Yes, its that time of year again…The 29^th Annual Whitney Classic Bike Ride, Summit Adventure’s main fundraising event, will take place on September 25^th-26^th .The Whitney is an adventurous 135-mile bike ride that starts at 3:00 p.m. at Badwater, Death Valley, California (282 ft. below sea level), continues through the night and finishes the next morning at the portals at Mt. Whitney (8365 feet above sea level). The ride includes three major climbs of 17 miles, 13 miles and 13 miles, two of which by Tour de France classifications are considered “Out of Category” which to you and me means “really, really steep.” Total elevation gain for the ride is 15,300 feet.

This is my 11^th Whitney! What, are you nuts? Yes, nuts and addicted to this awesome ride. I love to ride, I love Summit Adventure, and I love this event. Nothing matches the awesome course, camaraderie of the participants, and incredible support from Summit Staff and volunteers. Many of you have been loyal supporters of Summit all these years. I cannot thank you enough!

Each year is a different challenge; this year will be my 6th solo ride. My reasons for riding solo are two fold: 1) In preparation for the 2011 Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur and 2) I am running of prospective teammates!

In the past ten years, through your generous support, we have contributed over $100,000 to Summit Adventure! Thank you! Here’s where you come in: I have set a goal to raise $10,000 for this year’s Whitney. Our course income provides for only 45 percent of our budget. The rest comes through fund raising events such as the Whitney Classic. I served as a member of the Summit Board of Directors and know how critical a successful Whitney is to the financial health of the ministry. Debby, Mark, Michael and I have all participated on Summit courses over the years and have been deeply impacted by this great ministry! We all love Summit. That’s why I ride!

Please join my support team and send in your donation today! (Donate online by clicking here and indicate ‘Atkins WC’ in the purpose box on the following page).

Please pray with me for a safe, successful event. Thank you and God bless!

Check out our web page by clicking here Click here to check out last year's pictures!

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Donations are tax deductible.

YES, Steve you are crazy and