The Day Before

Today the America by Bike group met for orientation at the Holiday Inn Express in Burlingame, Ca. This was just south of the San Francisco International Airport and it was chilly outside.

The orientation was good but a bit repetitious with a heavy focus on safety. We have a very diverse group of riders with representation from across the world. There are two Brits, one Irish, one from Trinidad & Tobago nicknamed "Sarge", two Australians, two Germans and a cute couple from the Netherlands who never rode hills before.

America by Bike staff gave us our packages today which contained a jersey and a riding cap. Here's a picture in the hotel room.

Tomorrow the challenge begins!!

You Can Still Donate!

To all that have donated... Thank You from the bottom of my heart!

To those who are interested, donations will be accepted until July 22, 2008


Here is a guide if you are considering donating to this worthy cause,

First of all give what you can afford.
All donations, small or large are equally welcome!

If you want to make your donation commensurate to total mileage, 3,836 miles, you may want to consider by starting with the lowest amount: a penny a mile--$38.36. Or you may want to consider 10 cents per mile!

Whatever you donate please do it with love and from the kindness of your heart!

Ways to Donate

CHECKS:

• Make checks payable to HELPS INTERNATIONAL, include Project 747 on the memo line.
• Send checks to; HELPS INTERNATIONAL, 15301 Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Addison, Texas 75001, Project # 747

CREDIT CARD ONLINE:

• Go to https://secure.helpsintl.org/donations/online_donation.php?program_ID=1
• Make sure to enter “Project 747" in the comments box in the Donation Program section of the form.
  

CREDIT CARD by PHONE:

• Dial 1-800-41-HELPS(43577), specify donation for Project 747.
  

For any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

The Big Ride for a Small Group

The ride starts in San Francisco and ends in New Hampshire; it will take 52 days (May 31 through July 22, 2008), averaging 80 miles per day. Please support this humanistic endeavor in helping our forgotten brothers by donating to this worthy cause. Donations will be utilized for medical services and the purchase/installation of vented concrete block stoves. These stoves will burn wood very efficiently, thus conserving the forest, environment and restoring health by eliminating toxic fumes. Each stove costs just a little over $100.00.


Let us all rally under the flag of "Humanitarianism" and assume a compromise to listen to the silent voices of our needy brothers and sisters. Please see below for how you may donate to this cause. The fund raiser is in effect now through July 22, 2008. I assure you it is for a great noble cause. The gratitude displayed on their faces is something that melts your heart.


Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

"Yo quisiera que un puñado de HUMANIDAD todos tuvieramos

Y que nadie niegue a nadie un rayo del sol en Primavera!"

Hello / Hola

Welcome.

My name is Jose Maria Campos.

My odyssey began as the result of a medical mission to the highlands of Guatemala with the Bakersfield, CA. HELPS INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL TEAM.

HELPS INTERNATIONAL is a non-denominational, Christian non-profit organization based in Texas. They are involved in several special projects dealing with heath, education and economic development. I am so thankful to HELPS for sponsoring the fundraiser, and financing my ride across America. Without their support this endeavour would not be possible.



Our neglected brothers and sisters, the decedents of the ancient Mayans, spurred me to humanitarian action. And now here I am, asking God almighty to heighten my challenging and adventurous personality to meet this very worthy cause with love, joy and dispatch.


I am a recently retired educator and high school counselor. I've always enjoyed helping others and giving people the knowledge, tools and support to achieve their goals and advance their purpose.

I have the pleasure of being 69 years young and was born, raised and educated in my loving city of LAREDO,TEXAS.

I am a proud father of three beautiful children. My loving wife, Jelica, my pillar of strength has always supported me in all my journeys and in many many ways, she has even trained with me.

Thanks to all my riding friends from Mcdonalds in Seal Beach on PCH for their encouraging words and my good friend Stanton Lum for his long hours in helping me train.





I am brand new to this "Blogging" thing and this is the first entry in my new Blog. I will be keeping this Blog up to date with the chronicles of my experiences.

In about 2 weeks I will begin my journey across the United States of America on my classic Masi Bicycle.

Please check back here often for updates on my itinerary and frequent journal updates.

Sincerely,

Jose Maria Campos