A: Yes. Insane, actually. Next question.
Q: What made you decide to do this?
A: Lung cancer sucks. We want to make it go away.
Q: Why not a cause less controversial, like breast cancer?
A. Actually, some members of Team Dream are already did the 3 Day Walk for breast cancer in October 2008, and that's a great cause. But this is our issue because our friend was diagnosed with lung cancer in May 2008. When someone you love is diagnosed with lung cancer you realize that NO ONE deserves this disease. Our friend was non-smoker and had no risk factors. but lung cancer strikes indiscriminately. Because so many people believe that smokers "deserve" lung cancer, it has been woefully underfunded and understudied. NO ONE, SMOKER OR NON-SMOKER, DESERVES LUNG CANCER. We want to raise money for research, and to raise awareness about lung cancer in general. Click here for general information about lung cancer. Click here for information about women and lung cancer.
Q: Why is your goal $100,000?
A: Because $100,000 will fund a research grant and we hope it will make a real difference in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Q: How much of my donation goes to the research grant?
A: 100% of your donation goes toward this research grant. It doesn't pay for our trips or for fundraising, buy paperclips and pens, or fund executives' and administrative salaries. 100% for research.
Q: Who will administer the grant?
A: The National Lung Cancer Partnership. You can find their financials at www.guidestar.org.
Q: Is the charity paying for your trip?
A: No. All members of Team Dream are paying for their own trips, so that 100% of your donation will go to the research grant we want to fund.
Q: What happens if you don't raise $100,000?
A: Not an option.
Q: Is there a fundraising minimum to participate in the trip?
A: No. Because the charity is not paying for our trips, there is no fundraising minimum. If you do not wish to raise money, we simply ask that you be alert for opportunities to talk to friends, neighbors, and colleagues about the trip and what we're doing. And don't turn down donations if offered!
Q: How long will the trip take?
A: 50 days.
Q: From where to where?
A: Los Angeles to Boston.
Q: I want to ride with Team Dream but I can't take that many days off work. Can I ride part of the trip?
A: Yes, you can custom-design a portion of the trip to fit your needs. Please note that this is a strenuous trip (like running a marathon every day of the trip), and the outfitter has strict guidelines for riders. You must be able to meet these guidelines by November 1, 2010. Click here to see a copy of the trip guidelines. You also must commit to do at least 10 riding days of the trip. Once you are committed to joining us, email Amy at akwaggoner@yahoo.com for a copy of the trip calendar. Tell them you want to ride with Amy Waggoner's group. Please note that the first week of the trip is very strenuous, with back to back century rides, and the highest climb of the trip. You should be a strong cyclist, or become one before November 2009, if you choose to ride this leg of the trip. NOTE: The dates in this paragraph are taken from the schedule developed for the planned 2010ride. Since the ride has been postponed until Spring 2010, exact dates are subject to change.
Q: What sort of equipment will I need?
A: You need a good-quality road bike and a good attitude. Crossroads Cycling will provide an equipment list, mostly consisting of small accessories for your bike to make the trip easier. The trip is fully supported; all accommodations, most meals, and van support are included in your trip price. Please note that this is a strenuous trip (like running a marathon every day of the trip), and the outfitter has strict guidelines for riders. Click here to see a copy of the trip guidelines.
Q: What if I can't make it up the mountain? (Or through the desert, or to the end of the day, etc.)?
A: The trip will be fully supported with snacks, rest stops, a bike mechanic, and, yes, a SAG wagon if you can't ride another minute. But remember that lung cancer patients don't have the option to quit their journeys, so we won't quit ours.
Q: What sort of training will I need to do?
A: First, DO NOT attempt any portion of this trip without proper training. Work up to 100 miles per week on the bike by November 1 (it's a lot easier than it sounds). Crossroads Cycling provides a suggested 10 week training program that you can begin in the spring, so long as you have this 100 mile per week base before starting the training program. The training program works up to 250 miles per week. You need to be able to ride 80 miles in one day, followed by 50 miles the next day, AND be able to maintain a 15 mile per hour pace for 35 miles over gently rolling hills before starting your portion of the trip.
Q: What happens when the trip ends?
A: All members of Team Dream who rode any part of the trip are invited to Boston to ride with us on the last day to the Atlantic Ocean. Then we have a big party.
Q: How do I get more information?
A: Click on any of the links on this page or contact Amy Waggoner at akwaggoner@yahoo.com for information on Team Dream.
Q: What else can I do to help?
A: Check this site or Amy's training blog for announcements about other events to benefit the Team Dream project. Donate. Donate some more. Most importantly, spread the word about the trip, the cause, and this site. Tell your family and friends. Hook us up with your media contacts if you have any. And tell us if you have other ideas for projects, fundraisers, and other ways to get the word out. This is a team effort, and everyone who donates, spreads the word, or participates in events is part of the team!
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