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19 Jun 2020

Cycling across the States to Save Our Scotland

A man on a bicycle, cycling on a wide path with trees on either side.
George Russell from Colorado is preparing for an epic bike ride in support of the National Trust for Scotland
Colorado man George Russell is cycling from San Diego, California to Saint Augustine, Florida to raise funds for the Trust.

The dedicated US-based Trust supporter plans to begin his 3,200 mile bike ride across the States on 27 August. He aims to complete his challenge in just 50 days and is hoping to raise £100,000 in donations for the charity.

Although George, who is 73, now lives in Colorado, he has strong ties to Scotland and to the Trust – his grandfather was the charity’s first Secretary and Treasurer. His father also worked for the Trust for many years and was a Council Member Emeritus. George himself served on the Trust’s Council.

Today, George wants to continue his family tradition of helping the Trust. However, instead of providing counsel, George will be covering nearly 100 miles per day on his bike to raise funds and awareness.

Battling head winds, heat and hurricanes while hauling a tent and luggage is a test of endurance, as well as George’s love of Scotland!

As he travels from San Diego, California, and pedals through Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and finally Florida, George will be thinking of Glencoe, the property and iconic Scottish location his grandfather succeeded in securing for the Trust in the 1930s.

Head of Fundraising Ali Macleod said: ‘We are overwhelmed at this incredible support from George. His dedication to our charity and all we do to protect what’s special about Scotland is so appreciated at this difficult time.’

George will be documenting his journey and we look forward to following his progress.

Map showing a journey from the west coast of America in California to the east coast in Florida, with a number of places marked on the map.
George’s route across America
George Russell is cycling across America in aid of the National Trust for Scotland

Transcript

Hi, I’m proposing to ride my bike, my bicycle, across America. Leaving San Diego, California, on August 27th and reaching the Florida coast, Saint Augustine, approximately 50 days later.


And this in aid of a charity I’ve been very much involved in, and my father and grandfather, for the best part of 90 years.


It is called the National Trust for Scotland. It’s a body designated to maintain Scotland’s treasures, in the form of historic buildings and land of natural beauty.


This book here describes all of the National Trust for Scotland properties that they own.


I feel passionately about this and I’m very much hoping that people will sponsor me on this ride. So, thank you very much in anticipation of your support. Appreciate it.

If you would like to support George’s incredible challenge directly, please give via his Just Giving page.

If you reside in USA, please visit https://fundly.com/george-russell-cycles-across-america to donate online via the Trust’s American partners, The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA (NTSUSA). You may also send a check written out to The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA and mailed to: The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, Attn Kirstin Bridier, Executive Director, 45 School Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02018. NTSUSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and you will receive an acknowledgement stating that your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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