Sponsors
Preation’s inception in 1997 could be characterized by a small set of values, which continue to guide their staff on a collective mission as a professional web services company. Preation builds effective websites that satisfy their clients’ unique needs. Their ability to design, develop, and promote websites has made Preation one of the most successful web development companies in North Carolina. Their team of designers and developers offer years of industry experience, and their work proudly reflects their capabilities. Preation’s support of Why I Ride is a testament to the character of the Preation team and proof that their underlying values are still going strong after ten years of helping their clients succeed on the Internet.
ALK is a privately held company headquartered in Princeton, NJ. Since its founding in 1979, ALK has recognized the power of information technology and its direct link to competitive advantage and improved quality of life. ALK has helped companies, mobile professionals and families alike successfully adopt transportation and travel technology. Motor carriers, shippers, railroads, logistics companies, and business professionals have turned to ALK for services and products that range from consulting and customized information systems to packaged software solutions. ALK's technology is at the forefront of the industry and provides a solid base for the company's future growth. ALK has generously donated the CoPilot Live 6 Q edition kit to Why I Ride, which will allow real-time GPS tracking of A.J. throughout the expedition.
For over 35 years Smith Optics has designed products to surpass its customers expectations. Smith offers a full line of sunglasses, goggles, helmets, and accessories. All Smith sunglasses and goggles carry a lifetime warranty, a true testament to their quality and durability. Advanced technologies, patented designs, and innovative style are part of all Smith products and are what make Smith the choice of several athletes worldwide. Why I Ride welcomes the sponsorship of Smith and will appreciate sunglasses for the duration of the expedition.
What began with a backyard anvil and a hammer has grown into a global company with offices on two continents that's not just for rock climbers, but one that stands for the spirit of adventure sports, their values and goals, past, present and future. Since 1957, Black Diamond’s innovative gear designs have set the standards in numerous areas. Black Diamond’s great team and their commitment to perfection drives them to design and build the best gear out there – the gear you want to use – as if your life depended on it. Black Diamond has provided Why I Ride with generous pro pricing on their award winning Skylight tent, a product rivaled by none.
SteriPEN™ is the only portable water purifier that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy waterborne microbes. Whether your source is a woodland brook or an overseas hotel tap, SteriPEN purifies clear water by destroying viruses, bacteria and protozoa—including Giardia and Cryptosporidium—in seconds. Carry a SteriPEN to disinfect water wherever you travel, hike, camp or trek. It’s the fastest route to pure, safe drinking water anywhere. SteriPEN has been kind enough to provide Why I Ride with their SteriPEN System Water Pack, guaranteeing safe drinking water throughout the entire ride.
Patagonia’s mission statement is to build the best product, do no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis. Patagonia grew out of a small company that made tools for climbers. Alpinism remains at the heart of a worldwide business that still makes clothes for climbing – as well as for skiing, snowboarding, surfing, fly fishing, paddling and trail running. These are all silent sports and none requires a motor. At Patagonia, a love of wild and beautiful places demands participation in the fight to save them, and to help reverse the steep decline in the overall environmental health of our planet. Patagonia donates their time, services and at least 1% of their sales to hundreds of grassroots environmental groups all over the world who work to help reverse the tide. Why I Ride welcomes pro pricing from Patagonia and is honored to be affiliated with the worldwide leader in outdoor clothing!
Mobility Electronics’ mission is to be the leading developer and marketer of simple, elegant and highly-differentiated solutions that delight their end-users by powering and enhancing their electronic experience. Simply put, Mobility Electronics provides unique solutions that make life easier when using electronic gadgets – anytime, anywhere. Mobility Electronics has donated two excellent products to Why I Ride, the iGo Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard and the iGo powerExtender. Both of these highly innovative products will help allow A.J. the ability to document his experiences electronically each day while simultaneously ensuring power for his devices.
Better Energy Systems are the producers of Solio. Solio is a universal charger that will charge your mobile devices - simply change the connector tip. With its on-board high capacity battery, Solio stores power. Charge your Solio and then take the power with you. This means you can use or charge your device anywhere. And the best part about Solio? It's a hybrid charger. Open the Solio and expose its 3 built-in solar panels to direct sunshine and you'll fill Solio's battery in about 8 hours. Free, green power that you can take with you! You can also charge Solio with its power cord. Better Energy Systems has sponsored Why I Ride with its excellent Solio product, keeping the self-powered journey completely self sufficient! Check it our yourself at www.solio.com.
Bear Vault is the manufacturer of the lightest and strongest bear resistant food canisters on the market. Their patented design is the work of over five years of research and development involving several tests with bears at the Folsom Zoo. Constant strength improvements and design changes have resulted in the companies’ two newest canisters, the BV350 Solo and the BV400, each carrying the Sierra Interagency Black Bear Group (SIBBG) and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) seals of approval. Jamie and Cindy, Bear Vault’s owners, have provided Why I Ride with their BV 400 canister, which will allow A.J. to get to sleep knowing that his food is safe over half a mile away!
Old Man Mountain pannier racks have withstood the abuse of countless bicycle tours and have earned the respect of many riders, manufacturers and organizations. They are a small shop dedicated to innovative products and self-supported, backcountry and backroads cycling. Whether you're going hut-to-hut, street-to-street, or country-to-country, Channing Hammond (founder) and his fellow employees have made a rack especially for you. Old Man Mountain looks forward to being part of your adventures. Old Man Mountain has donated their toughest rack, the mighty Red Rock, to Why I Ride to ensure a stable rack throughout the 10,000 mile journey!
When Bicycling Magazine named Georgena Terry one of the pioneers of women's cycling, it was largely because of her early commitment to making bicycles for women. Building upon a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Georgena designed a sport bicycle in five sizes which was officially introduced to the world at the NEAR Rally in Amherst Mass in 1985. The response was overwhelming. Over the years, Terry has added apparel, saddles, and bicycle accessories to its line. Their men’s and women’s saddles have won numerous awards and are loved by many cyclists all over the world. Terry Cycling has generously provided Why I Ride with their excellent Liberator saddle, a must have for any 10,000 mile bicycling expedition!
Arkel designs and builds the finest bicycle panniers for bike commuting, mountain biking, bike touring, or around-the-world-expeditions. Arkel is known by cyclists worldwide for their innovative design concepts and quality workmanship that goes into each of their products. Arkel bags are designed for cyclists, by cyclists, because there is no substitute for on the road experience. Arkel has provided Why I Ride with significant discounts on their already bargain prices.
Black Rock Outdoor is located in downtown Sylva, NC. They specialize in apparel, footwear, accessories and gear for a variety of outdoor activities, no matter the conditions. Whether you are preparing for a hike in the
AUTHOR is a European brand for bicycles, bike accessories and sports equipment. They manufacture a full line of bicycles for racing, mountain, road, touring, folding, comfort, women-specific, and children's models. Author is also proud to offer a wide range of brands Cateye, Panaracer, RST, Tektro, TACX and Madison to compliment their excellent bicycles, sports equipment, and Author branded accessories. Author, based out of the Czech Republic, has generously donated sevral pieces of equipment to Why I Ride ranging from clothing to a complete new bicycle for one of my fellow riders, Marie!
