For Immediate Release:
ECHELON GRAN FONDO DELIGHTS A CROWD OF 700 CYCLISTS FOR ITS INAUGURAL OREGON EVENT
Praise from all for the September 26th Echelon Gran Fondo in Hood River as event reaffirms accomplishment of a community focused fundraising event
(Hood River, OR – September 26, 2010) – The all-star fall weather conditions set the stage for this first time Oregon Gran Fondo produced by Echelon/PlanetZ in Hood River. The starting line resembled the beginning line up of a Tour de France stage, featuring the Yellow, Polk-a-dot, Green, and other colored jersey’s, which designated the levels of dollars the participants raised in their efforts to support the event’s beneficiaries. Fundraising Teams such as the world-renowned OHSU Knight Cancer Institute boasted their custom-logoed Green Jersey as well as a cast of characters from the Traders Joes team in their Echelon kits, while others joined in force in their team kits.
The Hood River event, open to all levels and abilities of cyclists, and was focused on raising dollars for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, LIVESTRONG®, The Knight Cancer Institute in Portland and the Celilo Cancer Center located in The Dalles, OR. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will be given to the Historic Columbia River Highway and their important grassroots efforts to improve the old highway from Troutdale to The Dalles.
The event, intended to offer a cycling experience beyond what you see in a typical century ride or what Executive Director, Hunter Ziesing has claimed, “theater on the roads”, the 700 plus participants were welcomed by a cast of characters and stunts designed to give racers and recreational cyclists a day to remember. The Angel of Echelon, Elvis, a Red Devil, and cheerleaders added to the buzz and exhilaration of the cyclists’ day. Team Radio Shack’s Chris Horner participated and politely hung back with most of the riders until the competitive 20-mile hill climb began. He was third to the summit behind local Washington pro, Lang Reynolds and Jennifer Slawata who finished just one second in front of Horner.
Along with the on course entertainment – a SAMBA band was stationed at the peak of the 20-mile hill climb where a little rain began to fall. “Our goal was to create a uniquely fulfilling experience for the community and our participants. For the most part we did, but for a few mistakes out on course, your post survey feedback has helped us identify a few areas where we can improve to make next year’s event even better.
Hunter Ziesing the event’s Executive Director commented, “We were really pleased with the generosity of the Oregon/Washington fundraising levels and especially the friendly nature of the northwest community.”
With little funding from corporate sponsorship, early indication is that Echelon will make a significant donation to its beneficiaries. “Our early look is that we will make close to a $40,000 net donation to our charities and based on this level of success, we know that in 2011 along with increased participants and corporate sponsorship, we will be able to offer EVEN MORE substantial dollars to our beneficiaries,” said Ziesing. The Echelon team now turns their creative efforts towards 2011 that will include Arizona and Colorado events. In addition to the Hood River Gran Fondo, Echelon intends to add an “Echelon Challenge” to Portland, a 12-24 hour fun fitness challenge in the city.
About PlanetZ/Echelon:
PlanetZ is a non-profit global member organization that promotes human affairs including health, environment, and community, and is greatly committed to the cycling community at large by creating events and fitness challenges that are designed to raise money to local and national cancer focused institutions. For more information, please visit www.echelongranfondo.org
Media Contact: Rebecca Kotch
Email: Rebecca@rebeccakotch.com
Phone: 323.806.5900
