#c4stem

Each day of the Cycle for STEM ride is full of fun and fellowship. Along the trail, the importance of raising money for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants hits home for us in new ways. For one, we gave out three grants to local high schools in the towns we passed through along the way. Hearing the excitement and enthusiasm of the educators who accept the checks renews our commitment to raising this money. Here’s a picture of the presentation of a $500 grant to Hancock High School Wednesday night.

For another thing, we run into teachers, scientists and mathematicians who are riding along the same trails. Their interest in what we do and reinforcement that this type of money will make a big difference touches us. It makes it personal in new ways, and we hope they carry our message with them.

And last but certainly not least, we see the effects of STEM everywhere. Without GPS half the support team would basically just be “Lost in the Woods for STEM.” Almost every facet of our modern lives is touched by STEM fields. Cars. Roads. Radios. Medicine. Computers. Smart phones. Not to mention, the amazing engineering wonders we’re having the chance to experience along the way. When we see infrastructure like the Paw Paw Tunnel or Dam #4 or even the pathway along the side of the C&O Canal Towpath we remember, this is the kind of effort we support. Dedicated people building amazing benefits for society. STEM matters. Imagine, for a moment, what life would be like without your technology. Or reliable infrastructure. Or modern conveniences. Or modern medicine. Scary. Our future could look that way. Instead, we believe we should encourage the mind who will make the future even more amazing than the present. That’s why we work so hard and ride so far. Seeing the results of STEM along a beautiful path over the course of the week is just an inspirational bonus. 

The Paw Paw Tunnel

Dam #4

There’s no doubt we have a worthy cause, but we do manage to throw in quite a bit of fun along the way. Here are a few shots to give you an idea of Day Four. See you tomorrow!

The team at Fort Frederick. Military technology has advanced some, don't you think?

Ron Lipscomb dressed up as a Maryland militia member.

A train stopped some of our riders for a bit.

Each day of the Cycle for STEM ride is full of fun and fellowship. Along the trail, the importance of raising money for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants hits home for us in new ways. For one, we gave out three grants to local high schools in the towns we passed through along the way. Hearing the excitement and enthusiasm of the educators who accept the checks renews our commitment to raising this money. Here's a picture of the presentation of a $500 grant to Hancock High School Wednesday night.

For another thing, we run into teachers, scientists and mathematicians who are riding along the same trails. Their interest in what we do and reinforcement that this type of money will make a big difference touches us. It makes it personal in new ways, and we hope they carry our message with them.

And last but certainly not least, we see the effects of STEM everywhere. Without GPS half the support team would basically just be "Lost in the Woods for STEM." Almost every facet of our modern lives is touched by STEM fields. Cars. Roads. Radios. Medicine. Computers. Smart phones. Not to mention, the amazing engineering wonders we're having the chance to experience along the way. When we see infrastructure like the Paw Paw Tunnel or Dam #4 or even the pathway along the side of the C&O Canal Towpath we remember, this is the kind of effort we support. Dedicated people building amazing benefits for society. STEM matters. Imagine, for a moment, what life would be like without your technology. Or reliable infrastructure. Or modern conveniences. Or modern medicine. Scary. Our future could look that way. Instead, we believe we should encourage the mind who will make the future even more amazing than the present. That's why we work so hard and ride so far. Seeing the results of STEM along a beautiful path over the course of the week is just an inspirational bonus. 

The Paw Paw Tunnel

Dam #4

There's no doubt we have a worthy cause, but we do manage to throw in quite a bit of fun along the way. Here are a few shots to give you an idea of Day Four. See you tomorrow!

The team at Fort Frederick. Military technology has advanced a bit.

Ron Lipscomb dressed up as a Maryland militia member.

A train stopped some of our riders for a bit.

This morning started with the opportunity to give a $500 STEM grant to Uniontown Area High School. The school administrators who accepted the check informed us they would use it to update their biology program. Perhaps this money will jump start the passion of future doctors, researchers and veterinarians? We can't wait to find out!

After that, Cycle for STEM 2014 followed the pretty usual routine. Cyclists went a long way on their bikes in the rain while the support crew chased after them and tried to feed them more than they wanted. (Just kidding!) Hopefully the sun shining on us right now holds and we have a few days of clear, sunny beauty to pedal through as we make our way to D.C. 

The day had a few highlights, including cresting the Continental Divide and being greeted by rider Ron Lipscomb's father and then his mother and grandparents at two different spots along the ride. It was almost like we had fans, though oddly they mostly seemed interested in Ron. Either way, it was a great time full of fun and pride. The pictures probably tell the story better, so enjoy!

It's muddy out here.

Ron and his dad.

Ron with his grandparents who are holding the Coast Guard and U.S. flags.

Just about ready to set off. 

Chris Gogoel showing off the jersey, including platinum sponsor Google.

Pulling into the first rest stop of the day. Al Mink is waving hello.

The downpour on the detour. Still don't know why the original route was closed. 

Thanking our sponsors in the tunnel under the Continental Divide. 

For many of our cyclists and support crew, the connections forged during Cycle for STEM come through the shared experience of riding 335 miles (often in bad weather) and all the good and bad that comes with this type of trek. However this year, we have a couple of prior connections making life on the trail warm and fun.

Brian Moore brought his three children out for our little spin, turning Cycle for STEM into a real family affair. Brian and his daughter Evelyn even ride a tandem. (Kelsey and Conor ride their own bikes.) Brian says that both he and his wife are involved in STEM fields so supporting our cause is a natural fit. Throw in the chance to ride a trail he’s wanted to take his kids on for awhile and you have the perfect combination!

Two other members of our six-day team found out they have a prior link as well. Ludmilla Parnell recognized Sam Carolus-Hager’s father when the team mustered for the initial bus ride up to Pittsburgh, but she couldn’t remember from where. Turns out that Sam, who has graduated from college now, went to high school with Ludmilla’s son. Great people have a way of coming together. And where better to do it than on a bike ride through some of the most beautiful locations in the country while raising money for an awesome cause?

Oh but wait, there’s more. At our first rest stop today (that’s Tuesday for those of you late to our party here), rider Ron Lipscomb’s dad, who lives and works nearby, stopped by to greet his son and encourage the whole team. 

[Side note fun fact: Ron and Brian are both in the Coast Guard and were recruited by one-day rider Caleb James, also a member of the Coast Guard.]

So you can see, Cycle for STEM really has many layers. We’re building communities within communities, bringing together old connections and reaching out to people we meet along the way. We cycle to support STEM education. We support STEM education because it’s critical to the success and wellness of society. We promote that same prosperity by supporting each other in our microcosm and doing all we can to push that out to everyone we can reach. Come be part of our effort. Who knows? You might already know someone along the way. If you don’t, just bring your family!

Pittsburgh is home to the steepest street in the United States. When our riders heard that, naturally the first thought that crossed their minds was "We have to ride that!" Here are some images to give you an idea of how steep Canton Street is.

Only U.S Army Capt. Bobby Steele made it to the top, though several of our riders gave it a good try! Everyone had a good time, and that really was the point!

For more photos and for videos like us at www.facebook.com/cycleforstem and follow us on Twitter cycleforstem.

A couple more great shots from today. If you're anywhere along our trail, come out and say hi. 

In a flashback to Cycle for STEM 2013, our ride today included a fair bit of wet weather, including lightning and tornado warnings! And just like last year, the rain didn't dampen spirits at all. The team rode out to the trail head this afternoon so everyone could get in every mile of the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage. Here's a photo tour of the day. 

Banner full of our wonderful sponsors before the ride began. 

The off!

Arriving at Point Park.

Co-founders Terry Rogers and Sean McGowan at the trail head.