that. I don't think you're a bad guy, I have planned around similar schemes myself (look into the Rickshaw Rally in India). Just don't try to defend yourself you know what you're doing.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

What happened in the end?
I just read that entire thread up to page 8. I don't have the energy to read anymore. I kept thinking to myself when is this guy going to start riding? Maybe the next page? Maybe the one after that?...I gave up.

His equipment list was ridiculous.

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: Lothar

Originally posted by: arrfep

Originally posted by: faenix
Sorry I seem to have offended you. And again, I know what you're saying (I'm a finance/econ major myself), but I can't find any other program doing what it does. If it was a feel good adventure, I'd ask my parents for money and go to the caribbean and do what college students do. Thanks anyways for your input though.

What he means is, don't be like this guy.

What happened in the end?
I just read that entire thread up to page 8. I don't have the energy to read anymore. I kept thinking to myself when is this guy going to start riding? Maybe the next page? Maybe the one after that?...I gave up.

His equipment list was ridiculous.

apparently he froze to death in DC! i kid i kid! i skipped to the last page, he made it. think you could give me a synopsis of the first 8 pages? ;