photo by Jon Weiner Photography

Below is a press release for the fundraiser …

10.31.06   

Pedal With Purpose Kick-off: “PhatBoy” Rides For Charity And Hope

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  (Atlanta, GA) What does a three-time Grammy winning artist, a 300-pound self-proclaimed “PhatBoy”, a dog, and a tadpole have in common? For starters, a daring ride across the country, and a passion to support the victims of Katrina.

Bob Carter, 46, known as “PhatBoy”, will embark on a 9-state, cross-country journey on November 15, 2006, from Tybee Island, GA to San Francisco, CA . While ambitious as riding across the United States may be, just imagine doing so while pulling a 70-pound dog, and at a body weight just shy of 300 pounds.

“The ride represents many things to me,” says Carter. “First and foremost, I realized that  my health and my life was slipping away. This represents a way to regain both, and hopefully inspire many people in the process.”

Carter’s goal is also ambitious:  to lose 100 pounds during his 100-day journey.

Carter devised his “PhatBoy” image while taking a spin class at the Cowart Family/Ashford Dunwoody YMCA. “I had been reading Fit Over 40, and basically just got inspired for a cross country ride during a spin class. I even set a goal:  to be in Fit Over 40 II, which comes out next year. Jon Benson, the books’ co-author, has been very supportive of my project.” “He will be my coach as I go for my goals”

However, Carter realized that this trip meant more than a physical rebirth. It represented a chance for him to raise money for a charity and a passion dear to his heart. Carter is involved with musicians who support the High Sierra Foundation’s Katrina Relief Fund.

Carter and company will continue their Pedal With Purpose charity drive on November 14th at the Silver Comet Depot for one last shakedown ride and an evening of music at the Silver Comet Fountain in   Mableton, GA with the Give Five, Keep The Music Alive Challenge.  This musical event will provide Bob with a forum to aid in the collection of donations for the High Sierra Foundation’s Katrina Relief Fund.

This event will feature three-time Grammy winning artist Futureman of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones with  special guest musicians from the Atlanta Area. Fresh off his performances of the Black Mozart at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Suny New Paltz’s Studley Theatre with the help of other local and national artists will be a show to remember.

All proceeds of the Give Five Keep the Music Alive Challenge will go to support the High Sierra  Foundation’s Katrina Relief Fund. Carter asks that everyone to “donate any amount that has a 5 in the number.”

Carter will retrace a path that other cyclists have made many times over the years, but with a twist. He will be riding a Greenspeed “GTO”(donated by Greenspeed) recumbent trike, a three-wheel vehicle known as a “tadpole.” In addition, Carter will be pulling a two wheeled trailer adapted to carry his four-year-old Chocolate Labrador, Brandy.

Others are encouraged to join.  “Anyone with a passion for fitness and for helping the High Sierra Foundation’s Katrina Relief Fund is welcome to join me. You can ride for a mile, or a hundred miles.

“Just ride!  Show the city of New Orleans you care…and make a change in your life and health while you’re at it. If I can do it, anyone can.”

For more information, visit http://www.phatboyriding.com.

Interviews contact Bob Carter: 770.939.9090

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