Southern Tier Special Bike Ride
Donation protected
Overview
#GoBeyondGiving
I successfully completed my self-supported ride across America on the Southern Tier Bicycle Route from San Diego CA to Key West FL to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics through volunteer service and the love of traveling by bicycle. I traveled over 4,200 miles during 105 days with eleven Special Olympics awareness stops.
Using the power of social media, local, regional and national news outlets, grass roots momentum and a Go Fund Me campaign awareneness and funds were raised for eleven local and state Special Olympic organizations. Follow along
Southern Tier Special Public Facebook Group
Tomfoolery Outdoors Facebook Page
Tomfoolery Outdoors Instagram
Tomfoolery Outdoors YouTube
Volunteer service was a core element of this journey. I offered volunteer support to local and state Special Olympics organizations along my trip. My plan was to schedule service days in each state. Roles included officiating, announcer/emcee for events, concessionaire, skills clinic instructor, public speaking engagements, competition judge, training partner, awards and coach. Basically, whatever was most valuable to each organization.
Purpose
Use bike touring as a platform to raise awareness and funds to benefit local and state Special Olympic programs
Document the life and times of Special Olympic athletes and share my experiences as a volunteer
Build the Tomfoolery Outdoors brand encouraging people to Live Active, Laugh More, Inspire All.
Take advantage of this opportunity I have on earth to be adventurous.
Seek emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
Challenge my emotional, physical and spiritual being.
Share the love of bicycling and inspire all types of people to ride a bike more often. HAVE FUN!
Schedule
November 16 - April 16: Go Fund Me Campaign
January 9: Urban Yoga Retreat Send Off Party –
January 12: Leave for San Diego, CA
January 14: Volunteer service day with Special Olympics San Diego County World Games athlete Erik Weber.
January 15: Started journey in Ocean Beach, CA
January 21: Made it to Arizona
January 26: Special Olympics Peoria, AZ Basketball practices. Volunteer service day
January 30: Special Olympics Arizona Coronado Area Basketball and Cheer Competition. Volunteer service day
February 6: Made it to New Mexico
February 16: Special Olympics New Mexico Bowling event with Las Cruces Incredibles
February 20: Made it to Texas
March: Ottobock tour in Austin, TX
March: Cycling practice with Kyle Special Olympics, TX
March: Down Hown Ranch in Elgin, TX
April: Made it to Louisiana
April: BBQ Competition Judge with Special Olympics Louisiana in Hammond, LA
April: Made it to Mississippi
April: Ocean Springs High School Unified Special Olympics program, Ocean Springs MS
April: Made it Alabama
April: Made it Florida
April: Gainesville Special Olympics Area Games
April: End the R Word Assembly with Special Olympics Florida Miami, FL
May 1: Finish in Key West, FL with cyclists from Special Olympics Key West
Where the money goes?
Money is distributed to a Special Olympics organization in each of the eight states on the Southern Tier Route. States In addition, I will make a contribution to Miami County Special Olympics in my local area of Ohio. I managed this organization from 1998 to 2007 forming a personal connection with the athletes, families and volunteers that made this program one of the best in Ohio. This experience confirms the importance of sport and friendly competition in the lives of Special Olympians. A percentage of the funds will cover personal expenses, travel, gear and bike maintenance.
Learn more about Tomfoolery Outdoors and my previous adventures at www.tomfooleryoutdoors.com
Sincere appreciation
Your friend and adventurer
Tom Helbig
Live Active, Laugh More, Inspire All
#GoBeyondGiving
I successfully completed my self-supported ride across America on the Southern Tier Bicycle Route from San Diego CA to Key West FL to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics through volunteer service and the love of traveling by bicycle. I traveled over 4,200 miles during 105 days with eleven Special Olympics awareness stops.
Using the power of social media, local, regional and national news outlets, grass roots momentum and a Go Fund Me campaign awareneness and funds were raised for eleven local and state Special Olympic organizations. Follow along
Southern Tier Special Public Facebook Group
Tomfoolery Outdoors Facebook Page
Tomfoolery Outdoors Instagram
Tomfoolery Outdoors YouTube
Volunteer service was a core element of this journey. I offered volunteer support to local and state Special Olympics organizations along my trip. My plan was to schedule service days in each state. Roles included officiating, announcer/emcee for events, concessionaire, skills clinic instructor, public speaking engagements, competition judge, training partner, awards and coach. Basically, whatever was most valuable to each organization.
Purpose
Use bike touring as a platform to raise awareness and funds to benefit local and state Special Olympic programs
Document the life and times of Special Olympic athletes and share my experiences as a volunteer
Build the Tomfoolery Outdoors brand encouraging people to Live Active, Laugh More, Inspire All.
Take advantage of this opportunity I have on earth to be adventurous.
Seek emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
Challenge my emotional, physical and spiritual being.
Share the love of bicycling and inspire all types of people to ride a bike more often. HAVE FUN!
Schedule
November 16 - April 16: Go Fund Me Campaign
January 9: Urban Yoga Retreat Send Off Party –
January 12: Leave for San Diego, CA
January 14: Volunteer service day with Special Olympics San Diego County World Games athlete Erik Weber.
January 15: Started journey in Ocean Beach, CA
January 21: Made it to Arizona
January 26: Special Olympics Peoria, AZ Basketball practices. Volunteer service day
January 30: Special Olympics Arizona Coronado Area Basketball and Cheer Competition. Volunteer service day
February 6: Made it to New Mexico
February 16: Special Olympics New Mexico Bowling event with Las Cruces Incredibles
February 20: Made it to Texas
March: Ottobock tour in Austin, TX
March: Cycling practice with Kyle Special Olympics, TX
March: Down Hown Ranch in Elgin, TX
April: Made it to Louisiana
April: BBQ Competition Judge with Special Olympics Louisiana in Hammond, LA
April: Made it to Mississippi
April: Ocean Springs High School Unified Special Olympics program, Ocean Springs MS
April: Made it Alabama
April: Made it Florida
April: Gainesville Special Olympics Area Games
April: End the R Word Assembly with Special Olympics Florida Miami, FL
May 1: Finish in Key West, FL with cyclists from Special Olympics Key West
Where the money goes?
Money is distributed to a Special Olympics organization in each of the eight states on the Southern Tier Route. States In addition, I will make a contribution to Miami County Special Olympics in my local area of Ohio. I managed this organization from 1998 to 2007 forming a personal connection with the athletes, families and volunteers that made this program one of the best in Ohio. This experience confirms the importance of sport and friendly competition in the lives of Special Olympians. A percentage of the funds will cover personal expenses, travel, gear and bike maintenance.
Learn more about Tomfoolery Outdoors and my previous adventures at www.tomfooleryoutdoors.com
Sincere appreciation
Your friend and adventurer
Tom Helbig
Live Active, Laugh More, Inspire All
Organizer
Tom Helbig
Organizer
Tipp City, OH
