Get Involved
We’re pleased to announce that team BUILD has pulled off our second annual charity bicycle ride: a 2-day, 187-mile jaunt from Seattle to Vancouver, BC now officially christened as the S2V Invitational. We ask our friends, colleagues, and progressive business owners to ride or just sponsor, and we’re delighted to send the not-insignificant proceeds to *social* profits doing important work.
Participants (top row L to R): Kevin Eckert, Ryan Linton,Josiah Johnson, Donald Summers, Albert Shum, Bill Reilly, Steve Oliver, Mike Mackie, Greg Plaunt, Aaron Pambianco, Scott Bleistein, Chris Patano
(bottom row L to R): Derek Birnie and Jorji Knickrehm of Washington C.A.S.H., Bill Wiegand, Bart Gibson, Duff Bangs (not pictured): coach, driver: Gary Plaunt
This year we chose Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self Help) as the beneficiary. They give hands-on education and support to low-income individuals to prepare them to start their own businesses. They even provide start-up capital, combining education and microfinance in a holistic package that supports both our economy and the people who are too often shut out of the opportunities we enjoy. Their results are phenomenal—they multiply the dollars they raise to generate powerful economic and social returns—and we’re looking forward to watching them get their programs to scale.
[RSVP map courtesy of the Cascade Bicycle Club]
Plus, like many of this year’s S2V Invitational riders and sponsors, we’re small business owners, so we thought Washington CASH was a natural fit. Importantly, every dollar we raised goes straight to the organizations we support. This year we are pleased to announce a total of $14,000 and counting. Not bad for year two—last year we did over 10k for Shelterbox.
We do this ride each year for a simple reason: to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Activity like this adds meaning to our lives. Again, pretty simple. And with gorgeous weather, a fantastic group of generous, happy people, and plenty of world class cycling added in, we had a weekend we will all long remember.
Our sincere, humble thanks to all who contributed. Special, heavily deserved recognition goes to Greg Plaunt for schooling everyone on the climbs, leading the optional third leg to Whistler, and providing the motorhome (i.e. sag wagon). Huge cheers to Gary Plaunt for his magnanimous driving and coaching duties; to our great friends and rock-star chefs at Picnic for the gourmet food; and also to delightful neighbor Kathryn for the bushel of delish cookies and brownies.
The list of other individuals, clients, neighbors and friends is lengthy, and some even wish to remain anonymous, but each of you know who you are. We simply can’t thank you enough for the support.
We had a ton of fun designing up this year’s custom jersey. Below is the graphic evolution of the Seattle and Vancouver skylines to the line drawings which appear on the front and back of the 2011 jersey. Good folks, good food, fitness and design- looks like we touched on them all.
Cheers from team BUILD
By Kevin E, August 19, 2011 @ 6:57 am
Thanks again to each rider and donor. I’m glad everyone has had the week to rest up, because it’s now time to start training for next year.
By Richter, August 19, 2011 @ 7:46 am
Pretty friggin inspiring guys! Nice job on all fronts.
By Madison, August 19, 2011 @ 8:14 am
Is there anything that you guys aren’t up to? I dunno… curling or something.
By Phinney, August 19, 2011 @ 8:15 am
The delicious food from Picnic alone would be worth riding 187 miles. Yum. Good job guys.
By Donald, August 19, 2011 @ 9:00 am
This was such a good time– Kevin and Andrew, thank you for the inspiration.
By Janvin, August 19, 2011 @ 9:14 am
Great ride for a great cause! The weather here’s gonna be hit n’ miss by the time you guys get here but meh, what do you expect from rain-couver! Except great food & scenic views – and oh yeah, mild mannered architecture! On behalf of Vancity, and the 2 of us at Architrix Design Studio, welcome!!!
By Josiah, August 19, 2011 @ 9:20 am
Can’t wait for next year fellahs. I think we should really get on the social train and promote next year like crazy so I can hide in the peloton:) Thanks for organizing! – J
By Margo Plaunt, August 19, 2011 @ 9:31 am
Great job on the jersey design guys! Look out maybe Greg and I will be riding tandem next year…thanks for organizing it, Greg lives for the ride!
By Derek Birnie, August 19, 2011 @ 2:22 pm
Wow guys! It was great fun meeting you all for the send-off; I could tell you were going to have a ball, and the post proves it!
Thanks for the inspiring support of our work at Washington C.A.S.H.! We look forward to staying in touch about the difference your contribution makes.
By Jim Zack, August 25, 2011 @ 7:29 pm
If there are any architect cycling enthusiasts in the Soan Francisco bay area who want to do a great fundraising ride check out
http://www.borp.org/revolution
I was introduced to BORP by my good friend Chris Downey, an architect who lost his site and has figured out how to continue practicing architecture. BORP helped him stay involved in cycling, on a tandem.
The revolution isvavgreat ride in Sonoma county, for a great organization, helping disadvantaged people enjoy and participate in outdoor activities.