The solidarity cyclers ride is less than two months away, so now is the time tostart fundraising!  As we've mentioned inprevious emails, it's easier than it seems. Just write a letter to tell people about the ride and why you're doingit, then carry around your pledge sheet and get pledges from all your friendsand family.  Your supporters can pledgeper mile (10 cents/mile = $16, 25 cents/mile = $40, etc.), or you can takedonations at any amount.  It's good toset a goal higher than you think is possible, because fundraising is easierthan you think!  In the past riders haveraised between $500-$1000 each, and we hope everyone can raise an amount inthat range this year. 

Download the pledge form to keep track ofpromised support.  Many people will writetheir checks beforehand, and of course you can also wait until you've done theride to collect the pledges.

Some other logistical updates:

• Route: We're still planning a loop route that takes usout around the C&O canal to Harpers Ferry on day one, across the Potomacand into rural northern Virginia on day 2, andback through Leesburg into Washingtonon the W&OD trail on day 3.  Nextweekend (the 4/26 and 4/27) we'll go scouting along the C&O leg of thetrail to see if there are parallel (paved) roads for those with road bikes.  If you're interested in going scouting, orhave experience with that route, let us know

• Victory party: we will definitely end in Washington DCon Memorial Day with a big victory party. If you know anyone who might want to help host a victory party on theevening of Monday, May 26 (memorial day), let us know!

• Packing: We are planning on having a sag wagon (ie.support car) that will drive camping gear out to us on Friday and Saturdaynights.  So while you won't need to carryall your gear, you should plan on having it. So now is also a good time to start rounding up sleeping bags and a tentif you don't already have one.

• Don't forget the training rides!  We've had two great rides so far.  The next one is coming up on April 27 at10:00 am.  The schedule and this pledge form are posted at www.cispes.org/cyclers.php

Thanks everyone for cycling and for fundraising for socialjustice.  Looking forward to seeingeveryone on the road!