BikeADK Generates $32,000 for Charities & Nonprofits
In just three short years, BikeADK has generated over $72,000 for Adirondack charities and nonprofits, including a record $32,000 in 2022.
By Doug Haney, BikeADK Owner & Founder
People ask all the time if BikeADK is a nonprofit. Truth is, we're not. The Adirondacks has plenty of those, and we're happy to pay taxes to support our communities. But wow do we punch above our weight in generating and donating money to those who are. And that is something I could not be more proud of.
Fact is, the Adirondacks are what the Adirondacks are because of incredible organizations like the Ausable River Association, Barkeater Trails Alliance, Adirondack North Country Association, and so many others. And it's exactly why every single event we run is designed to raise awareness of their work and generate revenue to support it.
In 2022, our total revenue generated hit a staggering $32,000, and we still have a month left in the year!
That feels so good.
It also feels good to know that we did it by showcasing what these organizations do and why they do it. Check this out:
- 152 ADK Unite participants walked, ran and rode in their communities to raise $8,250 for their local food pantries.
- Adirondack Women's Weekend riders stopped by the future home of Play ADK to get a look at where the first Children's Museum in the Adirondacks will be built with help from their event registration.
- Ride for the River guests chatted with Ausable River Association staff while enjoying a snack on the banks of the very river their registration helped to protect.
- Pisgah Pedalfest, organized by the Saranac Lake Innovative Cycling Kids raised a bunch more cash for the now open, Town of Harrietstown Bike Park.
- Those who attended the Weekender at Paul Smith's College visited historic White Pine Camp, learned about the work of the Adirondack Watershed institute and stopped by the New York Department of Conservation Fish Hatchery, while helping us kick funds to the college's Sustainability Institute and the Saranac Lake Youth Center.
- The Handlebarley featured a visit to, and raised money for, the Penfield Homestead Museum.
- Riders who joined a Great Camp Sagamore Experience not only lived at the historic great camp during the event, but their registration ensures future generations will also be able to enjoy this amazing Raquette Lake treasure.
- The 22nd Pat Stratton Ride raised over $12,500 for youth programs put on by the Saranac Lake Kiwanis Club.
- And we worked with Adirondack North Country Association to bring back Bike the Barns to feature three farms and generate over $10,000 for local food programs.
Like I said, it feels good.
But there's more! All mountain bike inspired gear sold this year generated over $2,000 in donations to the Barkeater Trails Alliance. We sponsored a picnic table and donated more cash to the Adirondack Foothills Trails Alliance thanks to product sales at the October Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival.
In 2020, I set a goal of generating $10,000 for charities. It was BikeADK's very first year of operation and there was this whole pandemic thing kicking into high gear. It was lofty, but we raised $15,000. Our goal for 2021 was $20,000, but you helped us hit $25,000. And now, with one month left in 2022, we're already at $32,000 for the year.
You did that!
And what money was left over, we put directly back into BikeADK to improve the free Find a Ride route search tool on our website, buy an extra tent or two that we can loan to other events (for free), pay writers to help us produce the (also free) Adirondack Gearzette monthly e-newsletter.
So, what's in store for 2023?
Well, we're bringing back all the 2022 events and raising the bar at each one with more experiences rolled into great times on the bike. We're also expanding our promotion of your bike event. That's right, we want to help promote your charity ride (for free). Just click here to get yours listed on our website. We're working with the Adirondack Rail Trail Association to welcome an entirely new group of cyclists to our communities when the Adirondak Rail Trail officially opens in late 2023. And we're improving the Adirondack Gearzette with more regional cycling coverage to keep you informed on all things bikes in the ADKs.
Put simply, our mission is to help as many people as possible enjoy the Adirondacks by bike. And to do it by showcasing the incredible organizations that make this place so special.
Got ideas to help? I'm all in. We can't wait to do more. With your continued support, we will.
doug
Doug Haney, Owner & Founder
Bike Adirondacks
