Mark Rhode completes 24 Hour race, combining his passion for cycling with his passion for his cause

On Labor Day 2005, Mark Rhode participated in the 2005 World 24 Hours of Adrenalin Championships, racing his bike all day and night for Team World Vision to support World Vision relief efforts for African AIDS Orphans.  Mark had recently returned to the Seattle area from a visit to Africa during which he met many families affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is devastating that area, and he was determined to make his cycling pursuits about something bigger than just his own interest.

Mark completed the race and raised nearly $10,000 for Team World Vision, in the face of terrible weather conditions affecting the course and his physical well-being.  Mark tells us about his experience in his own words (see below) and offers some tips and suggestions based on what worked for him in his fundraising efforts:

• Keep your supporters engaged:  Mark used the easy-to-edit page to update his supporters on his training and race progress, emailing his contact list each time with a new subject line.  This way, he says, he felt like he always had a reason to reach out to his network again.
• Promote yourself and your cause:  Mark contacted his local paper about his upcoming race participation and about his online fundraising page.  They wrote a story about him featuring a link to the page, resulting in donations from people Mark had never met before. 
• Don't be shy:  Mark included people far away and people he hadn't heard from in a long time in his contact list.  People are always interested to hear what's going on with old friends, and Mark received a $100 donation from a co-worker he hadn't seen in 20 years. 

According to Mark, his personal commitment to supporting his cause kept him motivated to keep asking for donations, and motivated to finish a grueling race.

See Mark's online fundraising page at:  http://www.firstgiving.com/markrhode and read his story below:

…it was one of the toughest things I've ever encountered . . .

In an earlier email, I asked you to consider joining me and TEAM WORLD VISION in my campaign to care for African Aids Orphans…so, I thought you might want a report on the race and the campaign.

I DID finish the 24 Hour World Championship race…but, I did not achieve my (athletic) goal.This wasthe most difficult race in myshort 5-years of cycling.

It rained constantly -- and was cold.This wasunusual forWhistler on Labor Day-- as it istypically sunny and nice. Rain started two hours prior to the race and ended 2 hours after.

Saturday afternoon -- I was recording fairly fast lap times (1 hour20 minutes). Each lapis about 11 miles of singletrack and hiking trailswith about 1,200 of altitude gain. But,I was soaked to the skin.Part way through my thirdlap I began feeling really weird. I finished the lap very cold and a dizzy.

In the "Pit Area", Brian Boyd (friend and Pit Crew) and Titus wrapped blankets around me, and that's when I started shivering. Couldn't stop . . .They concluded I was hypothermic (my core temperature had lowered) and I needed to get warm.

They took meto our hotel room, got me a hot bath, new warm clothes and I got back out on the course. Still pouring. Still cold.

Next lap felt great and I was back on my good lap time (1 hour 30 minutes).

The water made the course conditions nasty-terrible − with thick (plaster-of-Paris-thick) mud that sucked the energy out of my tires… and very slick roots/rocks on the descents.

During the following lap I becamedizzy (again). That lap took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. I was too dizzy to ride thetechnical descents…so, I walked them…still raining. Very cold.

Brian and Titus wereconcerned by my slow lap time. Melody and Meridien were at the pit as well.I came in very wet andhypothermic again. . .we made the decision to get me another warm bath. Since I was dizzy, I made the decision that riding was too risky…as it wouldbe easy to sustain a bad injury (when dizzy) in these conditions. So, Iwent into the hotel to warm up and try and recover. About midnight,I went to sleep.

I set the alarm for 5:00 am − woke, dressed in my third set of dry cycling apparel − and headed up to the course to continue racing. Titus joined me…I started riding at daybreak andfinished the race…

I ended up finishing last in my age division -- which was disappointing to me. But, I wasn't alone in my condition…as many racers did not ride through the night or finish at all.

Anyway,I didn't quit. I came back from the warmth of my room twice during the race…and I finished.

When I got back to Bellingham, I had to go to ER for a staph infection in my left calf, probably stemming from the race and a depleted immune system. Tough few days. I'm on heavy antibiotics and healing well, but took two "sick" days for recovery this week.

Well, that's about enough about the race.

Now, for the REAL VICTORY. So far, friends and familyhave joined with me togenerate awareness and almost $9,000!-- which will be used to care for African aids orphans (through the work of World Vision).  Our goal is$10,000 -- so, we're very close. If you haven't already, would you please consider joining our campaign to care for African children who've lost parents to HIV/Aids.

It's easy, totally safe and convenient. All the monies go to World Vision. Just go to my site: http://www.firstgiving.commarkrhode

Blessings and THANK YOU.

Mark Rhode