Several 4-H’ers, collegiate 4-H’ers, and 4-H All Stars are busy training for the 2008 Outspoken for West Virginia 4-H bicycle ride to benefit West Virginia 4-H programs.

The proceeds from this year’s ride will benefit the 4-H State Camps Fund, providing scholarships for 4-H youths to attend Alpha I, Alpha II, and Older 4-H Members’ Conference (OMC) state 4-H camps at WVU Jackson’s Mill.

“The Outspoken for West Virginia 4-H bike ride has truly become the face of fundraising during the early summer for WVU Extension Service,” said David E. Miller WVU associate provost and director. “We are excited about involving young and old in such an exciting, grueling, and visible way to raise money to support good causes.”

The 2008 ride will begin in Jefferson County on June 12 and will end at WVU Jackson’s Mill 250 miles and four days later, when the cyclists ride into the Mill in time for the start of OMC. This marks the fifth year this fundraising ride has been held.

James Grantham, the 2008 Outspoken coordinator, has been busy recruiting riders and promoting the ride to the West Virginia 4-H community.

 In 2007, the 10 riders and several support staff raised more than $6,000 to help “furnish and finish” the newly renovated Mount Vernon Dining Hall at WVU Jackson’s Mill. Grantham said he hopes to attract 15 riders to the event this year.

Grantham said there are a number of reasons why riders participate.

“The riders and crew participate for a few reasons. All were either 4-H members and leaders themselves, parents of members, or good friends of 4-H’ers,” Grantham said. “They know the importance of the 4-H program, and they want to give back to the organization that gave them so much.”

Grantham said that for many, it’s a personal challenge to ride the entire route or to climb certain mountain peaks.
  
“But, no matter what the reason for riding, everyone finishes together before hundreds of campers, and each person is happy that they attempted it,” he said. 

Some participants who have limited vacation time have chosen to help with the Outspoken for 4-H ride instead of going to camp, Grantham said.  

“It’s an unfortunate choice to have to make, but it shows how much this ride means to them and where they feel they can best help the West Virginia 4-H campers,” he said.

Outspoken was the brainchild of several 4-H All Stars. Current All Star Chief Jeff Yokum has been involved with Outspoken since its inception and continues to support the program.

To sponsor a rider or to learn how you can assist with support services along the ride, contact Grantham at outspokenfor4h@gmail.com or log on to development.ext.wvu.edu to download a sponsorship form. You also may contact your county’s WVU Extension Service office.