Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – June 20, 2005 – The American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter will host its first noncompetitive mountain bike ride. Called The Ride for Red Cross, the all day event will take place on Saturday, September 10 Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Starting line opens at 8:30 a.m. for biking and hiking. Participants can experience trails for beginners, moderate, and advanced riders. A family fun ride will also take place. Food, entertainment, free bike tune ups, adult stuntville freeride park and kid’s rodeo are a part of the day’s activities.

Participants can register online at www.redcross-pdx.org. Entry fee is $25.00 per participant plus $50.00 in pledges. After August 10, the registration fee is $35.00 each. Participants under the age of 18 will only pay the $25.00 participant fee; ages 6 and under are free. Families of four or more can register together and will pay the participant fee for each member (6 years+), plus raise a minimum of $25 in pledges per family.

The participant who collect the most pledges and win a Diamondback mountain bike. Other prizes from DaKine and NIKE will be awarded to participants who earn specified pledge amounts. Sign up as a team of eight by August 10 and each participant of legal age will receive a free six-pack from BridgePort Brewing Company. The team who secures the most pledges will also receive a private tour and tasting at the newly-renovated BridgePort Brewing location in northwest Portland slated to open at the end of the year.

“This event is modeled after the Fat Tire Classic – an established Red Cross fundraising event in Denver, Colorado,” said Mary Loftin, executive director of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. “We encourage people to bring family, friends and coworkers to Mt. Hood to enjoy one of the last days of summer and support lifesaving Red Cross services.”

Every 32 hours on average, Red Cross volunteers are called by local fire bureaus to provide emotional support and cash assistance for families needing a place to stay, meals, clothing and other immediate needs. More than 800 people are assisted annually who lose their livelihood from residential fires. Although fires may not always make the news, these local disasters are just as devastating to families as large disasters that occur around the world.

The Oregon Trail Chapter also trains more than 30,000 adults and youth in CPR, first aid, water safety and more. Other Red Cross services provided thanks to local volunteers and supporters include transportation for more than 20,000 seniors and people living with disabilities. Military families also look to the Red Cross for emergency communications for loved one stationed overseas.

Supporters of The Ride for Red Cross include Mt. Hood Skibowl, GI Joe’s, BridgePort Brewing Company, Clif Bar, Hurricane Racing, DaKine and Diamondback Bikes.

To register for the ride, volunteer, or find out more about sponsorship opportunities, call (503) 528-5663 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org.

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.redcross-pdx.org