Join Me! Learn how…

I’m very humbled and excited to see you all show interest in this worthy project and your support in helping Lynn and me make this kidney transplant awareness ride as big a success as possible. Together can help save a few lives….and that’s not hyperbole or an overstatement. If just one person decides to be a living donor or influences someone else to become one due to the awareness we provide, our efforts are worth it. That said, I know that most all of us that ride are always looking for a reason to ride, so, yes, we can admit that there’s a degree of self-interest, too, as we find another reason to get on our bikes.

 

 I’m inviting anyone of any age or ability that wants to bike with me as I ride from Lubbock, TX to Covington, LA starting March 9th, 2023.

We’ll go at a pace to not drop anyone for the first hour of every day. (or 10 minutes if that’s all they want/can do). We might have people who are waiting for transplants or on dialysis wanting to support our effort, or kids of all ages. I want to be as inclusive as possible to give anyone who wants to, a chance to support our mission. Unfortunately, we will not be able to stop for any repairs or shuttle people.

After that hour we’ll need to go at a certain pace to finish the day’s ride. 15mph on pavement, 13 on dirt/gravel.

The more riders we can get to join us the more we’ll be noticed and the more potential donors we will be able to reach to educate and potentially signup as living or deceased donors. This is ultimately the purpose of the ride.

The Route Updates menu button above lists route segments.  For practical purposes, the current routes listed are 99% accurate so I doubt I’ll be revising them. The only foreseen changes is that we’ll be on roads as safe as possible to avoid as much vehicle traffic as possible. Some of these roads are not paved. Weather could play a part on where we actually ride.

One main thing to consider when deciding to do this ride is what kind of bike to use and that will be based on what portion of the route you plan on riding with us. You may want to consider a mountain or gravel bike. I will often take back-country roads to do my best to stay away from cars!

Send me the route/distance you plan on riding with me and I will give you an idea how much pavement vs. gravel there is if you’re concerned.

There needs to be some ground rules, sorry…

Every rider HAS to approach this with the attitude of being self-supported.

There will be no sag wagon available.

Bring tubes, tools, pumps, quick links, etc., and know how to use them. All the stuff you’ll need to have to be self-supported as if no one is there to bail you out, because there most probably won’t be anyone. I know that might sound harsh to some, but that’s the way it needs to be.

Everyone will need to be accepting of some flexibility in the schedule. I do expect media opportunities and they are extremely important to fulfilling the educational and public awareness objectives of this trip. If such opportunities pop up spontaneously we will just need to spend the time and roll with minor changes in the overall schedule. Issues of weather are another example of how the timetable may change from day-to-day. The route could change due to wet conditions.

Anyone considering riding multiple days, we will be contacting people involved within the transplant community that will host Lynn and I. We will ask for back yards to offer riders for tent camping. Plan on grabbing a motel room or bring your camping gear with you. That includes food, none will be provided. Again, you are on your own.

 

Consent Agreement

If we proceed with your involvement, The Organ Trail will have you sign an agreement similar to the below:

By participating in this event, you hereby consent to participate in the “THE ORGAN TRAIL” bicycle ride. (hereinafter referred to as “The Event”). You assume all risks of injury and hereby waive any liability to Mark or Lynn Scotch and anyone or any organization associated with the Event, (hereinafter collectively referred to as “us” or “we”).

You acknowledge that there are inherent dangers and risks of physical injury in participating in the Event, including but not limited to: falling, jumping, landing, misdirected equipment, minor injuries, such as scratches, bruises, and sprains; major injuries, such as joint and back injuries, car collision, broken bones, dislocated shoulders, concussions, musculoskeletal injuries, cardiovascular injuries, heart attack, stroke, and injury to the fetus (if pregnant); mental distress from participation; catastrophic injuries, such as brain injury and paralysis; death; and/or property damage.

In the event of any injury or damages of any kind, you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any of your own acts, omissions, or negligence. You acknowledge that you do not have any heart conditions or high blood pressure, back, neck or other skeletal, muscular, respiratory or circulatory problems. You agree to indemnify and hold us harmless for any undisclosed condition you may have. You understand that you should seek independent medical advice as to whether or not you should participate in the Event.

You understand that we may limit your participation for any reason, including but not limited to: age, infirmity, height, weight, and/or ability.

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless, jointly and severally, from and against any and all claims, actions, demands, rights, losses, costs, damages, expenses, settlements, judgments, causes of action and liabilities of any kind whatsoever, whether foreseen or unforeseen, including attorneys’ fees, in law or in equity, arising out of or resulting from any claim related to my participation in The Event, including without limitation, my breach of this agreement or The Event rules and policies, or any other third party claim related to the Event.

You agree that The Organ Trail can use the photos, videos, newspaper articles, or any other media with you in them.

Looking to Suit up?

We would be proud to have you join us in appearance!    Get yourself or your team kitted out with The Organ Trail Jersey and Performance T!! Great conversation starters to share the need of deceased and especially living donors.  The below attire is available from Jakroo

Ask us for the store link!