Mr. Decker's OVCS Band Ride-A-Thon
September 23rd he rides!
Band Fundraiser -- a 100 mile ride!
Early in the morning of September 23 or 29 (depending on conditions), he willl begin his second attempt at a 100 mile ride to benefit the band. Last year he first made this epic journey and we followed along via selfies and messages he shared along the way.
We are only now beginning to understand what an arduous journey that was.
He traveled 7 hours and 23 minutes on a route that in the very last 20 miles went from 600 ft to 1600 feet in elevation. That's a significant uphill climb that would discourage many of us, but not Mr. Decker.
And he's doing it again.
He will assess the weather to ensure safe riding conditions and decide whether to take off this Saturday (which at the moment seems likely) or September 29. That morning he will choose one of two 100-mile routes depending on prevailing conditions.
"What matters most is wind direction and speed. I can't finish in a headwind. And if I take the route through here, there will be more climb. My biggest concern is Rt. 26. Loose gravel is a recipe for wipe out," Mr. Decker said.
He will stay in touch with us and with band students so we can keep track of his progress, wherever that takes him. We hope he will share photos from the road so we can post on Facebook and Twitter for those cheering along at home.
A Tale of Two Routes
Just how difficult will this be?
Ride-A-Thon info
- Contact any band member in grades 7-12,
- or feel free to mail a check made out to the OVCS Band to Otselic Valley Central School, PO Box 161, 125 County Rd. 13A, South Otselic, New York 13155.
Alternatively, you can wish him well on his journey, and come out to support the band when they play at school events and out in the community!
Funds raised will be used to buy band apparel suitable for cooler temperatures that students can wear any time. "It's a source of pride. On any given day," said Mr. Decker, "you can walk the halls and find band kids proudly wearing their band t-shirts or sweatshirts. It's awesome."
Last year's ride generated about $1000 for band wear -- thank you! We have it on good authority that in addition to our community, there will be band shirt sightings on college campuses that are now home to OV graduates.
Thank you for your support!
And thank YOU, for Mr. Decker, for showing us what's possible!
Otselic Valley Central School
Email: communications@ovcs.org
Website: http://www.ovcs.org
Location: PO Box 161, 125 County Rd. 13A, South Otselic, New York 13155
Phone: 315-653-7218
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OtselicValleyCentralSchool/
Twitter: @OVVikings