Cycling Coast to Coast

I’m back at MIT now, after going home to California for Thanksgiving Break. It was a nice, relaxing break (I didn’t get any homework done), and it was great to spend time with my family and see some friends. I ate and slept a lot, and am hopefully recharged enough to get through the final stretch of psets, projects, and papers before the end of term.

I also received a bunch of donations when I was home from:

• Shari Walker
• Gary & Emily Wong
• Edmund & Claire Kwan
• Linda & Alan Bien
• Eddie & Doris Tong
• Pearl Chun

Thank you all so much!

I got my first donation today. Thanks Mom & Dad! They’re sponsoring me on my birthday.

I’ve updated my website with a new design. Feedback greatly appreciated, either here in the comments, or by email. I’d also like to be able to integrate this blog into the website. Any tips/ideas on how to do that?

The rider’s manual for this year was posted on the website last week, so I happily got to read all about the trip, as well as more about the affordable housing cause.

The manual also had a fundraising section that included a sample fundraising letter, so, using it as inspiration, I drafted some letters last weekend. Right now, I’m sitting next to a stack of 21 stuffed, stamped, and addressed envelopes. In addition to the letter, I decided to include a 1-page sheet about the cause, as well as a trip itinerary. The only things still missing are the donation brochures, which are supposed to come in the mail in the packet of Bike & Build materials. I hope it comes soon.

Update (11/16/07): Letters sent! Mom’s in town for business, and printed out the brochures for me in color.

MIT’s cycling club hosted a bike gear swap today. I went with Devon to check it out, and have returned victorious.

For $21, I snagged a brand new pair of MTB shoes, a pair of cycling gloves, and 2 jerseys.