Dave Schweikert

World Bicycle Relief is an organization that provides access to independence and livelihood through The Power of Bicycles.  The money raised helps provide specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs in rural Africa; connecting them with education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

The Story of Why I Ride

I long dreamed of a bike ride across the United States, but the courage and a worthy reason were lacking.  Finally in 2017, I fulfilled that long-held dream.  Over $16,000 was raised for WBR on Tour de SRAM USA 2017 (TDSU17): 3600 miles, 28 days, over 1 million pedal strokes- and 1 rattlesnake encounter.  Rather than being the end of a years-long dream, riding across the US was the beginning of a journey.  Joining Mark Beaumont for a day on his “Around the World in 80 Days” World Record ride a few months later was a pivotal moment.  After riding with Mark, I realized that my long-distance cycling and helping others could and should continue.

So why do I continue to do crazy, ultracycling rides?  There are 3 main reasons:

• As a personal challenge,
• To help others, primarily through World Bicycle Relief,
• To engage the community on crazy events on a bike

My lifetime goal is to provide 1,000 bikes for WBR!  Accomplishing that will require raising $147,000.  You can track progress and donate directly to World Bicycle Relief on this page.  

To learn more, check out the Why I Ride website, follow my rides on Strava, and follow the Why I Ride Facebook or Instagram pages to learn about upcoming fundraising rides.    

I like to share the profile photo above.  I am with Aaron and Teddy, 2 Buffalo Bike recipients whom I met in 2018.  Why I Ride: it's not about bikes or even raising money, it's about helping others.