Special offer for organ donors
One of the objectives of the Raven Rock Ramble is to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation (see Why ride). To that end, you'll receive a special gift if you have agreed to be an organ donor (indicated by a heart on your driver's license) or if you agree to become an organ donor by completing a card that will be included in your rider packet. These gifts will be offered while supplies last.
Special offer, 2013
UNC Kidney Center sports towel |
For 2013 we have a 15x17 terry cotton sports towel, as pictured above.
Here's my favorite way to use this towel: freeze a water bottle half-filled with water. The morning of a big ride, fill the remainder of the frozen bottle with water and stick it in a cooler in your car. At the completion of your ride, when you're really hot and sweaty, douse one end of your towel with the ice water you've stowed and wash down your face, neck, and forehead. Repeat several times, then dry off with the other end. Ahhh - this feels so delightful and gets the sweat out of your eyes. If you have a drive ahead, repeat the procedure with as much of your body as you're willing to expose, then change into dry clothes.
Special offer, 2012
UNC Kidney Center mesh drawstring backpack |
This backpack is perfect for cycling in cool weather! Why? If you start in the 40's and the temperatures rise into the 60's, your jacket, gloves, leg warmers and such may be too much for your jersey pockets but can be easily stowed in the backpack, and the mesh construction keeps it light and cool on your back.
To see if you registered as an organ donor, see the Riders page.
Special offer, 2008
Bank of America has generously supplied a set of emergency preparedness kits, which include a flashlight, transister radio, "space" blanket, and more.
Special offer, 2005
There are two options for 2005: a green "Donate Life" wrist band (I wear mine in combination with my yellow "Livestrong" wrist band), or a sports towel such as what was offered last year ( see below). To the extent that I'm able, I'll give wrist bands to folks who received a towel last year, and give towels to riders who don't already have one.
Additional green wrist bands will be available at the ride for $1.00 each.
Special offer, 2004
This year the special gift is a sports towel donated by Carolina Donor Services. It's an 11x18 inch white towel with their logo on one side.Here's my favorite way to use this towel: freeze a water bottle half-filled with water. The morning of a big ride, fill the remainder of the frozen bottle with water and stick it in a cooler in your car. At the completion of your ride, when you're really hot and sweaty, douse one end of your towel with the ice water you've stowed and wash down your face, neck, and forehead. Repeat several times, then dry off with the other end. Ahhh - this feels so delightful and gets the sweat out of your eyes. If you have a drive ahead, repeat the procedure with as much of your body as you're willing to expose, then change into dry clothes.
Special offer, 2003
This year the special gift is a magnicard - a credit card size magnifier. Why might you need this? Have you every had difficulty reading a map or cue sheet? If you're past your 30's, are the letters getting a little too small? The magnicard allows you to wear your cycling shades and still be able to read. If you don't need one of these yet then hold on to it - you will. While the magnicard comes with its own protective case, it also fits conveniently in the card slot in the waterproof wallet.Special offer, 2002
OmniSeal bi-fold waterproof wallet |
This wallet is perfect for carrying identification and cash while you ride. It's made of heavy-duty vinyl and has two waterpoof compartments that are easy to open and seal. It also has a slot for carrying a credit card and the like. The wallet folds in half and easily carries in a jersey pocket.
I bought one myself and was very impressed with it. I've discovered from my own experience that there are some very important items you should always carry with you while cycling:
- a copy of your driver's license
- a copy of your insurance card
- a list of medications and allergies
- a list of emergency contacts
- anything else you'd want someone to know if you're unconscious