The BSAFE 24-Hour Challenge will take place this weekend on Nov. 12-13, starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday and finishing at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
A first of its kind endurance event in the Virgin Islands, BSAFE director Chris Ghiorse plans to ride 500 kilometres in 24 hours. The aim of the event is to raise a funding after a shortfall of $50,000 to ensure that the BSAFE programme continues in the public schools through 2012.
The fundraising effort is growing steadily, but with only one third of the $50,000 target raised there is a sense of urgency to get the message out to the public and businesses that believe in the mission of the BSAFE programme — to provide all children in the VI free bicycle safety education.
“If the multitude of people that BSAFE has touched pledged $10, the 24-Hour Challenge would be nearer to $25,000 than $15,000, my only hope is that those who would like to donate actually do so, ” Mr. Ghiorse said.
A website has been set up where individuals can donate and follow progress during the event at: www.bsafe24.com.
The course will be a loop of the Sir Francis Drake Highway between the Port Purcell Roundabout and the Road Town roundabout covering about 3.6 kilometres per lap. In keeping with the principles of BSAFE, all road regulations will be observed throughout the ride. Eleven support riders have signed up to help Mr. Ghiorse round the course. Richard Morgan and Thomas layer of St. Thomas plan to ride for at least 20 hours, while Orano Andrews, Gareth Thomas and Andrew Thompson plan to ride for 12 hours starting at midnight on Saturday. Between them they plan to ride 2,290 kilometres.