6 Hrs of Mt Hood - for Mat

Austin Crenshaw

2012-06-18

Many of you have heard about Mat’s accident last week which has left him paralyzed from the chest down. He is a fighter and determined and will make great advances, but for now he needs all of us. We all know that care doesn’t come cheap.
Mat and I both moved to Portland partly because of the bike culture and community here and it still amazes me every day - so now I give you another chance to let us know what you’re made of.

So now, I introduce to you The Springsteens brought to you by Staccato Gelato. We will be riding the 6 Hours of Mt Hood on July, 1st. I’m using this opportunity to raise money for my friend, riding partner, team mate and the coolest guy in town!

Mat and I had planned our second annual assault on Mt Hood as a team. I’ve been given the thumbs up from the race promoter and Mat to remain on the start list riding solo in the duo category as a tribute to our friend and a fund raising opportunity. I’m going to try to hold it together while I ride this one for the both of us. I’m asking for pledges per lap I complete for our team. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to bartonpdx.com, a site created by friends and dedicated to raising funds for Mat’s recovery.

Spread the word – let’s make Mat’s laps count!

How this will work:
For simplicity, timeliness, most bang for the buck – I’m just going to request your pledges via e-mail/FB/word of mouth (I may figure out something more fancy later if this doesn’t take).
Simply reply to austincren@yahoo.com with your Name, E-mail Address, Phone Number, and Your Pledge Amount.
I add you to my spreadsheet and donor e-mail list.
I provide the e-mail distribution of donors with a couple updates as the event draws nearer – only 2 weeks away!
I provide you with the results once the event is complete and send invoices (PayPal) to each of the individual e-mail addresses.
You submit your donation to me in any way which is most convenient for you (or let me know you’ve made your committed donation directly to bartonpdx.com)!
We provide 100% of the money raised to bartonpdx.com in all of our names (unless you prefer to be anonymous of course).

Small type and things to consider:
-The lap is just under 6 miles with ~800 ft of climbing – the event is 6 hours.
-Last year Mat and I completed 10 laps.
-Mat is the fast one on the team and I was able to rest between laps last year – expect this year to be much slower with fewer laps.
- You have until the completion of the race on July, 1st to make a pledge.
-Donations made to Mat’s fund are not tax deductible (just an fyi).
-Pledges can be $/lap, a minimum total, a maximum total, a bulk amount – however you want to support The Springsteens and Mat’s recovery we appreciate.
-Let me know if you would prefer to be anonymous and I’ll make sure of it – and same if you would prefer to not be on the distribution e-mail list.

Some background information and links:
http://bartonpdx.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mattbarton/journal
http://bikeportland.org/2012/06/14/rider-left-paralyzed-after-freak-crash-during-portland-mountain-bike-race-73317
http://www.portlandracing.com/6hrs/

http://www.matbarton.com/the-bruce-springsteens/

Make pledges by e-mailing me: austincren@yahoo.com
Include Name, E-mail Address, Phone Number, and Your Pledge Amount

We thank you with everything we’ve got!

Austin Crenshaw
The Springsteens / Staccato Gelato