Join Me! Learn how…

 I’m inviting anyone of any age or ability who wants to bike with me as I ride from Denver, Colorado, via Kansas City, Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, Rochester, Minnesota, to the end in Plover, Wisconsin. The ride is scheduled to start on April 29th.

We’ll go at a pace to not drop anyone for the first hour of every day. (or 10 minutes if that’s all a person wants to do). We might have people who are waiting for transplants or on dialysis wanting to support our effort, or kids of all ages. I want to be as inclusive as possible to give anyone who wants to, a chance to support our mission. Unfortunately, we will not be able to stop for any repairs or shuttle people. We do not provide bikes, sorry.

 

 

After that hour we’ll need to go at a certain pace to finish the day’s ride. 15mph on pavement, 13 on dirt/gravel.

The more riders we can get to join us the more we’ll be noticed and the more potential donors we will be able to reach to educate and potentially signup as living or deceased donors. This is ultimately the purpose of the ride.

For all practical purposes, the current routes listed are 99% accurate. The only foreseen changes will be for road closures, weather, and that we’ll strive to be on roads as safe as possible to avoid as much vehicle traffic as possible. Some of these roads are not paved. Weather could play a part on where we actually ride, as well……think MUD!

 

One main thing to consider when deciding to do this ride is what kind of bike to use and that will be based on what portion of the route you plan on riding with us. You may want to consider a mountain or gravel bike. I will often take back-country roads to do my best to stay away from cars!

Send me the route/distance you plan on riding with me and I will try to give you an idea of how much pavement vs. gravel there is if you’re concerned.

Every rider HAS to approach this with the attitude of being self-supported. This is 100% critical on this ride. We will be “out in the boonies” MOST of the time. If you or your bike breaks down, YOU have to have an exit strategy. The RV support crew is there to support me, and that’s all.

There will be no sag wagon available. We will be using a Class C RV for support. If you want to ride along for multiple days, you’ll need to bring a 1-2-person tent, air mattress (if desired), and compact sleeping bag to use for lodging as we will NOT be using many hotels/motels. For this reason, our routing will be subject to campsites and some boondocking, so our routes might say “town xx to town xx” but it will be for general reference only. We can stow your gear in the RV during the day, but only a certain amount, so be judicious of the amount and size of the gear you bring.

Bring tubes, tools, pumps, quick links, etc., and know how to use them. All the stuff you’ll need to have to be self-supported as if no one is there to bail you out, because there most probably won’t be anyone. I know that might sound harsh to some, but that’s the way it needs to be.

Everyone will need to be accepting of some flexibility in the schedule. I do expect media opportunities, and they are extremely important to fulfilling the educational and public awareness objectives of this trip. If such opportunities pop up spontaneously, we will just need to spend the time and roll with minor changes in the overall schedule. Issues of weather are another example of how the timetable may change from day to day. The route could change due to wet conditions.

By participating in this event, you hereby consent to participate in the “THE ORGAN TRAIL” bicycle ride. (hereinafter referred to as “The Event”). You assume all risks of injury and hereby waive any liability to Mark or Lynn Scotch and anyone or any organization associated with the Event, (hereinafter collectively referred to as “us” or “we”).

You acknowledge that there are inherent dangers and risks of physical injury in participating in the Event, including but not limited to: falling, jumping, landing, misdirected equipment, minor injuries, such as scratches, bruises, and sprains; major injuries, such as joint and back injuries, car collision, broken bones, dislocated shoulders, concussions, musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular injuries, heart attack, stroke, and injury to the fetus (if pregnant); mental distress from participation; catastrophic injuries, such as brain injury and paralysis; death; and/or property damage.

In the event of any injury or damages of any kind, you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any of your own acts, omissions, or negligence. You acknowledge that you do not have any heart conditions or high blood pressure, back, neck or other skeletal, muscular, respiratory or circulatory problems. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless for any undisclosed condition you may have. You understand that you should seek independent medical advice as to whether or not you should participate in the Event.

You understand that we may limit your participation for any reason, including but not limited to: age, infirmity, height, weight, and/or ability.

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless, jointly and severally, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, rights, losses, costs, damages, expenses, settlements, judgments, causes of action and liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether foreseen or unforeseen, including attorneys’ fees, in law or in equity, arising out of or resulting from any claim related to my participation in The Event, including without limitation, my breach of this agreement or The Event rules and policies, or any other third party claim related to the Event.

You agree that The Organ Trail can use the photos, videos, newspaper articles, or any other media with you in them.

Looking to Suit up?

We would be proud to have you join us in appearance!    Get yourself or your team kitted out with The Organ Trail Jersey and Performance T!! Great conversation starters to share the need of deceased and especially living donors.  The below attire is available from Jakroo

Ask us for the store link!