My dad and I set off just an hour later than planned for day one of our annual ride to our family reunion. I’ve had Covid for a little over a week and tested negative for the first time this morning and today was a lot more tiring than expected (my whoop recommends 12 hours in bed tonight). Although every muscle in my body is in it’s feels, I had a lot of fun making the short but hilly trek down to the pigeon point lighthouse, aided by artichoke bread, loads of gummies, and ample rest time. The weather gods were on our side and it was gorgeous in the redwoods and on the coast. I’m looking forward to days 2-7! I took my first shot at editing so if you want to see a little recap, I attached the video here and I’m posting updates on my instagram @anikaraffle

Somehow, every year we have managed to make the ride 50 miles longer than the year before so this year we’re riding 350+ miles to fundraise for Rise Toegther Education and help fund low income and first generation Paly students’ college educations! We’re super close to reaching our $7,000 goal so thank you to everyone who has donated so far! If you want to chip in, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/4fadd926-0fa3-4312-8ba1-02d009287e5c

Hi friends! 

I’m just finishing packing and getting everything together for my Ride for RTE. I have my bags on my bike, the route is finalized, hotels / hostels / motels are booked, and snacks are packed. First of all, you guys are amazing! I surpassed my original goal to raise $3,500 for RTE, and have almost hit my new goal to raise $7,000 to fund 2 scholarships. If you or someone you know can chip in, we have until next Friday to raise the last $1,301 and hit our goal. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far!

I’ll be sharing daily updates as we (my Dad and I) head across and down the coast. We changed the route to get more miles in Big Sur, but because Highway 1 is still washed out near Lucia, we’ll go to Pfeiffer Big sur, double back to Salinas, head down the Salinas Valley to King City, go over the mountain on a desolate mountain road in the Ventana Wilderness, and then emerge back in the middle of Big Sur, near KIrk Creek Campground — basically adding 100 miles for views. We’re projecting it will be roughly 360 miles and 22,000 feet of climbing total, and we’re expecting an adventure!

If you want to follow the journey, I’ll be posting to my blog at https://anikaraffle.com/ride-for-rte/ and you can subscribe at the bottom of the page for email updates. Additionally, I have an ambitious goal to post a video recap every day to my instagram (@anikaraffle) so feel free to follow me and follow along that way as well! You can check out our daily routes here on Strava too.

Again, thank you so much to everyone who has supported this journey and RTE so far. Wish me luck! 

Best,
Anika

Dear Friends,

Wow, you all are amazing! I already hit my first goal to fully fund an RTE scholar to go to college next year, so I’m doubling my goal with the hopes to help two of my classmates go to college. More below:

July 13, I’m planning to ride my bicycle 358 miles (and 22,048′ climbing!) from Palo Alto to Cayucos, California to help raise money for Rise Together Education. RTE is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization helping Palo Alto High School grads from low-income families get TO and THROUGH college.

Rise Together is currently supporting 50 amazing college students who are 85% first-generation college and BIPOC, and an amazing 80% of RTE scholars finish their 4-year degree, flipping the statistics for underserved communities. I already serve as a student representative to RTE and if I hit my fundraising target — $20 per mile — I’ll be able to fully fund TWO scholarships for two four-year RTE college students next year. I’d feel proud to be able to help two of my classmates in this way.

If you want to support my efforts with a donation, I’d be so grateful. Definitely don’t feel any pressure! Also, if you know anybody who you think would like to know about my ride, please send this to them.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE