Bike Trek 2018

Five years ago, when Girls Inc. Board Member, John Reschovsky, first considered cycling the Erie Canal, he did so with a great deal of apprehension and doubt.  He had never cycled more than 25 miles in a day and didn’t even know if he could complete the first day’s 54 mile ride from Buffalo to Medina, NY, let alone 400 miles in eight consecutive days.

That first year on the Canal was really brutal; stifling heat, chilling rain, mud and aches and pains all took their toll. But somehow, John made it to Albany.

The next summer, with a little more confidence, John chose to cycle the Canal again, and he agreed to do it as a fund raiser for Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region.  It was a great success!

This July, at the age of 71 after having raised more than $43,000 with your support, he's celebrating 5 years on the trail. With a new bike and better cycling skills, he looks forward to the challenge and adventure of another ride.

John says, "This journey has got me thinking about the young girls who visit Girls Inc. for the first time. Most come from tough urban environments, surrounded by poverty and violence and many lack positive role models, at home or elsewhere. Just like me, they start out unsure of themselves. But with strong mentoring and an after-school program targeted just for girls, they soon come out of their shells and learn to have trust in themselves and others. They make new friends, learn new skills and challenge themselves. When you think about the huge barriers many of these girls overcome, 400 miles on the Erie Canal sounds like child’s play."

As John embarks on his ride from July 8-15, 2018, he's asking you to join him in making a difference in the lives of girls facing huge challenges.  If you have pledged in past years, thank you so much for your generosity and please keep it up.  If this is your first year, welcome to this group of generous folks who have supported Girls Inc. over the years.

You can pledge a few coins or dollars per mile or make a fixed dollar donation.  Then follow John's progress with his pictures and commentary, each day here on his website and also on Facebook, during the ride from July 8-15.