70 Courageous Rancho Feliz “Guardian Warrior” Volunteers
Complete the Historic
2009 “Ride the Rez” - The BITAHOCHEE 350!
On Friday, October 23rd 2009, 40 bicyclists (and 30 support personnel) pedaled into Winslow, Arizona and into the history books by completing the first ever 5-day, 350-mile mountain bike ride across the Navajo Nation. Beginning in Mexican Hat, Utah the ride included the following:
Day 1 – Mountain biking across the sand dunes of the original Santa Fe Trail and pedaling the renowned and timeless Monument Valley Loop. The evening included a “Safe Travels – Good Weather” blessing ceremony from a traditional Navajo Medicine Man.
Day 2 – Pedaling 82 miles through ferocious winds around Black Mesa from Kayenta to Chinle. This ride went through the Rough Rock Trading Post and included an Elvis sighting.
Day 3 – Carrying bicycles down the secret Navajo Escape Trail into the very heart of the Navajo Nation – the sacred Canyon del Muerto of Canyon de Chelly – and pedaling the length of the mystical canyon dappled in brilliant fall colors.
Day 4 – Mountain biking 91 miles from Chinle to the historic Hubbell Trading Post to the Greasewood Springs Trading Post and on to the Bitahochee Trading Post. A traditional Navajo meal and sleepover were conducted at the Bitahochee.
Day 5 – Pedaling the infamous “Moonshine Trail” smuggling route and winding through the multi-colored Hidden Painted Desert followed by a fully regaled “Mojo Ride” to the classic La Posada Hotel for an end of the ride “Fandango” dinner party and dance.
Never before attempted on mountain bikes, 11 separate permits and approvals were required to cross the entire Navajo Nation from north to south. The Rancho Feliz “Guardian Warriors” were the first - they made history. A feature length documentary film of the event is now in production.
This historic all volunteer effort required each participant to donate a week out of their busy lives. In addition, each rider had to pay all their own expenses and raise a minimum of $7,500 in donations.
As the final in a long line of Rancho Feliz Extreme Sport/Extreme Karma fundraising events, the “Ride the Rez” has generated over $750,000 in donations to date. In a down economy with no advertising or marketing budget this is truly a testament to the human spirit.
At Rancho Feliz our focus is on EDUCATION. Donations raised from the “Ride the Rez” will help support the following educationally oriented projects:
With your help our “Guardian Warriors” will complete the projects listed above. In this spirit we ask that you make your tax-deductible donation today. Please click on the name of a Rider or Crew Member listed to the left or click here to make a general donation toward the ride (choose Ride the Rez from the drop-down menu). You may also sponsor a child’s education by clicking on our “Scholarship Sponsor Program” on our Home Page.
For additional donation information or help making a donation please contact Heather Allen at 480-949-7144 or email her at: heather@gillenwater.biz
For more information on Rancho Feliz or on the “Ride the Rez” please contact Rancho Feliz, President, Gil Gillenwater at 602-538-2800 or email him at: gil@gillenwater.biz