...until further notice. I've decided to delay this event until I can commit adequate time to get some sustainable training to make this happen. With 3 kids under 3 going into the final summer push with less than 3 months to go this wasn't going to happen for my 50th birthday. Please stay tuned.



CONCEPT OF EVENT!
Summit the Sun - Climb for Kids
will be a world record attempt at bicycling the greatest cumulative elevation gained during a 24-hour period. This extreme event will partake on the island of Maui and will involve climbing Mt. Haleakala five times - which is known to have the highest elevation gained within the shortest distance (10,000+ feet in 36 miles). This equates to over 50,000' vertical elevation gained within a 24-hour period. I will stage this attempt to coincide with my 50th birthday - September 24, 2008. This is a fund-raiser to elicit significant donations for the AAPCF.

THE COURSE (map) (summit weather)

Located on the magic island of Maui, the event will start in the coastal plantation town of Paia and finish at the summit of Mt Haleakala (also known as the House of the Sun) at 10,023’. The 36 mile course will climb upcountry through sugar cane and pineapple fields past the rustic paniolo town of Makawao and into the scenic pasture-lands of Olinda. Climbing along rolling fields and through fragrant Eucalyptus groves en-route to pine forests at the 6,500' tree line. Then another 11 quad burning miles up the dormant volcano to the rarefied air. With the most difficult portion of the ride waiting in the last half mile as the grade reaches a challenging pitch of 19%! Completing this objective will entail climbing this route five, count 'em 5 times.

My name is Erik Scheller. I am a husband, a father, a veteran Alaska Airlines pilot, passionate Category 2 bike racer, 9-time Ironman triathlon finisher, adventure enthusiast and member of the BOD for the AAPCF. Undergoing this endeavor will showcase the fitness exploits still achievable in mid-life. My goal is to explore the boundaries of cycling physiology and endurance (both physically & mentally) during this taxing event, while enjoying my passion. It’s estimated that well over 15,000 calories will be expended during this tremendous exertion.

FUND-RAISER FOR WHOM?

The Alaska Airlines Pilots Charitable Fund, or AAPCF for short, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Seattle, WA. Their sole purpose is to fund qualified charities that help needy children located in communities served by Alaska Airlines. In the recent past the AAPCF has funded grants to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, WA; the AWAIC Shelter in Anchorage, AK; Home Aid of Orange County, CA; the Children's Therapy Center in Kent, WA; the Experimental Education Unit of the University of WA, Seattle, WA; NOCK in Tacoma, WA;and the Community & Family Services Foundation in Port Orchard, WA...

100% of the proceeds raised for this event will go directly to sustain needy children programs like those mentioned above that are supported by the AAPCF.

Corporate sponsors that are interested in this exciting one-of-a-kind event please review the information on the next page. Or contact me at: Individuals who wish to contribute to the success of this event please see the table below and pledge your donation to the above email or send directly to:

Summit the Sun - Climb for Kids
c/o Alaska Airlines Pilots Charitable Fund
P.O. Box 98108
Des Moines, WA 98198

Everybody, regardless of donation, will be officially recognized for their generosity at the starting area in Paia - unless specifically requested to remain anonymous.

• 1 penny per foot Erik will climb = $528
• $1 per person who said it can’t be done = $436
• 2 cents per calorie expended = $300
• $10 per hour for entire event = $240
• $1 per mile Erik will climb = $190
• $1 per pound of Erik’s pre-climb weight = $155
• 1 penny per foot of Mt Haleakala's summit elevation = $100.23
• $2 per bottle of energy drink consumed = $80
• $1 per each year of Erik’s age = $50
• Not pleased with any of the above, write in your own quirky amount = $__________

Please make checks or money order out to the AAPCF. All donors will receive a receipt for tax filing purposes.

Thank you very much for your support, see you up the road!