8 Days Until The Race Across America

I want to share with you an incredible event that I am participating in starting next week. I’m on a team of 8 cyclists that will compete in the 2011 Race Across America – a grueling 3000 mile bicycle race across the country. It has been called the “toughest bicycle race in the world” by some. We are riding in an effort to raise money to start a Special Education Department at my daughter’s school, Arrowhead Christian Academy, in Redlands, CA. This department will serve high school students with learning disabilities such as Down’s Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and others. Right now, the school does not have the staff or facilities to address the needs of these students. We are expecting 12 or more students that will be graduating from our Middle School (Redlands Christian) over next several years that will need the type of educational assistance this department will provide. This effort is nothing short of historic in light of the fact that less than 5% of Christian schools across the country provide special education programs. In order to start the program, the school will need seed money – that is why Team Learning4Life is going to ride in the Race Across America!

I started training for this race back in October of last year.  Back then, I could barely make it around the 15-mile Sunset loop in our town of Redlands (a popular, hilly climb for local cyclists).  Now I ride that loop a couple of times a week as part of my 125-150 mile/week training.  I normally do 15 - 20 miles every day or so, either in the gym on the stationary bike or on the road and then a long ride of 40 - 60 miles on Saturday with the team.  I accomplished my first "century" back in April when I rode 103 miles in one day in the Tour de Palm Springs (with Celeste!).  I've lost about 20 lbs and have done the hard work to be ready for the race next week. 

Starting next Saturday, June 18th, seven of my team mates and I will leave from Oceanside, CA on an 8 day trek that will take us through 14 states, descend to 140’ feet below sea level, climb as high as 10,800 feet over the Rocky Mountains, through 1000 miles of prairies, across the Mississippi and weave through the Appalachians as we make our way over 3000 miles of American roads all the way to Annapolis, Maryland. I'm also excited and blessed to have my wife along with me as part of our 13 person crew during the race. Our motivation is for these kids – and our partnership is with you!

We have an auspicious goal to raise over $150,000 for our cause and we’ve already raised about $75,000 so far. The funds will provide a full-time Special Ed teacher, aides, and resources until such a time that the program is self-sustaining. Your partnership will help to provide a historical and eternal legacy as ACA becomes one of the few Christian High Schools in the nation to provide Special Ed. This will benefit these special needs children, their families and all other students as they learn to live with and enjoy other people with disabilities.

My hope is that this effort inspires you in a way that will motivate you to sponsor me in the race. We’ve set up a secure donation page that is easy to use - http://www.gofundme.com/wilcox-teamlearning4life. You can also get more information on the team, our cause, our training and follow us during the event at the team’s website: www.teamlearning4life.org . Any amount you can donate will be GREATLY appreciated and will be used to positively affect the lives of these kids with special needs at Arrowhead Christian Academy in Redlands. I hope you’ll follow along with our progress on the website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or our BLOG while we are on the road and thanks for your consideration!

Blessings,

Tony