July 30, 2025
Bike 4 Borrego Kids
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Sylvia Maas, a member of Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs, rode more than 3,500 miles from Oregon to Washington, D.C. to raise funds for local high school scholarships.
The Bike4BorregoKids fundraiser is ongoing and continues to support graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School with financial aid for college and career training.
Your donation helps fund tuition, books, and essential supplies.
Soroptimist Sylvia Maas Rides Coast to Coast for Scholarships
One Woman. One Purpose. One Unstoppable Ride
Sylvia Maas has completed the Trans Am Bike Nonstop Check Point Edition, riding more than 3,500 miles from Astoria, Oregon, to Washington, D.C. This self-supported cycling event challenges riders to cross the country with no team vehicles, no support crews, and no shortcuts—only their own planning, endurance, and grit.
Maas wasn’t riding for competition. She rode for purpose: to raise scholarship funds for graduating seniors at Borrego Springs High School through Bike4BorregoKids.com. Despite mechanical failures, injuries, and extreme conditions, she crossed the country with one goal—helping students reach their next chapter.
What Is the Ride She Completed?
Sylvia completed the Trans Am Bike Nonstop Check Point Edition, a cross-country, self-supported cycling event. The ride begins in Astoria, Oregon, and ends in either Yorktown, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
Riders must pass through three required virtual checkpoints: Mitchell, Oregon; Moran, Wyoming; and one of several designated Mississippi River crossings. Each rider chooses their own route and carries all their own gear—no support vehicles, no outside help.
Sylvia chose the Washington, D.C. finish and completed the ride fully self-supported, covering more than 3,500 miles.
Highlights from Sylvia’s Journey
- Swapped bikes on the roadside after her electronic shifter failed
- Took multiple falls on gravel, resulting in bruises and broken gear
- Bitten by a dog while riding in the Midwest
- Walked her bike around a highway crash in 85-degree heat
- Rode through four days of strong headwinds in Nebraska
- Stayed in rural B&Bs, rest stops, and campgrounds
- Received help from trail angels—strangers who offered food, shelter, or directions
- Managed navigation with a cracked phone and damaged electronics
Through setbacks, long days, and unpredictable conditions, she kept going—mile after mile, state after state—focused on her purpose and the students she was riding for.
Borrego residents, friends, family, and even strangers followed her progress daily thanks to Kristi Sisson and Peanut, who provided regular updates, stories, and support throughout the journey.
Why Bike4BorregoKids
After retiring from a 36-year teaching career, Sylvia Maas began volunteering at Borrego Springs High School and felt inspired to give back. She founded Bike4BorregoKids to raise scholarship funds for graduating seniors and continues to support students through hands-on involvement with service and leadership programs.
Sylvia is a member of Soroptimist International of Borrego Springs, an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through education and opportunity. She’s also a supporter of the S’Interact Club at Borrego Springs High School—a partnership between Rotary and Soroptimist that enables students to lead impactful service projects.
On May 20, 2025, Bike4BorregoKids awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 14 graduating seniors. Each student received $1,500, with an additional $5,000 awarded to Melanie Urquidez as the Female Scholar/Athlete. These funds help cover tuition, books, dorm supplies, and commuting costs.
Support the Students
Sylvia finished her ride, but the mission continues.
Donate now: Bike4BorregoKids.com
This wasn’t just a bike ride—it was a commitment to the future of Borrego Springs.
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