On Memorial Day Weekend I took to the roads with 600 cyclists and volunteers on a mission to help bring joy, fun and smiles to kids with serious illnesses by raising money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s Hospital Outreach Program. I pedaled…. I sweated…. I smiled…. and I will forever be grateful for this amazing experience.

Here is a little recap for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

The Start

The Saturday start was at the Yale Summer Music School in Norfolk, CT. Beautiful. I got a ride to the start from my awesome husband and was all types of nervous. Where do I go? Where do we park? What do I do when I get there?. Advice to incoming newbies – Chill. Out. We got there at 6:15 AM and there was PLENTY of time to check in and figure out what was what. Your bags get sorted on the lawn based on where you are staying at camp, easy peasy. There is a big rack for the bikes. There is a big tent with a delicious breakfast for you to enjoy. All low stress and easy to navigate. I even met Lynn, who is in charge of the ride, while walking from the car. I also met Angel, (THE Angel) a former camper and current nurse who the ride is named for and who came up with the crazy awesome idea for this crazy awesome ride, while I was checking in. I bounced up to both of them like the giant golden-retriever-puppy version of a human that I am (minus the drool – I think) to say hi. They were so nice – theme of the weekend – everyone is beyond nice.

The Ride (Saturday – 85 miles)

Saturday’s ride was amazing. And hot. Like, STEAMING hot. High of 95 degrees, in Connecticut, in May. I’m not sure why Mother Nature was trying to kill us. Thankfully, the team of tireless volunteers thwarted her best efforts. Take that, nature. The route was beautiful, scenic, and hilly. FULL. OF. HILLS. The Northwest corner of the state is no joke. The finish riding into the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp grounds with riders and volunteers cheering was emotional, and great on many levels. And not just because I was finally done. (Ok – a lot because I was finally done.) But also because I had made it! And my struggles for the day paled in comparison to those faced by the kids who would soon be at this very camp. It is humbling and inspiring.

Go bright or go home!

The Camp

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a pretty spectacular place. Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, it is a place for seriously ill children and their families to safely enjoy a camp experience and just be kids. I was super excited to finally be able to see the camp, since “outsiders” are rarely allowed access. What a special place!

We were treated to a delicious dinner, ice cream, and a show in the theater which included some volunteer recognition, info about the Hospital Outreach Program (HOP) we were supporting, a FABULOUS dance-off by two HOP/Camp alums, and a magic show (complete with a cameo by yours truly, who got pulled up on stage to do a rope trick. I’m a natural!). We slept in camper cabins and in a lodge used by staff when camp is in session. Very cool!

Oh-Oh-Oh it’s Maaaaagic… get my pun in the post title? get it?

Where I got to stay!

Outside the dining hall

Our fife and drum co. wake up

The Ride (Sunday – 50 miles)

Sunday’s ride as not nearly as hot or hilly as Saturday (Thank. God.). We met in the center of camp for some announcements, the National Anthem, and a group photo. The moto crew led us out again and 15-ish minutes later, we were off and rolling! The route was rolling, scenic, and on my home turf which was nice. The route into Mystic was on roads I ride often and know well, and it was nice to know what was coming. I also had a cheering squad at the lunch stop at Hopeville State Park! The last rest stop even gave us a set of wings to ride to the finish with.

Riding through downtown Mystic during tourist season can be a little hairy – be prepared to be in some traffic for this section. It’s short, but full of cars and pedestrians who are more interested in looking for Mystic Pizza and selfie ops than looking out for the girl on a bike in the middle of the road with a helmet full of fake daisies. (Seriously… you can’t miss me. Don’t pretend like you can’t see me). Once you’re through that mile, it’s cruise time into the Mystic YMCA for the finish line party!! We were again met with tons of great volunteers and a cookout You can also buy some AngelRide merchandise here, and the YMCA was open to use the bathrooms and showers. A very nice plus after a hot day on the bike. There is also a kid’s ride at the YMCA on Sunday which was great to see, and a 22 mile shorter option from Hopeville to Mystic for anyone not able or willing to do the full 2 days or the 50 mile ride. Lots of ways to get involved and ride!

The Volunteers

No recap would be complete without a huge THANK YOU to the volunteers. The Angel Ride volunteers were AMAZING. This dedicated bunch kept us safe, cool, fed, and smiling through some pretty challenging conditions. The moto crew was fantastic! They led out each day’s ride, manned every intersection, and maintained a constant presence on the route – making sure we were hydrated, safe, and had help if needed. The bike tech crew was there to help with any mechanical needs (thank goodness I didn’t need their help!). The “WINGS” support vehicles were everywhere as well, making sure anyone who needed help or a break with a quick lift in the car were quickly attended to. At every rest stop there were smiling faces cheering us on, directing traffic, cooling us off and filling our water bottles. All of these people gave up their holiday weekend to support the riders. The happiness all around was palpable. The cowbells were plentiful. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. You made a great thing even better.

The moto crew

If you couldn’t tell, I loved every second of the ride and I will most definitely be back. If you are any type of recreational athlete, I encourage you to seek out some sort of charity event. Doing something you love and giving back at the same time? Priceless.

I will leave you with some parting shots (courtesy of the HOP website) that say much more than any words I could put together. This is why I ride. This is what your donation money supports. We are creating desperately needed laughter and smiles. And there is still time, if you would like to donate. Let’s continue to create miles of smiles, together. http://events.angelcharitiesinc.org/goto/carlyeisley

“The strongest predictor of who got the money was not the person’s credentials or the content of the pitch. The strongest predictors of who got the money were these traits: confidence, comfort level and passionate enthusiasm.”  ― Amy Cuddy, Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

Did you know 85 percent of people polled do not donate because they haven’t been asked? Imagine that?

I, too, found it hard to believe. But the more I talk to fundraising professionals, the more I realize just how true it is.

Last month, we held the AngelRide 2016 Fundraising Workshop featuring Katie Kilty, Ed.D. It was a great evening filled with so many terrific ideas. I want to share highlights of what we learned.

As part of the workshop, we polled participants on why they ask some people for donations, but not others. We were curious about the motivating factors for choosing whom to ask.

We heard how important it is to connect with those who share your core values — and when this happens the giving doors open faster and wider. Think about it. When a donor shares your core values, making the ask feels less awkward and far more authentic. And chances are the answer will be “yes.”

Here is an example of what I mean. I may know a potential donor supports other children’s causes. I would open my ask by saying: “Joe, I know you have supported children in many ways in the past. I would love to share with you what I am involved with this year to help kids.” This is a great icebreaker that creates curiosity and touches on similar interests.

The workshop also focused on how to get ready to make the ask. What is your story? Why do you ride? Why do you volunteer for AngelRide? There are reasons why you have made this commitment, and it is far more compelling to think it through and deliver your messages thoughtfully.

Dr. Kilty recommends writing out your story and then practice the ask. She suggests practicing out loud. Then, practice in front of a mirror. Then, record yourself on video. Once you are prepared and confident, then ASK away!!

People are moved and motivated by stories. Storytelling is actually in our DNA and it allows others to better identify with you. When you expose your true self through storytelling, your passion will shine through.

Bottom line, get to the heart of your story. Refine it and keep on sharing it — over and over and over again!

Another fundraising tip shared during the workshop was to be specific in your ask. The most successful fundraising appeals ask the prospective donor for a specific amount—particularly those with the greatest potential to give. Ask for $250, $500, $1,000 or more.

If you’re a veteran rider or volunteer, look at what people have given in the past, then ask for a 25 percent increase. Don’t worry about asking for too much money. Your donors will feel good if they can give you a larger donation. And if they can’t give as much as you have asked, they will let you know.

With less than eight weeks to go, now is the time to build your story, practice it and deliver it as much as possible to your friends, family, peers, coworkers and anyone else you think shares your core values. After all, we are all raising money for kids who are looking for some happiness in their lives. I think we can all feel good about that!

Thank you so very much for helping us to reach our ambitious goal of raising $700,000 to benefit the Hole In the Wall Gang Camp Hospital Outreach Program (HOP). You are all angels!

Dear sponsorship providers, supporters, encouragers and worriers: Angel Ride 2014 is complete!

AngelRide 2014 was such an inspiring experience, I just had to share. I can only imagine what 2015 will bring.

Day One: Beginnings

With overcast skies and drying roads, Day One was on! Angel Riders from across the US and the world busied themselves getting ready, fiddling with tire pressure, water bottles, riding gear, food and rider numbers. I also had the privilege of supporting a couple of first year VIP Angel Riders, who had made the long trek to be at the start, more on this later!

Reality hit me as I headed out of the Yale School of Music: I was about to take on the single longest ride of my life while climbing close to 6000 feet of elevation over the 87 miles of day one.

I was greeted at the lunch stop in East Windsor by my #1 support crew – my wife Pam, my son Jack, my daughter Marni, and my parents. They were rattling cow bells and making as much noise as possible for each rider that came into the lunch stop. 50 miles completed.

The run to the finish of Day One challenged me to my core.

I had been warned by my Covidien CT Cares teammates that the climb from the last rest stop was the nemesis of all those who accept the Angel Ride challenge. Steep and unforgiving, this climb preys on the riders who have given everything to get this far. At no point in the ride thus far had I contemplated walking a hill, but I admit that if I could have unclipped from my pedals without falling off, I would have walked. By the time I crested the climb I was convinced that something was mechanically wrong with my bike because of the effort required to turn the pedals.

The last 18 miles of the day was an exercise in determination and willpower. Slight uphill grades made my legs feel like lead, and any headwind felt like a howling gale.

Nothing can prepare you for the emotional roller coaster when you finally pass through the gates and under the Hole in the Wall Gang arch that leads into Camp. You ride over a causeway bridge lined with the faces of the children who have attended the camp, and then it hits you. You realize again the importance of why you are riding. These children who are suffering with a serious illness don’t train for long stays in a hospital; they don’t have time to prepare for the journey ahead, they simply face the disease head on and never stop climbing. 87 miles completed.

I mentioned the VIP riders above. I’d like to introduce you all to Greig Trout, a British guy with a story to tell and a mission to help change the lives of others!

Greig beat cancer as a child and, as an adult, beat bowel cancer. He had set up 101 things to do when you survive (you don’t even have to Google it, I did it for you), and through selling everything he owned and saving everything he could, Greig decided to set off around the world to raise awareness that there is life after cancer.

He was looking for challenges—random challenges from those who followed his path around the world. So, naturally, I challenged him to complete the Angel Ride and help to change the life of a sick child. Greig graciously accepted.

He was initially set to ride in Angel Ride 2015, but with 4 weeks to go I received and email from Greig who at the time was somewhere in the depths of Argentina, asking if he could change plans and ride this year. He would fly in and experience AngelRide before continuing his around the world adventure, his brother Barry would fly in from the UK to join, and their Mum would make the transatlantic flight to join AngelRide as a volunteer.

Not only has Greig beaten cancer twice, he also has a couple of additional factors to take into consideration: one kidney, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) that restricts blood flow back to the heart from the legs….and he hadn’t ridden a bike in 25 years! Nothing like stacking the odds in your favor!!

Greig and Barry both completed Day One without walking a single hill and without using the services of the Support and Gear (SAG) wagon to take them to the next rest stop. The route has 6000ft of elevation change within 87 miles. They were an inspiration to each and every AngelRider. The takeaway—drive, determination and shear willpower knows no bounds.

Day Two: Ashford to Mystic.

I had the privilege to complete Day Two in the company of Greig and Barry. I watched Greig dig deep into the mental reserves to push through Day One’s toll. He never complained—not once. He just went about engineering a way to ensure that he finished AngelRide 2014. Just as on Day One, neither Greig nor Barry walked any of the hills or used the SAG team services. 53 miles completed.

Both riders completed the entire 140 miles, and climbed 9000ft of hills.

Thoughts

Many people have asked me what makes AngelRide and the Hole in The Wall Gang Hospital Outreach® Program (HITWG – HOP) so special, what is it that brings riders back year after year. I think I might finally have my answer.

The reward for a rider is being able to experience the sense of accomplishment as you pass under the HITWG arch on the entrance to camp or crossing the finish line in Mystic. It’s seeing the faces of the children whose lives have been changed by something you were a part of one year before; it’s knowing that we (the team) are helping to change the life of the next sick child who comes under the care and support of the HOP team. Children deserve the chance to simply be children, regardless of any illness.

The reward for 140 hard miles on a bicycle is such an emotional roller coaster, you cannot imagine! To be honest, the effort to ride 140 miles on a bicycle pales in comparison to the effort each child puts into beating their illness.

AngelRide 2014 was memorable for lots of different reasons: supportive volunteers who look after each rider at every rest stop, the Moto Crew and SAG teams for making sure everyone is safe on the route, fellow riders who support each other over every mile, and the inspirational ride by Greig and his brother on day one and two.

But all of you reading this are also part of the AngelRide team. You help to make it memorable each year, through your generosity you help to change the life of a sick child. You make the magic materialize, without your support none of this would happen.

Walk tall and smile, you have changed the life of a sick child.

Now you know why….

I leave you with the following quote:

“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

– Muhammad Ali

Thank you for everything, and Never Stop Climbing!

– Andy Heeps