Final Day of the Campaign: Give & Win an Ortlieb Handlebar Bag

May 31, 2013

It's May 31! We've made it to the final day of the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign to raise money for the growth and development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). I am pleased to tell you that not only have we reached our $100,000 campaign goal; we have surpassed it. As of yesterday evening, USBRS supporters have donated $116,674 to build a national network of bicycle routes. 

In these final hours of the campaign, Ortlieb is challenging us to raise a final $1,000 more with a match challenge. When you donate today, not only will Ortlieb match your donation, you will also be entered to win an Ortlieb Ultimate 6 M Plus handlebar bag. 

Ortlieb's motto is, "back to basics and still a step ahead." At Ortlieb this is no contradiction. Focusing on their core competencies, they lead with innovative ideas, and they've been doing so for more than 30 years.

It goes without saying that all Ortlieb products are 100% waterproof. Waterproofness and durable design are their constant features. Furthermore, all Ortlieb bags, backpacks, and transport solutions are, and always will be, made in Germany. Outdoors, it is always good to be prepared for anything. Traveling by bike, you need good reliable gear, whether cycling down the street or across the country. 

We talked to Ortlieb President Jeff Scully about Ortlieb's commitment to the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

Why does Ortlieb support the USBRS? 

Being a European brand, Ortlieb has always been about moving people safely and more comfortably on their bikes. We brought Ortlieb to the U.S. in 1998 with the hope that with access to great waterproof gear, Americans would spend more time on their bikes — more travel time, more recreational time, and more commuter time. Parallel to these goals, we have also continually supported the advancement of safe places to ride bicycles both locally and internationally. Let’s face it, without safe and well developed routes, great gear is useless. Ortlieb bike bag users have been crisscrossing the U.S. for decades. We love to hear from our fans and see the photos and videos of their experiences that they share with us. The USBRS is a great initiative that will make cycling in the U.S. a better experience for all, and will allow more options to see this great country while pedaling along on two wheels.

What 5 cycling-related things are you most excited about now?

1. Simple bikes for everyday use
2. Youth populations among cyclists
3. Gravel road cycling
4. Local action to provide safer places to bike
5. Bike share programs in big U.S. cities!

Where would you like to see cycling in America five years from now?

We would love to continue to see the advancement of more “bike riders” in everday life. We love our enthusiasts, (heck, we are those people), but we also are excited about the growth of awareness in Americans who don't identify as cyclists that the bicycle can be a really great part of their everyday lives.

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Thank you, Jeff and Ortlieb, for continuing to help us build the U.S. Bicycle Route System. 

You can donate to meet Ortlieb's $1,000 match challenge and win a Ultimate 6 M Plus handlebar bag. You can also purchase Ortlieb products from Adventure Cycling's online store. 

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The 2013 BUILD IT. BIKE IT. BE A PART OF IT. campaign runs through May 31, 2013. All donations are tax deductible and support Adventure Cycling's organizing efforts and technical assistance for the U.S. Bicycle Route System.The campaign is supported by Adventure Cycling members, bicycle industry partners, bicycle clubs, and cyclists across North America.

Campaign business sponsors include Bikeflights.com, BOB Gear by Britax Child Safety, Inc., Ortlieb, Planet Bike, Primal Wear, and TeamEstrogen.com. Bicycle club sponsors include Cascade Bicycle Club. In-kind sponsors include Bikeflights.com, Cygolite, Hans Bagworks, J&B Importers, Nutcase, Ortlieb, and Osprey Packs.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is supported in part by grants from the the Lazar Foundation, New Belgium Brewing, Climate Ride, and the Tawani Foundation.