[From left to right: Aaron Freedman, Pete Nelson, Brian Boram, David Branson, Albert Shum, Aaron Pambianco, Mark Carson, Greg Plaunt, John Reynolds, Peter Gray, Kevin Eckert, Sweet Tea Smith]

As we do each August for the past 8 years, BUILD LLC and friends departed from our Seattle office and pedaled to Vancouver BC for the 9th annual Seattle to Vancouver invitational charity ride. This is our yearly opportunity to train up to our peak fitness, visit with old friends, and raise awareness and dollars for a worthy cause.


[Photo Credit: Brian Boram]

Our official fundraising has now come to an end (though donations toward the cause are always accepted, of course), and as we do to commemorate each ride, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on another safely completed, 188 mile bike ride.

While this year’s journey offered more liquid sunshine than most other years, which helped to “keep the dust down,” we were reminded that we’re fortunate to have had taken the opportunity to give back while sharing a weekend with a friendly crew and receiving the broad support of so many others.


[Photo Credit: Sweet Tea Smith]

We want to thank all of our generous donors who helped us surpass our $25,000 goal for Reading Partners, as well as an additional $3,000 raised for our return sponsor and ride supporter, Bike Works. And a big thanks to fellow rider, Brian Boram, for designing the S2V 2018 team jersey and Castelli Cycling for making our custom designs a reality. Our ride sponsors, The Welland Company, BUILD LLC, and AJP Engineering consistently put their dollars, labor, and heart into making this ride a reality each year. Huge thanks for their commitment and efforts toward another successful year.


[Photo Credit: Sweet Tea Smith, Aaron Pambianco]

Really, way to go to each contributor who was moved enough to support us and put their hard-earned dollars into demonstrating their support. This is truly a big accomplishment and we had a range of supporters—some repeat supporters who set the tone with large contributions and inspired others to give what they felt they could. Every dollar counts as we continue to raise the bar on literacy, which raises life prospects for those who are struggling to find their way.


[S2V 2018 Jersey: Design by Brian Boram, Made by Castelli]

As we look toward S2V 2019, which will be our 10 year anniversary, we look back at our previous rides for renewed inspiration. To date, we have raised over $208,000 across nine years in support of such important causes as Shelterbox, Mary’s Place, and Team Gleason. Taking stock of the overall contribution of S2V, we’re inspired and energized for a remarkable 10th Annual S2V Invitational in 2019.


[Photo Credit: Aaron Pambianco]


[Photo Credit: Sweet Tea Smith]

Cheers from Team BUILD