This was my seal of approval for the mission to bring every human being the natural resources that we all deserve to have access to.

In the name of clean water, Wheelie For Water approves this message. 

KOBBI R. BLAIR | Statesman Journal

An Open Door of Support

Then, was an invite from Jonathan Lewellyn to a few services at West Salem Foursquare Church. So I wheelied down the center isle and got to chat with pastor John about the new world record and plan for clean water. The response from everyone was overwhelming. I couldn’t help but shake some nerves as the congregation appeared when I coasted through the propped open doors. Some say they were looking forward to it, and were expecting my appearance. And most were moved in some way, some say inspired by story and we chatted and wheelied between services this afternoon. Pausing to take some candid shots with the kids or sell all but two of the remaining t-shirts! The money raised from the shirt sales and kid’s allowances they wanted to exchange for a snapshot brought in just over $240! I had so much fun.

Drumroll please….

When I say they were ready for me when I got there, I mean they had a Wheelie For Water pedestal and donation bucket and encouraged one big push to try and reach my goal of $5,000. Well, a combined three services and a completely supportive community of people embraced the Wheelie vibe and collectively donated just over $1,900!

Great news! We’re almost ready to drill a well.

After some rough addition I’m very happy to say we raised $2,435.25 this weekend. A world record and huge leap closer to a clean water well. I feel go grateful for the support and enthusiasm from all of you getting behind me on this. I’ve still got a ways to go so I’ll continue to wheelie. I’m still having fun with this and think it’s just the beginning of the ride. Who’s coming with me?

$4,430.25

That’s right! we are less than $600 away from my goal. Hard work is starting to pay off.

Donate to the cause

This has been a job for me, and I have loved going to work.

I was once pulled over by a police officer who I tried to explain what I was doing riding wheelies on the sidewalk (always aware of pedestrians and opening car doors), occasionally coasting through red lights, and weaving through stopped traffic for. I said to him, “I’m out here everyday, this is like my job.” He glared over his glasses and doubtibly replied, “Oh really now. who pays you to do these stunts?” and proceeded to tear off a ticket. Needless to say, I couldn’t be more stoked on the fact that my plan is working and in a way, I am getting paid to ride now. All of the money is funding well drilling in Africa and bringing clean water to people in need. What now, Mr. Officer? Told ya’ so.

The Adventure Begins

Looking back, I know now I’m exactly where I am supposed to be. The dots have been connected the canvas is about to see it’s last stroke. You see, when I was a kid I used to have dreams about bikes, fantasize trail rides and even draw out what my future bike would look like in detail. I have heard stories of when I took my own training wheels off.. (they throw off your balance apparently). And even on short rides home from day-care with Mom creeping slowly a few blocks behind me in the car I felt independent and adventurous. If you would have told me that adventure would lead me to this I would have thought you were pulling my leg.

One For The Record Books With Clean Water On The Line

It’s finally time I prove myself and ride one more wheelie, one for the record books, that will solidify my commitment to help provide those in need of clean water with the one resource we all need to live a happy and healthy life. These families and children I have never met, but I know they need help and I think they deserve every chance to get an education, live a fulfilled life and not worry about where they will get their water to drink. Just because they are far away and across an ocean doesn’t mean we can’t make a positive impact on their situation. Everyone has talents, ambitions and aspirations and I feel very lucky I can utilize my unique skill to raise awareness and make a change in the way our world is accommodating human life. After all, we are humans and it’s in the core of our nature to want to help others who can’t help themselves.

Enjoy The Show? Support The Flow.

Come show your support for the flow and join me, as I attempt a world record; riding over 11 miles on one wheel in just an hour. The track is located at South Salem High School on Ruran Ave. SE. The wheelie will last for one hour beginning at 8:30am lasting until 9:30am. Fresh coffee and hot chocolate, t-shirt sales and signing, and a root tootin’ good time!

Get Your Wheelie For Water T-Shirt Online

$15 of your order is donated directly to the clean water cause.

Norco – 912011 Evidence

In an un-related, and probably routine, patrol of a transient camp in Eugene a man was approached with two bikes and a backpack armed bolt cutters and broken bike locks. Immediately taken into custody and questioned about the stolen property he stood by his sworn statement “The bikes aren’t mine!, and neither are the locks.” At least he was truthful.

The wheelie machine now logged as evidence to an unknown case, while I was reporting a stolen bike to the non-emergency dispatch operator. She said I would hear from an office within 72 hours to take a full report on the matter. At this time it was apparent that bicycle theft recovery was a second thought to the force while they were out enforcing other laws. I didn’t give up my personal investigation though, and decided it was time to post an ad on Graigslist.

This is where it gets interesting.

With a full description and photo of the bike, and details of the theft published in the Eugene bikes for sale/wanted section I felt this was probably my best chance at seeing my Norco again. Then, an email buzzed my phone on the table and when I glanced over an email with a KVAL.com extension shown in the blue alert box. I swiped to open the message and come to find out that Wheelie For Water has a chance to be on the evening news to spread awareness of the cause and recent setback of a stolen bike. That raised hopes for recovering the very important part of my fund raising efforts and was exciting to realize it will increase the reach of the campaign that much further.

The Support Flows Right In

W4W Facebook Insights

I was amazed at the response from all of the wheelie fans. Some outraged and motivated to spread this word far and wide demanding that someone be brought to justice and the bike returned. Others, very accepting of the reality that most bikes stolen from Eugene aren’t  ever seen again and generous enough to begin offering help to get another bike to ride. I had phone calls from strangers who were willing to part with their bikes, and friends ready to pitch in what they could or put on a car wash to pay for a new bike. The support and encouragement from the community was truly heartwarming and just adds to the excitement of this story.

Powerful Connections With Positive Thinking

I knew, somehow, this was all going to fall right into place, and didn’t lose sight of what it is this was all for. Call it karma, or whatever you’d like, but I think everyone felt that a good deed was not going to be stopped by a heinous crime. There were too many people that were affected when that bike wasn’t being ridden properly (in it’s upright position) that the universe just wasn’t going to allow for that kind of disruption. Remember that Craigslist ad I posted? This time I got a reply, swiped to read the message, and scanned to read the words “We have your bike.”

Everything happens for a reason, they say. I say, there is a reason things happen.

The Show Will Go On

Getting back balanced on one wheel is still not a foreign feeling, and I’m more motivated than ever to perform ‘well‘ for you guys. (Pun intended) I hope you are getting excited for the world record coming up, and please, don’t wait to show your support by donating to the Wheelie For Water Charity:water campaign. This round of donations has only seen 2 supporters and $50 to send to Africa for clean wells. With 24 days remaining I sure would like to see this round of fund raising to be the best one yet. Still far from the $5,000 goal and a lot more wheelies left to be ridden.

Place Your Donation Here
What Size Shirt?

No bicycle, no wheelies, no water.

The buzz of the upcoming world record attempt and clean water well drilling mission is picking up this evening, but I wish it would have came on better terms. Wheelies for clean water in Africa have been put on a temporary hold. The most important part of this campaign, my bike, was stolen on Wednesday. The thief walked right up to my car in broad daylight, clipped the cabled that locked the bike on top of the roof and lifted it without any bother to the neighbors of the apartment complex.

It wasn’t more than 45 minutes before I realized the bike was missing. I was stunned and in disbelief, “Isn’t my bike supposed to be up there?” was my first reaction. Immediately, a sinking feeling… I don’t have my wheels, I can’t wheelie, no more record, and no more clean water.

I first called to file a report with Eugene Police, the town this took place, and was told an officer would contact me within 72 hours to get a full written report. In the bike theft capital of Oregon I know the odds are not exactly in my favor, and it sounds like this won’t get bumped to the top of their priority list.

The search is on.

Next was to break to news to the internet. Facebook was the first to be notified, and then an ad on Craigslist. Description of the stolen Wheelie For Water bike is:

• 2010 Norco Bigfoot
• Dary Grey 18.5 inch mountain bike frame
• White rims and WHITE pedals (not yellow)
• Camouflage trimmed seat
• Back break lever upgrade and custom S.O.S. back wheel (set up for wheelies)
• “Santiam Bicycle” sticker on back of frame

It was stolen on Wednesday August 1st between 3:30pm and 4:15pm in Eugene. Locked on top of my red Subaru and taken from the Creekside Village Apartments in NW Eugene off of Goodpasture Loop.

If you have any information that may help return this bike please contact Eugene police immediately. 541-682-5010

Local news helping to solve the crime.

Eugene channel 13 News KVAL reported at the scene earlier today.

Read the whole story

Flow has slowed, but the support has not.

There has already been tons of positive energy being sent this way, along with some outraged wheelie and water lovers who want to see this bike returned to the good cause it was supporting. Some believe so much in the good that these wheelies were bringing that they want to see me back in the saddle again as soon as possible, and would like to donate money towards a new bike. So would I. That’s why I’m providing a separate PayPal portal (aside from the Charity:water well funding) to accept donations to go towards a new bike. To replace, it will cost over $1,000 and any generous donations will be matched with my hard earned money. Any donations that exceed half the cost of the bike will be directed straight to the well drilling funding.

New Bike Donations

Every dime (minus PayPal fees) will be accredited and help pay for a new bicycle to ride wheelies with. Thank you for your kindness and support. Clean water for everyone!

They call him, Yellow Thunder. Bring on the rain!

Track the rig now

You have donated $1,290 in the first three W4W campaign rounds. That’s the equivalent of serving approximately 50 people, giving them access to clean water, changing their lives. And now that we know there is a rig out there drilling for every dollar you give, it would seem silly not to pitch in a couple bucks today.

Donate to Wheelie For Water

Watch them drill the first well.

There you have it folks, we did it. I couldn’t be more happy and thankful for everyone’s support and encouragement since starting this venture. Here’s a list of the wonderful people who’ve opened their hearts and wallets for these thirsty kids. Thank you everyone, could not do this without you.

Alex Williams
Lisa Gurney
Sean Fair
Matt Tripplet
Shaina Thomes
Kourtney Linebaugh
Lorraine Evensen
Paula Barnett
Hannah Williams
Michael Martin
Andrew Haynes
Reggie Chambers
Tyler Bradstreet
Claire Coba
Alex Miller
Jon Barnett
Sarah Gander
Karen Bradstreet
Angela Webster
Carly Rominger
Wallace Barnett
Robin Evensen
Dan Donaldson
Tyler Dudley
Julie Irwin
Lauren Iaquinta
Nick Sims
Laurie Kenneth

It might be easier than it looks.

Some of the fundamentals are obvious; balance, strength, focus, endurance… but that’s not all it takes to keep a front tire in the air for longer than a few pedals. Your balance comes from knowing your surroundings and being conscious of your immediate presence has on the space around you. To make your balance better, then you need some strength in your legs & arms, your core, and your back. Now, with an ample amount of strength you’ll be ready for the long haul and endurance won’t play a factor. But, your focus… your focus will keep you gliding along, floating weightless, or pull you back to the – riding you and gravity are comfortable with.

Play with the all the possibilities.

Okay, now focus on this. When you see a wheelie one perception is that there is one sweet spot, one perfect balance point. This is somewhat true, but I’ve found a better way. There is perfection all around us, and exploring all the possibilities and learning to work with every angle of that sweet spot is the secret. You see, if you can shift your weight from one side to the other to correct for an error in balance… and learn to do that from every direction where you might fall out of perfect alignment… then you now have the ability to reach and every boundary of the balance point.

Keep things moving and use the force.

While you are adjusting to this new found space you inhabit it’s important to remember keep something moving and use any opposing forces to your advantage. Movement does not hinder the flow you enter when pulling up your front tire and using the force of your breaks, or a few swift pedal strokes can help counteract a change in the flow of energy around you.

Lessons for life and why this is important.

Let me try and connect these dots for you. Without water, there is no life. We’re all here to help others and without working together everyone isn’t going to make it. We all have the physical ability to do anything we choose to help change the lives of people of this earth. It’s not a question of strength, or balance that keeps my wheelies in the air for this clean water. It’s because I can imagine another possibility for the kids in villages who are thirsty and not living the fulfilled and happy lives they have the capacity to do. These are people just like you who need your help. This is one earth made up of mostly water… although we are many individuals, we all need one resource to live.

Will you help support the flow?

Now you can help keep things moving by supporting this cause and sharing with everyone who cares. Together we can do something incredible, there is a force working to make all of this fall into place exactly as it should. So I’m asking you to recognize how important this is; not only to me and the people who enjoy seeing me ride wheelies, but how important it is to contribute to the well-being of the entire human family. We all are a part of each other and to improve someone else only improves you. What do you have to loose?

Why wait? Donate!

Visit the charity:water campaign to find out some more about the organization I’m raising money with and see the affect your contribution will have. All donations, yes that’s 100% of funds, go to the people in need. Months down the road when the well is drilled we can track it with GPS! How cool is that? Not to mention, a tax write off!

And you thought the wheelie riding was the hard part.

I have contacted principles and athletic directors of West High school and Willamette University asking for permission to use the track and bleachers on a Sunday, during the summer, for a few hours. I was surprised at the red tape and overwhelming bureaucracy I encountered after telling my plan for the good cause I was getting behind and wanting to hold this event for.

In fact, I was met with hourly fees, applications, and insurance requirements that need to be submitted before the West Salem High/the City of Salem would even consider allowing use of their facilities. At Willamette I was almost turned down completely, being told that absolutely no bikes are allowed on the track.

I have been persistent with my requests and if good things are worth working through adversity for then this must be the first hoop to jump through. I’m not writing off either of those options completely, but I just feel like there is some venue out there that would be honored to host the event for us free of charge and less hassle with insurance.

I didn’t think this was going to be such a big deal.

I just want a lot of people to come watch the record, learn about the clean water crisis, and buy a t-shirt or donate to the campaign. And really, what makes me so special? Does your mom need a permit or sign off on insurance to go speed walk around the track? And how about the ultimate frisbee weekend warriors that go out on the turf? I’m sure they could use some insurance… but because what I’m doing is accepting donations for a charitable cause they see it as a fundraising event. So that must mean I’ve got a lot of money to spend on renting and insuring the place, right? Wrong. I just want to ride around a track for an hour, that’s it, that’s all.

Salem track for clean water world record.

So now, I extend the search and ask anyone that knows of a track that will allow for an hour or two of one wheeled biking, world record setting, and a whole lot of clean water fun to please contact me. 

Wheelie Across Water St. Bridge

Thank you for your support.

As always, when involved with something for the greater good we all know how much our actions have an impact on others. Just by reading this you are showing interest and now you can decide to take action and do your part to contribute to the Wheelie For Water Campaign. If that means donating a couple dollars or sharing our Facebook page with your friends you’ll know you’ve done what you can to bring clean water to those in need.

Attention: I’ve been doing the best I can on my own to market and spread word of the W4W initiative, but I’m only one guy and riding my bike is what I do best… not press and promotions. I’m in desperate need of someone who can help plan and execute some marketing schemes to really take this idea to the next level.

Help is needed with things like:

• writing a mission statement and press release
• contacting local media outlets and potential sponsors
• improving the conversation about Wheelie for Water online
• writing/editing blog posts

I’m always open to more creative ideas that you may already have, so let’s hear it. I’ve been told this is a great idea and has potential to be something bigger and better than I imagined when it started. If you have the same vision for this as I do then let’s get together and make it happen.

It’s crunch time

With a tentative date for setting a new world record less than two months away, some would say that doesn’t leave much time to get this off the ground. That may be true, and that’s exactly why I’m looking for someone like you. So, time is of the essence and I’m working harder and harder each day to make this into a reality… please consider lending a hand.

If you, or someone you know wants to help make this as big of a deal as it can (and should) be please contact me as soon as possible. I can be reached directly by email info@wheelieforwater.com or you can fill out the form on the contact page.

The mission starts with recognizing a basic and fundamental need of everyone. It’s something that you may take for granted, while nearly 1 billion people go without clean drinking water in developing countries all over the world. I’m sure they didn’t choose for it to be like this, and there is something we can do to help.

[youtube_sc url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCHhwxvQqxg" title="Water%20Changes%20Everything" hd="1"]

I think now, we can all agree that it’s not just a matter of having clean water to drink. It’s a crisis that is taking countless lives of children away. If you could imagine for a second yourself in their shoes (bare feet is probably more accurate), wouldn’t you want someone to reach out to help you? We’ve got the resources and means to help them.

The Campaign for Clean Water

My aspirations are to collect donations to help aid in the drilling of clean water wells in African villages. I’ve got local and family support backing my campaign and I hope one day to spread the word across the globe. It’s a mission in it’s infancy, and has only begun with an idea and some action. I’ll wheelie until we’ve drilled wells all in the name of clean water and saving lives. Don’t you think it’s time for you to do your part and show your support? Enjoying the show? Support the flow.

Sunday Wheelies

We’re all in this together as humans, and we’ve got to look out for each other. You today, me tomorrow. Meaning, help someone out today. You never know if you might need some help tomorrow.

Waterfront wheelie for clean water in Africa

Oh, and there is a world record wheelie ride to be broken. I’m going to attempt to pedal with my front wheel in the air for 11 miles in only one hour! I’m not really riding for the record, but that seems like a good way to get some people’s attention. I’m riding because I think everyone deserves clean water. I’m wheelie-ing to change some lives, to make smiles. There’s just a week left to donate to my Charity:water campaign this time around. Any little bit helps and we’ve already raised $715 dollars so far. Thank you for all your support, encouragement, and donations.

Our new logo is ready for screen printing and the new t-shirts are on the way. Don’t miss out on your chance for a hand printed shirt that supports a good cause. Follow the W4W twitter account and there might just be a chance to win your t-shirt for free. Where my tweeters at?!

The wheelie training is in full swing

… and we even had some time to edit the Wheelie For Water video premier. It’s been a hit so far, almost 450 views in the first two days! Thank you everyone for watching and please share with your friends and family. We need this message to be heard, everyone deserves clean drinking water.

Wheelie for Water – Chris Barnett from Oregon Trail Trash Productions on Vimeo.

Please watch this video about clean drinking water and world record wheelies!

The wheelie in this video was 1 continuous wheelie from start to finish. Chris never touched the ground. When watching the video and it seems like we might have cut it and started over is my bad bike riding and filming skills. I’m not good at it. Thanks for watching and this is important, every penny helps!

You can help support the flow by donating right here on the website.
www.wheelieforwater.com/donate
Or by visiting the official
Wheelie For Water Charity:water campaign page.

Song: No Go Know – We Discovered Water
Edited in FCP 6
Filmed with Gopro Hero

Oh.. hey look down there, fancy buttons that let you share all this clean water and wheelie goodness. You know you want to.