On August 10th, 2019 at roughly 1:00am, I arrived at the Vancouver BC international airport with my bike, cycling clothing and some camping gear. In just a few short hours I would embark on a self-supported cycling adventure from Canada to the Mexico border via the Pacific Coast. I made it through customs, grabbed something to eat and exited the automatic doors at the front of the airport. Sleep deprived and anxious I found a quiet corner just outside of the building and began unpacking my bike from its box. By 6:00am, I was in the saddle pedaling south unaware of what lies ahead. Fast forward to the morning of August 16th, I was leaving Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park in Oregon when my phone lit up with what seemed like an endless stream of text notifications. For the last 18 hours I had no cell phone reception and was cut off from all communications. I stopped on the shoulder of highway 101 and opened the first message. “I’m sorry to say but my brother Joe passed away last night…" My mom was notifying my sisters and I that our uncle Joe had just lost his fight with cancer. I could feel the frog in my throat grow bigger and bigger as I struggled to hold back the tears. The person that actually taught me how to ride a bike without training wheels was now gone. My participation in the Crush Challenge will be a nod to the man that taught me how to ride a bike. Part of the funds raised will go towards research related to non-toxic treatments for patients fighting their own battles with cancer. Hopefully through research and exhausting all avenues of treatment, a cure will one day be found for one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I have set a fundraising goal of $300 for the Crush Challenge and will be doing the 50 mile ride on October 12th, 2019. If possible, please donate in any amount to help me Crush that goal.
100% of the net proceeds for this event will go towards Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma, The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Napa Valley.
The 5th Annual Crush Challenge - October 12th 2019
The Crush Challenge was established in 2014 as a way to showcase the best of the Napa Valley while bringing awareness and funding to a select group of worthy charity efforts. Whether you join us for one of our incredible food and wine events, the private ride, or perhaps the entire weekend, we are excited to see you at the 5th Annual Crush Challenge, hosted by The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation and ZD Wines.
Since the inception of the event, The Crush Challenge has distributed over $225,000 to the various benificiaries.
We welcome you to join our acclaimed chefs, celebrity guests and professional cyclists past and present October 12, 2019 to enjoy a weekend in the beautiful Napa Valley while helping our deserving beneficiaries: The deLeuze Family Endowed Professorship for the Non-Toxic Cure for Lymphoma, The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Napa Valley. 100% of our net proceeds will go to these charities.
THE BEST WAY TO SEE NAPA VALLEY...
Experience the beauty of Napa Valley on a private cycling excursion; 27, 38 & 50 mile options that will depart from Napa Valley's dining mecca, Yountville. Take the wheel of our hosts as you pass through vineyard lined avenues sharing the road with the friends of The Crush Challenge, which has previously included cycling pros past and present Alex Steida, Freddie Rodriguez, Alison Tetrick, Bob Roll, Chris Carmichael, Brent & Jamie Bookwalter, Levi Leipheimer, and Christian Vande Velde to name a few. Complete ride support will be provided by SRAM & Napa River Velo, as well as a unique stop-over ('rest stop') at the ZD Rutherford Estate. Following the ride, indulge in The Food & Wine Marketplace! Participants share their stories of the "Crush" as post-ride entertainment paired with delicious food and wine from many Napa Valley Restaurants and Wineries will round out the afternoon.
The deLeuze Family Charitable Foundation is a public benefit nonprofit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes.
Specifically, the organization fundraises for local charities that help with medical research, comforted living for those suffering from potentially terminal illnesses, and better development of the youth in our community.