Need Some serious help and advise
 

Hello everyone, My name is Miguel I am from Brownsville, Texas. I have some serious questions and in serious need of some help.
I have organized a bike ride for charity in which I will be riding myself, from Brownsville, Texas to Houston, Texas approximately 380 miles. Recently about a month ago a 17 year senior from a local high school (Rivera High School) by he name of Fernando Enriquez (you can confirm on local newspapers) suffered an injury during a football game, which left gym paralyzed from the neck down, for the rest of his life. Because I am a former alumni and former US Army Ranger I have been compelled to help him and his family raise money to help with medical bills now and in the future. Yes the district has insurance but they are having problems, in the local clinic where he is been held at now, has treated him very bad he ended up with two infections. So his family has decide to move him to Houston, Texas.
Why am I doing this, because like I mention I served in the Army for 10 years, as a Army Ranger I was taught and trained to always help those in need never leave a fallen comrade. Even though I have started my own fitness business recently (check my web site at: www.rangerbootcamp.com) I have not been into serious riding. I decided to do the ride because I believe physically and mentally I can do it. I have been riding a lot lately, every other day I go from 60 miles and up per day. I am not a fast rider, and I have a mountain bike, which I was given by some friends recently.
I know I need a bike, I have been trying to get sponsors from around here. But I would like any one that could help me in any way. I need to know everything about riding long distances, technique, how to ride, what I might need a list if possible, clothing, what type of bike I should get if I can get one, if not I will be doing it on my Moutain bike. please if anyone can help I would greatly appreciated. The date of the event is on 17 Nov 2006. If anyone from around the route I am taken and has some media contacts and can help it would be awsome, I am trying to raise as much money as I can. You can contact me trhu here or thru my web site.
thank you all for your time. I am looking forward to alot more riding.

Miguel

GOOD LUCK! im in the Navy, and i know what it means to help a comrad. I would love to help you, but i have no means to send money right now, and no way to get there for support. But i can wish you luck. CONGRATS! you are a true hero.

Thanks I know how it is to be low on cash I am going thru it right now, thats why the only way I can help is with my fitness ability. But thank you, some riding tips mayeb help just as well

Just to let you know I moved you thread to the proper Region, and welcome to the boards.:)

Konarider24
Forum Moderator.

Miguel,

I lived in Brownsville for many years, that is where I met my wife (20 years together:D ). I wish you luck on your journey, this is a great place to get tips on riding and equipment. Your mountain bike should be OK if it is properly tuned and is the right fit for you. A set of smooth tires to replace the knoobies that are probably on your bike will make the ride easier.

If you are going to make this an official fund-raising effort, you may be able to get help and support from local businesses in the area. If you haven't already, have someone design a small poster or flyer that you can ask merchants to post to promote your ride. Also get in contact with the local newspaper and TV stations in both Brownsville and Houston, they should love a story like this. The family should establish a bank account for the fund-raisng donations, that makes people feel comfortable that their money is going where it should.

Also go talk to the folks at Bicycle World in Brownsville, they're on the Expressway feeder road near Sunrise Mall. They may help you with making sure your bike is capable of making such a long ride, and may donate equipment and supplies for your ride.

Please let us know how you are making out as your plans come together. Good luck and bless you for making such an effort to help someone in need, it helps affirm that there are good people out there....

B'Dog

Ah, I spoke too soon :o . The family has already established a bank account for their son.

Donate to Enriquez at any Lone Star National Bank, account number 9950141

If you would like to read more about this story:

http://www.thepaperofsouthtexas.com/page.php?kei=258

B'Dog

-I used to mountain bike before road biking. And i never thoguht i would be one of those guys wearing spandex. However, i was wrong. Spandex biking shorts really do make a defference. You don't want to get a case of sleepy pee pee, trust me.
- Biking shoes to save energy and power.
- LOTS OF WATER, EVERGY BARS, AND SOME MORE ENERGY BARS
- Jerseys

Hopefully your bike shop will help you with these purchases.
once again, goodluck.