Monday, November 24, 2008

I Biked The Bend For Literacy!

TRIVIA QUESTION: What percentage of Americans are 'functionally illiterate', meaning that they read below a 5th grade level?

I participated in my first official group ride over the weekend. It was in Rosenberg, TX in Fort Bend County (about 45 miles straight west of where I live). The ride was called "Bike The Bend For Literacy." The ride was an official training ride for the MS150 and lots of money (over $30,000) was raised for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County. There were about 400 riders in the event. Three different ride distances were available: 19 miles, 32 miles and 59 miles. I joined the 19 mile ride since I don't yet have my road bike. It may not sound like much, but 19 miles on an old inefficient mountain bike with solid rubber tires is quite a work out. As mentioned below, I rode about 20 miles last weekend as well. When I started this adventure a little over a month ago, I told myself that when I get up to doing 2-3 20 miles rides with my old bike, then I'd buy a road bike. I expected that I'd be ready for that in mid-to-late December. Well, by that measure, I'm about a month ahead of schedule. I'm definitely looking forward to getting the new bike within the next week or two.

The picture shows the route for the Bike The Bend For Literacy ride. Click it for a larger view!

ANSWER: According to survey results on www.ftbendliteracy.org, 21-23% of Americans are functionally illiterate. However, if we all support groups like the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County that number can be much lower!


No comments: