The first country my squad and I will be going to on the World Race is China, so I have themed my first fundraiser in its honor.
Surprisingly, the Great Wall of China is not one continuous wall; the structure is actually made up of many discontinuous wall segments built by various dynasties, or different people from different times. It is, however, the longest man made structure in the world, and the total length of all Chinese defense walls built in the last 2,000 years total 31,070 miles. Add this to your perspective: the circumference of the earth is only 24,854 miles!
Today, the reputation of the Great Wall is that of an awe-inspiring tourist attraction. During much of its construction, though, it was often referred to as “the longest cemetery on earth” because of the number of people who died while building it. Some reports say that it cost the lives of around one million people. Chinese inventions, like the wheelbarrow and gunpowder, were first used in the construction and defense of the Great Wall. And most of the walls aren’t even made from brick and mortar; 70% of its branches were formed by rammed earth and adobe.
(Stats from http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/04/18_great-wall.html)
Now that we’ve given proper tribute to this Chinese monument, allow me to introduce you to the
Great Wall of China Fundraiser.
Going on the World Race is going to require a lot of gear that I don’t have yet. Eventually, my entire packing list is going to look like this. Researching everything I’m going to need has felt a little like being plunged into cold water. I’ve discovered a whole new world of backpacking, camping, hiking, and survival gear with brand names and taboos that I was previously completely content with being ignorant of. No worries, though—I’ve been getting my ‘sea legs’ in this market, you could say. And the point of this fundraiser is for me to share with you the gear I still need and provide you with the opportunity to sponsor me item by item, or rather, ‘brick by brick.’
So here is how this works. On this page, I will continually be updating the status of the gear I still need. Most of it I need by October so I can take it with me to Training Camp. Conveniently, August and September just so happens to be the best time of year to purchase outdoor gear at great discounted prices! Below I’ve listed all the ‘bricks’ with the price range I’m hoping for on that item, but I also know of a couple websites where I’m hoping to get even better bargain deals. I’ll give all the details I can.
If you’re interested in sponsoring me for an item, please send me an email or get in touch with me and let me know which brick you’d like to claim. You can use the ‘Contact Me!’ link underneath my picture on the left if you like. I’m going to request that no one buy these items for me unless I mention otherwise in the description. There are a lot of specific requirements and measurements needed, and I really want to save everyone the hassle of having to guess or return items. If you have any further questions, please let me know, and keep an eye on this page for updates! Thanks!
TENT: I'm looking for a 2 person, free-standing tent. It will need to have adequate ventilation, a rain-fly, and hopefully a 'footprint' also. It is also crucial that the tent weigh no more than 5 lbs, ideally between 3-4 lbs. Most tents like this are priced between $150-$300 easily. I'm hoping to find one on sale between $100-$140.
SLEEPING PAD: This is an inflatable pad that will be my 'bed' for the next year. I'm looking for something lightweight, between 1-2 inches thick, preferably self-inflating, moisture resistant, with a durable underside, a repair kit, a stuff sack, and capable of holding warmth. Running prices are easily $100-$200, but I'm hoping to find something between $50-$100.
SLEEPING BAG: Has to be rated for at least 35* weather. I'm 5'8", so most regular sizes should fit. As lightweight as possible, with its own stuff sack. If it doesn't come with an internal liner, I will still need to purchase one for when we're in warm weather (El Salvador, here I come!). The Sleeping Bag I'm looking for will easily be priced $100-$200, but I think I can find something between $50-$100.
MULTI SPORT SHOES: Essentially, a durable, flexible, (waterproof?), pair of running/hiking shoes. I'll use these during sports and sports camps, construction projects, rough terrain and long hikes. These are the shoes I'm going to depend on, and I need them to last all 11 months. I'm a size 10 in womens. I probably wouldn't choose something neon or brightly colored. Or white. And they can't be flat-bottomed like the cheap WalMart shoes I just bought. Give me some arch support! I imagine they'll cost me between $50-$90.
SANDALS: These are the shoes that I will be wearing probably every day. And when I say sandals, I don't mean all those thin, fancy sandals that I love wearing and getting dressed up with. I'm talking something like Chacos or Tevas. Those brand names can easily be priced $100 and up, but I'm hoping for a good deal somewhere in between $50-$90. And I may just choose black…to keep it simple…and to match with everything.
INTERNAL FRAME PACK: This is the most complicated and specific piece of gear I will have to purchase. And for good reason. I need something that has a capacity between 4,200-5,000 cu in., and can comfortably carry 50 lbs without breaking my back (the trick is to get a pack that fits so the weight is on your hips). Packs this size are often under the category of "Week Long Packs." I'll have to get fitted at a store to find out my exact measurements. I'm looking for something with a sleeping bag compartment and a front loading panel. I will need an Airporter (that's like a protective duffel for transporting), which I may have to buy separately, and a rain cover is a bonus but not needed. Most packs like this are easily over $200, but I'm hoping to find something on sale in the $100 range.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: All World Racers are required to have international insurance. The World Race conveniently has a plan set up through Good Neighbor Insurance for us to purchase International Medical Travel Insurance. The quote I received said that for me to be covered from January through November, it would cost $300. That's under $30 a month! Not bad…
