What a ride! West Seattleite Joel Kampf arrives on Alki after pedaling cross-country for World Bicycle Relief

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Joel Kampf just arrived home from a bike ride. A big bike ride – 4,500 miles. A big bike ride with a big achievement, raising money for World Bicycle Relief. And he got a big welcome:

Joel’s wife LaVonne Dorsey and friends showered him with champagne as he turned onto 53rd SW to head home. He’s been on the road for more than two months (read his chronicles here), so hugs and kisses were in order too:

Thanks to LaVonne for letting us know so we could be there for Joel’s big arrival. She shared this information about his ride for World Bicycle Relief, which started May 14th in Williamsburg, Virginia:

The goal is to bring bicycles to the developing world as engines for economic and cultural empowerment.

Having built and distributed over 230,000 bikes this year, their Educational Empowerment Program provides bikes to students (70% girls), teachers and education workers in rural Africa. With the ability to save time and shorten distances between schools and villages, the program dramatically improves grades and attendance rates after students receive bicycles. Other programs include a Healthcare effort that helps workers who would walk over 4 miles a day to visit four patients, visit 18 patients in a single day; (also) micro-finance, Environmental and social enterprise programs.

For $147, we can provide a World Bicycle Relief bicycle to a student in need. Every donation helps. Seattle is one of the most successful and supportive bicycle commuting cities in the country and we also realize the importance of cycling for recreation and good health.

Even more friends and family were waiting at Joel and LaVonne’s house for a welcome-home party. You can still donate, by the way, even though his journey’s done – here’s how.

15 Replies to "What a ride! West Seattleite Joel Kampf arrives on Alki after pedaling cross-country for World Bicycle Relief"

  • NeoYogi July 30, 2015 (3:18 pm)

    So awesome! Congratulations, Joel!

  • John July 30, 2015 (3:40 pm)

    Fantastic!…..it must’ve been beautiful.

  • Born on Alki 59 July 30, 2015 (3:56 pm)

    Wow, buy that man a cold one!

  • Bob Anderton July 30, 2015 (4:20 pm)

    Thanks for riding!

  • West Seattle Hipster July 30, 2015 (4:59 pm)

    Great story, well done sir.

  • Yvonne July 30, 2015 (5:43 pm)

    Welcome home, again Joel. I’m so proud of all you accomplished on your journey!

  • John July 30, 2015 (6:17 pm)

    How awesome and mazel tov on the completion of your ride! I know LaVonne is so happy to have you home!!

  • Marcia July 30, 2015 (7:14 pm)

    Yes! Mazel Tov!!!! What an incredible accomplishment, and beautiful journey.

  • Gail Johnson July 30, 2015 (7:15 pm)

    Congratulations Joel what an achievement! Welcome home!

  • sbre July 30, 2015 (8:55 pm)

    Truly inspirational Joel, congratulations and a huge THANK YOU for promoting another way cycling can help improve our world.
    And in this case, a very significant impact and improvement!
    I tip my helmet to you sir!!!

  • Don Brubeck July 30, 2015 (9:01 pm)

    Great ride for a great cause! Welcome back, Joel.

  • Edwina July 31, 2015 (11:41 am)

    Joel how inspiring! It brought tiers to my eyes when I opened the website. I wish I could have been there to welcome you home, in person. But know that there are are people in Waxhaw NC who are as excited and proud as I am of you. Love you, Edwina

  • themightyrabbit July 31, 2015 (9:39 pm)

    thank you for your efforts! I ride for the same charity each year for the RedBell100, but with a 1/45th of the mileage. It’s such a great charity and proud to hear folks doing work outside of the organized rides. Thanks again!

  • Almudena August 1, 2015 (5:39 pm)

    Congratulations and welcome back!

  • Uzma August 17, 2015 (10:31 pm)

    Wow! What an achievement!Inspirational!Thank you!

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