"Knowledge is Power" - What does that mean to you? To me it means that the more you know (i.e., the better educated you are) the more choices you have in life. The more you know about the world (history, languages, sociology, psychology, geography) and the way it works (math and the sciences, politics, economics) the better prepared you will be to live a life that is both fulfilling and productive. I also believe that better educated students also make for a better educated and more productive workforce.
My name is Michael Hatfield and I am a high school math teacher at a lower income area of Randolph County in North Carolina. While I am quite aware that our school district is not the only one with students who may never get the chance for the higher education they deserve due to financial issues, I cannot (yet) help every student. Our goal is to try to make the promise of getting a higher education reachable for at least one student each year for the next ten years by giving a $1000 scholarship to a deserving high school senior planning to attend a 2- or 4-year college.
To raise awareness for our cause and to help secure donations, I am participating in the inaugural Trans-Am Bike Race. This race is 4,233 miles across the United States all while 'roughing it' (riding solo, camping at night, no outside help once the race starts). We are seeking donations for the scholarships ranging from $5 (the price of a specialty coffee or two energy drinks) up to whatever you desire. A donation of $42 would equate to one penny for every mile ridden.
In addition, we are seeking sponsors for equipment, supplies, and other expenses for the ride itself. CorioVelo (out of Texas) has graciously helped in securing a very strong touring bike and some of the basic equipment I will need as well as coaching and training for the long hours on the bike. However there is still the need for transportation costs to Oregon, other necessary equipment, and supplies.
In return for your sponsorship we can promote your business leading up to and during the ride across the United States, display your logo on my clothing (cycling jersey / t-shirts) or as decals on the bike’s saddle bags. The ride will require satellite tracking via a GPS and regular call-ins to provide the public with voice updates on our position and our ride. Sponsors will be mentioned on the air during these call-ins as well.
For more information on our fundraiser please visit
For more information on the Trans-Am Bike Race visit
To follow our journey online please ‘like’ our page on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/rideforeducation
http://www.facebook.com/rideforeducation
To order a T-Shirt to help cover the costs of the race itself visit
Sincerely, Michael Hatfield
