If you want to join us for dinner and the raffle, or just the raffle, please email Larry!
If you want to make any type of donation, also contact Larry.
Your support is going towards a great cause, and we can't do it with out you!
Local Cycling Trio to Host Expedition Fundraiser
Reno, NV, 10/14/09 — A fundraiser will be held at the Sands Regency, in Reno, on Friday, December 4th in order to benefit the Expedition to Endure. The Expedition is a bicycle touring project put together by three Reno-Tahoe locals in order to film profiles of various environmental threats affecting the last few pristine areas left in the western hemisphere.
The fundraiser is set to include a presentation by fly fishing personality Mikey Wier, live entertainment, video presentations, a silent auction, raffle, and a $60 plated dinner with a choice of chicken or filet mignon, as well as a vegetarian dish. All proceeds from this event will go towards funding the year long expedition from Deadhorse, Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. The finished product of webisodes and a full-length documentary film will go on to benefit various battles in environmental conservation for generations to come.
The trip has stemmed from an earlier bicycle tour taken cross country by twenty-six year old Larry McKurtis during 2007. On that trip, McKurtis met other touring cyclists who were raising money and awareness for multiple causes. He was inspired to see these cyclists making statements on issues they were passionate about by doing something they loved.
“It was an easy realization,” McKurtis said, “I can help save the world by pedaling a bike? Why would I want to do anything else?” Thus, through sufficient brainstorming, the way to combine his two passions came about in the form of “Expedition to Endure.”
McKurtis and his brethren are each accomplished athletes passionate about nature and conservation. They intend to trek upon an ever evolving route seeking out a local narrative concerning the impact of various human endeavors on the environment.
“Cycling and fly fishing are my passions. They both involve immersing yourself in nature and the outdoors, and they allow you to see the beauty in the natural world,” McKurtis said while explaining that they’d be armed simply with their bicycles, fishing equipment, and camping gear.
McKurtis has spearheaded the start of a Trout Unlimited Chapter in Truckee. He also volunteers at the Reno Bike Project, and has written for the local non-profit online publication, Life More Natural. (lifemorenatural.com)
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Local Cycling Trio (page 2)
McKurtis concluded our interview in saying, “Getting people outside and active is the key to protecting the great places we have left, as well as saving and restoring the ones that are in danger of being destroyed. I know that this trip has a lot of power to inspire people, and if we can get people fired up about what’s happening in their backyards and across the continent we stand a good chance of succeeding.”
Joining Larry on this trip are Jake Barrett and Jayson Hale.
Barrett is currently sailing across the Atlantic to Europe for the non-profit 2041 on their Voyage for Cleaner Energy. Jake has worked on the boat since early 2008 and has been a welcome member of their team. He is also a strong cyclist and outdoor enthusiast.
Jayson Hale has competed around the globe and is as well an accomplished cyclist and outdoorsman. He is currently training in Utah for his 2010 Olympic bid in Vancouver, and was a 2006 U.S. Olympian in Boardercross in Torino, Italy.
Expedition to Endure is currently seeking sponsors for the trip, as well as raffle prizes for the dinner.
If you are interested in attending or making donations, please contact Larry McKurtis.
lmckurtis@gmail.com
(530) 412 2553
For more information about the Expedition to Endure, please visit www.expeditiontoendure.blogspot.com
Thank you.