Summer in the Saddle: Biking for a Cause

Each year our team donates hundreds of hours of their time, both locally and internationally. We tackle projects like neighborhood restorations, trail clean-ups, international Construction for Change projects, and back-to-school drives. But one of our favorite ways to make a difference is on the seat of a bicycle.

Obliteride is a weekend-long ride where riders unite for a singular cause – better treatments, better outcomes and better lives. Since its inception in 2013, Obliteride has raised over $9.2 million towards life-saving cancer research at Fred Hutch.

Dave Dapelo, our Civil CAD Technician and IT Administrator has been involved with Obliteride since the very beginning and participated in the inaugural ride five years ago. He rides for the loved ones he’s lost and to raise money and awareness for life-saving cancer research going forward.

As our champion for the event, Dave has arranged in-house chili fundraisers to reach fundraising goals and, as of two years ago, lists submitted names on the back of his jersey, honoring the loved ones of the Coughlin Porter Lundeen family.

What our team says about Obliteride:

Dave Dapelo, Civil CAD Technician and IT Administrator
“While I ride in Obliteride to honor many important people in my life who have dealt with cancer, I also ride for those around them, the loved ones and communities. I know the pain and loss that cancer creates. Fred Hutch and Obliteride allow me to help all those affected in a small, but significant way.”

Sandy Grimm, Administration
“I can’t cycle for my life, but the chili fundraiser and accompanying bake sale are easy, fun ways for me to participate in Obliteride. I love that Dave and Diane (Coughlin) came up with this. It’s an opportunity to relax with my coworkers, support the great things our team is pursuing. And, it’s a great meal!”

Bike MS is two-day journey through Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties. As many as 2,000 riders bike the scenic figure-eight style courses, all to drive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research forward, faster.

Over the last two years, members of our firm have joined with GLY Construction, riding together and collectively raising more than $50,000. These funds not only go toward lifesaving research, but also ensure that those affected by MS are able to live their best possible lives.

What our team says about Bike MS

Eric Lentz, Structural Project Manager
“This is a beautiful two-day ride. Yes, it makes the legs a little sore, but it’s a fun event. Noah from GLY did a great job of organizing our team and I look forward to doing it again.”

Marsha Swatosh, Structural Staff Engineer
“In addition to riding for an amazing cause, I really enjoyed spending time outside of the office with contractors, architects, mechanical engineers, etc. in a more “relaxed” and informal setting (well, as relaxed as you can be while biking so many miles!)”

Tyler Weinbrecht, Structural Staff Engineer
“Two years ago I had heard of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but knew very little about it. It certainly wasn’t personal to me. But slowly, it is becoming personal. That’s what happens when you participate in an event like Bike MS. You meet people and hear their stories. This year we were back again, riding for a cure. Sure, I rode less miles than last year. And Saturday was the first day of rain in months, leaving us with mud speckled faces and water soaked socks. But none of that matters when you see a volunteer standing in the rain cheering you on. When they look at you and say “thank you.” For them, it’s personal. Because of them, it’s becoming so for me. I ride to support. I ride to help develop additional treatments. I ride to discover a cure.”

Luckily, soreness fades and we’re already looking forward to next summer and the next season of philanthropic rides. Interested in riding along? Or, have an event you think the Coughlin Porter Lundeen team could support? Let us know!