<= Previous	Go to Maps	Next =>
Go back to the Info Page

Bike-a-Thon IV SummarySince 1992, ATG, Inc. has shown genuine commitment to the development and well-being of rural Armenia. ATG has worked tirelessly to this end through many sustainable programs and ongoing projects successfully implemented in the Republics of Armenia and Karabagh. These efforts include the Seed Multiplication Program, which not only has greatly improved Armenia’s capability of feeding itself, but also has created a new class of private farmers running their own small or mid-size enterprises; the Sis village land reclamation project, creating fertile fields for refugees; the installation of large, refrigerated milk containers, providing wholesome milk for Armenia’s children; and many others. ATG’s projects have the long-term economic perspective in mind. This essential purpose is four-fold: to increase productivity, to create jobs, to generate income, and to reduce poverty in the countryside.

ATG’s humanitarian work inspired Vatche Soghomonian, a life-long biking enthusiast and friend of ATG Executive Director Varoujan Der Simonian, to hold the first Bike-a-Thon from Stepanagerd to Yerevan in 1999, to raise funds and awareness for rural Armenia. The success of Vatche’s now-legendary ride led to another Bike-a-Thon in 2004 to raise money for the milk containers, and a third in 2005, when Vatche was joined by three other riders. The fourth Bike-a-Thon is taking place through all of Armenia and Karabagh from June 17 to June 23. This time, twelve riders from five countries have volunteered their own time and money to participate, which includes paying for all their travel expenses. All the riders are energized by their sincere devotion to the revitalization of rural Armenia, and are eager to bike their way across its scenic landscape.

The immediate purpose of the Bike-a-Thon IV is to raise funds to continue development of the ATG Grape Nursery in Khramort, a village in Karabagh that was 80% destroyed by Azerbaijan in the war for independence. This nursery, which was built with funds from the first Bike-a-Thon, will increase Khramort’s economic activity and the prosperity of its families, as well as supplying grapes to Karabagh’s growing wine industry. Thus for a village in need, ATG and its bikers have become friends indeed: because the bikers pay their own way, all the donations you make to the Bike-a-Thon IV effort will supply the resources needed toward the recuperation and development of Khramort. Your support is vital to this program and all our others.

ATG also has other long-term purposes for the Bike-a-Thon: to bring attention to the hard work and collaboration of ATG’s experts and local farmers, and to promote ecotourism in the Armenian countryside. During the course of the ride, participants will tour centuries-old monasteries, visit museums located outside of the big cities, see ATG’s current programs in the field and the locals who benefit, and meet with various guests and dignitaries, including the Armenian Minister of Agriculture, Davit Lokyan; Prime Minister of Karabagh, Anushavan Danielian; and legendary college basketball coach, Jerry Tarkanian. Last year, guests included opera diva Isabel Bayrakdarian, concert pianist Serouj Kradjian, and folk singer Hasmig Haroutunian.

<= Previous	Go to Maps	Next =>
Go back to the Info Page

If you wish to participate in any part of the upcoming Bike-a-Thon IV, please e-mail us at info@atgusa.org.

For more information about how you can help rural Armenia, contact the ATG office at (559) 224-1000 or by e-mail (info@atgusa.org). Tax-deductible donations can be sent to ATG; 1300 E. Shaw, Suite 149; P.O.Box 5969; Fresno, CA 93755-5969.
You may also donate to ATG online.