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Press Release

Boulder Musician Cycling Pacific Coast from Mexico to Canada
To Fight Poverty and AIDS in Zimbabwe

BOULDER, COLORADO - Loren Mach, a local musician, is now cycling the 2000-mile Pacific Coast to raise money for the struggling people of Zimbabwe. From April to July 2004, Mach hiked over 600 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail. Due to foot injuries including a stress fracture and tendonitis, he abandoned his original hiking plans and is completing his journey via bicycle from Canada back down to Mexico. The project has changed names from RhythmWalk to RhythmRIDE for Zimbabwe (www.ZimRide.org).

Mach wants to celebrate the musical and cultural influences that Zimbabweans have brought to people in the U.S. and demonstrate our potential for helping people in Zimbabwe. RhythmRIDE is about sharing music, educating, and building community to help others. The ultimate goal is to raise awareness and $25,000 of support for Zimbabwe--a country with a 30% HIV rate, nearly a million orphans, and the worst economy in the world.

Passionately involved with music most of his life, Mach earned Percussion Performance degrees from the Oberlin and Cincinnati Conservatories of Music. Now he is actively involved in Boulder's Shona (Zimbabwean) music community, performing with the bands Kutandara and Zebra Marimba, teaching private lessons, and music directing another band Musangano.

"My Shona teachers and friends have helped open my heart to music as an essential part of everyday life," says Mach. "Now I feel the need to share this with others and give something back to Zimbabwe."

Mach's parents are supporting the entire trip in an RV, facilitating his resupply, carrying instruments and enabling him to give outreach discussions and benefit concerts in nearby cities. His friend and roommate, FJ Avellana, was originally his hiking partner and now continues along the Pacific Crest Trail in the spirit of RhythmWalk. Upon completion of his new RhythmRIDE cycling adventure, Mach plans to visit Zimbabwe, where he can offer his personal support. In addition the entire project is being filmed for a documentary.

Mach is accepting pledge donations toward his hike and also seeking corporate sponsorships. He is personally financing all costs of the hike so that 100% of the monies raised can be split between three trustworthy non-profit organizations. In all cases, the money will be hand delivered to Zimbabwe where the head of each organization will stay and distribute it accordingly, ensuring that all of the funds are put to good use. As of the end of August, over $20,000 had already been raised.

The Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP) has agreed to act as an umbrella account, endorsing the three non-profits and providing one central place for collection of tax-deductible donations.

"$25,000 translates to millions of dollars of hope for the Zimbabwean people. What can't be measured is Loren's pledge to increase awareness of their suffering. We are proud to provide fiscal sponsorship for RhythmRIDE for Zimbabwe." --Robin Bohannan, Executive Director, Boulder County AIDS Project, and Boulder City Council member

Please visit www.ZimRide.org for more information.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Loren Mach is available for interviews. Photos are available. Coverage invited. Contact Loren Mach: 303.480.8878 / loren@zimwalk.org

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