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by: Tony585
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Landmark Education Graduate Creates Cycling Charity


Ed Paul’s Alpine Challenge has come along way in eight years. Formed out of Paul’s participation in Landmark Education’s Self-Expression and Leadership Program, this fundraising cycling event through the hills near San Diego has grown from about 70 riders in its first year to almost 700 in 2008. Money raised for the event goes to charities that benefit kids: Half of this year’s proceeds go to a children’s hospital, while the rest goes to a program for at risk youth. Over the eight years since the program began, over $150,000 has been raised for children’s charities.

Paul’s Alpine Challenge is aptly named. Although the hilly, rural terrain can provide breathtaking views, not many riders may have the energy to enjoy tme. Riders can choose “easy” 20-30 mile courses, while the more difficult courses are 62 or 72 miles each, with an approximate elevation gain of 7,000 feet. Even the 20 mile ride has about a 2,000 foot elevation gain, according to Paul.

Each of the four courses follows a similar path. The riders start in downtown alpine and go immediately up a hill that takes them around the Viejas Indian Reservation. The 62-mile and 72-mile rides then continue through Harbison Canyon.

According to Paul, the challenging terrain is an attraction for the serious cyclist. Riders from all over the country are attending the event, and Paul has enlisted champion cyclist Andy Hampsten to participate. Hampsten, who has ridden in the Tour de France, is also the only American to have ever won the Giro d’Italia, a prestigious Italian competition. Hampsten will ride in the 72-mile event and then sign autographs afterwards.

Not all of the notables riding in the event are national figures. One fixture in the challenge is the oldest rider in the race—90 year-old Gordy Shield of nearby El Cajon. Fresh off setting a national record for the 90 years and up age category for a 20 mile event, the retired Grossmont Community College Counselor has a bit of a cult following.

“They’ve kind of adopted me,” claims Shields. “One time they even had a birthday cake for me.

Adds Paul: “He’s just such a motivation to everyone else who’s out there riding.”

The event is well supported by volunteers—Road crews will patrol the length of the courses, looking to fix any flat tires and offer any other assistance that will be required. Other volunteers will man five rest stops along the route, offering sandwiches, snacks and refreshments to the riders. Corporate sponsorship has also helped. Clif Bar Inc., a leading supplier of energy bars, and Roel Contruction Inc. are among the companies that have helped make the Alpine Challenge happen.

Meanwhile, the California Highway Patrol and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will direct traffic in Alpine to allow a free path for riders. Emergency Medical Services will also be on hand in case they are needed.

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