SPONSORS:

Given the humanitarian nature of the ride [helping a friend] and the publicity of the story being pitched to local and national news media outlets, I've garnered the support of a number of sponsors to provide me with the food, clothing, shelter, and equipment I'll require for the trip.

Elete Water-- No colors, no sugars. Just good, clean hydration that tastes like, well-- water. Elete is donating electrolyte supplements.

Polarpak-- The next level in hydration pack technology. Polarpak is donating a "Moflow" hydration pack, plus a 'promopak'-- a backpack with an embroidered logo for my trip. Added bonus: The pack also doubles as a camp shower, and a pillow.]

Bike Stop Astoria-- Gus, the owner of my local bike shop, donated his time to teach me the basics of maintaining my rig on the road, and donated a wrench, a tube, and a patch kit to see me safely down the road.

GU Energy-- Nutrition concentrate. GU [pronounced "goo"] creates nutritional gels in wee packets that you squirt into your mouth and follow with a few mouthfuls of water. Ten minutes down the road, and your legs are moving like painless pistons.

Gear For Good-- An activist equipment lending library. Ingrid Gordon at Gear for Good is helping me to gather a sundried assortment of the missing pieces.

*EUREKA-- Eureka Tents has donated a 1p tent for the trip.

Speaking of which, I'm still seeking sponsorship, donations, or a temporary loan for:

• a rear bike rack and panniers
  
• a one-man tent [got it!]
  
• a sleeping pad
• light-weight rain gear, top and bottom
  
• a 15mm bike wrench
• a set of metal tire irons
• a couple of short bungee cords
• a pocket-knife or Leatherman-type device
  
• a 6' square tarp for good measure

And the ultimate donation wish-list item: the Xtracycle Free Radical converter kit. Turns any bike into an S.U.B.

My thanks and praise to everyone who has contributed to make this trip all the more possible.

Cheers,
-rz