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Raisin Hope hosts charity ride, online auction

Published: Oct. 2, 2008

Raisin Hope, the charity foundation established by former professional rider Saul Raisin, is holding its second annual charity ride in Dalton, Georgia, on Saturday, October 4.

Raisin, a Dalton native then racing for Credit Agricole, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a crash while racing the Circuit de la Sarthe in April 2006.

Doctors induced a coma after bleeding inside his skull. After suffering major memory loss, Raisin underwent extensive therapy and has recovered beyond his doctors’ expectations. No longer racing at the professional level, Raisin now focuses his energy on helping others with traumatic brain injuries.

In 2007 over 500 riders participated in the Raisin Hope Foundation Ride. The ride will again start at 9:00 a.m., featuring four distances — 15-, 35-, 50-, and 62-mile options. For 2008 organizers have added a 5K run/walk on October 5, as well as the Tour of the Town pro/1/2 criterium.

Additionally, Raisin Hope is conducting a simultaneous online auction including autographed team jerseys signed by riders such as Stuart O’Grady, Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie. Ride and race registration, as well as auction items, can be found on Sportsbaseonline.com.

Saturday evening the foundation will host a reception and silent auction, which will include the last hour of the online auction, allowing guests to bid against other bidding online. There will also be a presentation by Raisin, Australian Nathan O’Neill and Health Net-Maxxis rider John Murphy.

For more information go to www.raisinhope.org.