When I launched this year’s Insane Charity Bike Ride campaign two days ago, I was unsure how it might turn out. Unable to cycle due my concussion, I vowed still to fundraise, and tried to come up with some fun ideas and stretch-goals.
With only a few weeks to raise money for this incredible local charity, I doubted $10,000 was realistic (usually the campaign raises at least twice that much).
However, two days in from the launch, you incredible people have already smashed the first two stretch-goals, and are just a few hundred dollars away from $10,000 – wherein I will get on my bike for the first time since the concussion, and cycle (SAFELY) around the Bike the Barns parking area once or twice!
I’m blown away, to be honest. And as a thank-you to everyone, I’ve re-arranged the stretch-goals!
Now, at $14,000 (as opposed to $20,000), I will wear the duck as I (SAFELY) peddle around the parking lot. (In fact, I’ll keep the duck on my head as I pass around Duck buttons to other riders, allowing them to cycle with a duck!)
And as another incentive, should we near $20,000, I will again wear BOTH ducks on my head.
More goodies/swag/bribes will be added as we (hopefully) pass certain markers:
PASSED $5,000 – A sticker commemorating the weird-ass “Safety First” Insane Charity Bike Ride 2026 campaign will be included with all physical orders.
PASSED $7,500 – A new Duck Button will be included with all physical orders. You too may now cycle with a duck!
Passing $10,000 – I’ll take to my bike for the first time since my fall!
Passing $12,000 – A second sticker commemorating the weird-ass “Safety First” Insane Charity Bike Ride 2026 campaign will be included with all physical pledges.
PASSING $14,000 THE DUCK! THE DUCK! THE DUCK! I’ll cycle for the first time concussion with the Steve Jackson Games Duck of Doom on my helmet again!
Passing $16,000 – A unique Munchkin card commemorating the weird-ass “Safety First” Insane Charity Bike Ride 2026 campaign will be included with all physical orders..
Passing $18,000 – Sticker and buttons for ALL riders participating in Bike the Barns 2026, so the entire ride gets a duck on their head (should they so wish)!
Passing $20,000 – THE SECOND DUCK! I’ll ear both the Duck of Doom AND the Duck of Gloom on my helmet (The Duck of Gloom add-on is dedicated to my late friend Andrew Hackard, who first suggested two ducks years ago.)
You folks are the BEST!
- John