Leasher takes on TdF Challenge

Ryan Leasher of Burbank, California will be riding Stage 14 of the Tour de France, on the same day as the professionals, to raise money for the Dylan Fitzgerald Carlton Scholarship. The Tour de France Challenge for Dylan Fitzgerald Carlton Scholarship Fund is a fundraiser with a unique twist.

With 197km winding through the Pyrenees, it is one of the most difficult stages of this year's Tour. That fact aside, Leasher is going to tackle the stage to help raise funds for the scholarship.

When asked about his motivation, Leasher stated: "I figured if I was going to ask for help raising funds for the scholarship that I should earn it."

Along with the standard pledge, donors have the option of doing a 'pledge contract'. With a pledge contract, a donor can set certain goals for Leasher, such as completing the stage. If he meets that goal, the donor must throw in a bonus by doubling the donation. If Leasher fails to meet that goal, he has to match the donation.

The Kent State University scholarship was created in memory of Donna and Jimmy Carlton's son, Dylan, who passed away in 2002 from a congenital heart defect at age 15. For more about the fundraiser and the challenge, see the Tour de France Challenge's website http://www.tdfchallenge.com