The Empowerment Challenge covers 375 miles over 8 days as the 15 riders circumnavigate Lake Nicaragua. I have never undertaken a ride of this magnitude, so it will definitely be a challenge--especially in the hot and humid climate! But this is a once in a life time chance to experience another culture, travel by bike and see the work that EI does first hand.

The minimum donation to participate in the ride is $1500, of which $500 covers the cost of food and lodging for the rider. I plan on covering my own costs, so my minimum goal is to raise $1000. My stretch goal is $1500.

I first heard of Empowerment International in 2006 when a good friend moved to Nicaragua and spent two years volunteering for the organization. Since then, I have worked the door at three of EI's annual Fiesta de Esperanza fundraisers and sponsored a few of the students. These opportunities let me witness how commited and successful the EI staff and volunteers are to making a difference in the lives of the children in two impoverished communities of Nicaragua. This organization works very hard to maximize the value of every donar dollar.