Capitol to Canada: Biking 315mi for VOBS Girls!

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A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

Voyageur Outward Bound School
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I am biking 315mi from St Paul to the Canadian border to fundraise for equal access to OB programs!

$2,201

raised by 30 people

$2,000 goal

Day 6: WE DID IT!

Update posted 6 years ago

Not only did we finish the #CapitolToCanada fundraiser by biking across the Canadian border, but we crushed our donation goal by $150!!! Thank you so much to those we donated and supported me along the way. I am so excited that this will help girls have equal access to Outward Bound programs - I hope they gain confidence, challenge themselves, and chase adventure like I have on these expeditions.


The last leg of the journey was not easy. Knowing that a storm loomed at noon, I biked up the steepest and longest climb of the entire tour as quickly as I could just before the Canadian border. At the top of Mt. Josephine, I was overwhelmed by the majesty of Lake Superior and felt so proud of what we have accomplished over the last few weeks in raising these funds and completing this trip. Thank you again for your generosity!


Day 4 : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/28125354

Day 5: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/28154730

Day 6: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/28185488


At the top of Mt. Josephine just before Canadian border

Right at the border!

Pigeon River at US-Canada border

Check out that elevation gain at the end!

I have spent the past 6 months working as an Instructor for Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS), serving diverse students with experiential education here in Minnesota. Whether we were canoeing down the St.Croix River or backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail, my students inspired in me a new definition of success. For me, success will be serving my community and changing the world, and it starts right here at Voyageur Outward Bound.


Outdoor education is so much more than technical skills like paddling or rappelling. For me, surviving and thriving in the wilderness inspires confidence and resilience. I love helping young people find strength in the face of adversity.


Voyageur Outward Bound School's Twin Cities base is in a unique position to bring outdoor education to teens who identify as young women. Girls in our Twin Cities communities serve their families in a variety of ways - they might take care of siblings, translate for parents, or work long hours in addition to school. I have seen firsthand how these young women on our courses blossom. Sometimes for the first time in their lives, they identify personal strengths and grow confidence through peer recognition. They give voice to ambitions and they take risks. They lead, they are challenged, and they thrive. These experiences help girls step forward with confidence and the resolve to pursue their dreams.


I am doing this fundraiser for the 12-year-old who learned to accept love from her friends. I'm doing it for the young woman who used her experience of homelessness to effectively lead her peers. I'm doing it for the shy 16-year-old who shared that no one had ever asked for her opinion before. I'm raising this money for the women of Outward Bound past, present, and future.


All donations will go to the Jean Replinger Scholarship Fund, committed to providing equal access to our programs. Thank you for supporting a female future!

Biking Details

Miles: 315 mi

Route:  St. Paul, MN to Grand Portage State Park, Canadian Border via USBR 41

Dates: Saturday, September 22-Thursday, September 27, 2018


Please feel free to email me with any questions! aryadivya04@gmail.com

This fundraiser supports

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Voyageur Outward Bound School

Organized By Divya Arya

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