Over the next few weeks, leading up to RIDETZ, we are going to be introducing the 11 wonderful, enthusiastic, and excited riders, who will be taking off on June 16th! This way, you can learn about the riders before they leave, and then you can follow them through their journey on the blog as we post updates throughout the ride! Today, we introduce Katie Caniglia.
1) Where are you from?
Charlotte NC by way of Chicago, Texas and originally New Jersey.
2) What do you do for work?
I am the Founder & Chairman of the non-profit online fundraising platform, ITRIFORGOOD.
3) What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel with the family…it is so rewarding to experience new places and meet new people especially when shared with the ones you love. I treasure being able to explore this big world with my son and daughter and the chance to see it all through their eyes.
4) Who is your inspiration in life?
I am inspired by so many people on a daily basis…family members, friends and complete strangers. Inspiration can be found in the most unsuspecting moments & circumstances, so I try my best to be open and ready to see and appreciate it.
5) How did you hear about RIDETZ?
I probably first heard about RIDETZ from Meghann. I remember taking RIDETZ 2012 flyers over to Trysports to help spread the word and thinking (maybe even saying) “I’m going to do this”. 2012 did not work because of my participation in IM Lake Placid, but I knew I would ride in the next one. Still wanting to be a part of RIDETZ 2012, I made a donation in support of rider Ben Bourne. That donation was a fateful one, winning me the opportunity to visit TFFT in TZ in Feb/March of 2013. That transformational time in Tanzania last year solidified my commitment to support TFFT and to be in the saddle for RIDETZ 2014.
6) What inspired you to want to ride this June?
Whoops…I think I jumped ahead and gave a combo answer on the last question!
7) Are you celebrating any milestone with RIDETZ?
Well, I do have a birthday at the very start of our ride…but not a milestone. I think that this experience is going to be emotional, partially because I will be celebrating all that has happened to get to this point in my own journey. I will be celebrating the growing partnership of ITFG and TFFT, the growing personal relationship with TFFT and most importantly, I will be celebrating all of the support to help further the incredible role that The Foundation For Tomorrow plays in creating a family & providing quality education for orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania.
8) What is your favorite place to ride? (besides Tanzania that is)
I love riding in the mountains. The bike course for IM Lake Placid is the most beautiful ride I have ever had the pleasure of pedaling through. North Carolina & Colorado have provided incredible rides as well.
Prior to training for RIDETZ, I had never been on a mountain bike. I have spent countless hours on various road bikes, but mountain biking has captured my attention now too.
9) What unique ways are you planning to fundraise?
I’m still figuring that out and I’m open to suggestions!!! 🙂
We are so excited to have Katie as a supporter of TFFT, and we are thrilled that she’s joining us for RIDETZ! If you would like to support Katie’s RIDETZ campaign, you can do so here.