Gregory M. Kapfhammer

Sponsor a Pedaling Professor in the MS 150

Hello Everyone! Yes, you heard it correctly. As a new and exciting challenge, I have joined the Clinch-Tite Cycling Team and entered the Escape to the Lake MS 150 Bicycle Ride that is scheduled for June 7 and 8, 2008. I am hoping that you are willing to partner with me as a sponsor for my 150 mile bicycle ride. Each MS 150 rider is responsible for securing at least $250 in sponsorships no later than July 14, 2008. Your small donations of five through twenty dollars will make a substantial difference in the lives of people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and also encourage me during the upcoming ride and throughout the rest of the bicycling summer. With your permission, all sponsors will be acknowledged by name on this Web site. If you have questions about the ride or sponsorship opportunities, then please contact me by email or telephone.

My Team of Valued Sponsors

Christopher Allan Sara Alspaugh Anonymous Donors Brandi Baros Brian Blose Glenn Buckholz Paul Clulow Steve Clulow Jim Fitch Richard Geary

Jennifer and Michael Haddox-Schatz Matthew Jadud Madelyn Kapfhammer Phillip Laplante C. Daniel Myers Rick Neely Robert S. Roos Matthew Rummel Pamela Shreve

Adam Smith Drew Staut Andrew Thall Sarah Toohey Sergei Vodopianov Kristen Walcott Sharon Wesoky Ben Wyrick Dave and Joyce Young

Frequently Asked Questions

• Wait a minute, isn't this ride coming up very soon? What took you so long to contact me about sponsorship?

  
  Yes, the ride is coming up in a few days. I was not able to quickly contact you due to tasks associated with finishing the semester, starting summer research, and striving to be a good husband and father. Finally, I had to purchase a bike and start my training regimen. I am hoping you will decide to sponsor me much more rapidly than I contacted you!

  
  

• I heard that you were recently in a bicycle accident. What happened? Are you okay and able to ride in the MS 150?

  
  Yes, I recently had a head on collision with an aggressive dog during a training ride. After the attack, I flew off of my bicycle and landed on the road. Thankfully, there were no passing cars and I did not break any bones or experience a concussion. The cuts and bruises are healing, my left arm is starting to rotate properly, and the expert staff at Countryside Cycling and Wheelworks fixed my bike for free.

  
  

• I never knew that you were even interested in bicycling. Are you going to be able to finish a 150 mile bicycle ride?

  
  Before joining the Department of Computer Science at Allegheny College, starting to pursue a PhD, and becoming a father, I used to regularly ride a bicycle on short to medium length rides (20 to 60 miles). The MS 150 breaks the ride into two days so that the first day requires about 81 miles and the second 69. Actually, I have never ridden more than 75 miles in a single bicycle trip! The good news is that I have been training since the snow melted and I have now bicycled almost 450 miles in preparation for this event.

  
  

• This is too funny to be true. Do you wear silly bicycling clothes? Can I watch you participate in the MS 150?

  
  Sure! If you live in Meadville or the surrounding area, you can come to Allegheny College on Saturday, June 7, 2008 and watch me pedal onto campus after riding 81 miles. If you send me your cell phone number, I will agree to contact you by phone when I am 10 miles away from the campus. You can watch me ride (coast? limp?) in on my green road bike. If I am feeling up too it, I may even ride the last twelve miles back to my home in Cochranton! And yes, I do wear a silly (but functional) outfit that includes cycling shorts, a jersey, gloves, a helmet, and special shoes for my "clipless" pedals.

  
  

• Oh no, I will not be able to come to Allegheny College to see you in the MS 150 bicycle ride. Will you take pictures to prove that you started and finished the race?

  
  Of course! My understanding is that the MS 150 organizers take a picture of each team and I will post this to my Web site. After several requests, I will also arrange for digital pictures that capture my status before, during, and after the race. Watch this page for more details!

  
  

• If I decide to become a sponsor, do you keep any of my donation and/or use it for your own registration fees?

  
  No. I have already paid to register for the MS 150. All of your sponsorships will be given directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 78% of your donation will go directly to programs, education, and research for MS and the remaining 22% defray fundraising and administration costs.

  
  

• My budget is tight and I am not sure that I can make a donation. Is there a minimum amount for a donation?

  
  Donations of any size are warmly appreciated. Can you afford a penny for each mile that I ride? What about a dime per mile? These options will respectively lead to affordable donations of $1.50 or $15. If you are willing to sponsor me for a quarter per mile, then I will truly value your contribution of $37.50. All donations will be gratefully acknowledged on my Web site.

  
  

• So, is this a one time event? Or, do you plan to continue bicycling?

  
  The MS 150 is the beginning of my adventure in the world of bicycles. During the summer, I have adjusted my work schedule so that I can commute the 24 miles round trip to and from my office at least two or three times per week. Unless heavy rainstorms drown out my plans, I hope to substantially cut my personal consumption of fuel during the summer of 2008. Furthermore, I look forward to participating in the MS 150 in 2009. You have my pledge to seek 2009 sponsorships much sooner!

  
  

• I do not know that much about multiple sclerosis. Can you give me any information about what it is and how it is treated?

  
  Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. You can learn more by visiting http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ or calling 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).

  
  

• I think that I am interested in making a donation. What do I do now?

  
  First, thank you for making a donation. Second, you may click the link at the top of this page in order to make a secure online donation. Alternatively, you can write me an email to indicate that you intend to make a pledge either in person or through the postal mail. You may give a cash donation or write a check that is payable to the National MS Society. I can provide you with a hand-written receipt for each donation made in person or by postal mail. The online submission system should generate a receipt for your records.

  
  

• I have a question that was not answered on this page. Will you answer my question?

  
  Of course! Please contact me by email or telephone (home or work) and I will answer your question. You are also welcome to call or email me in order to say hello or check on my status after the MS 150.