Ritchey Design Utilizes Social Networking Site to Increase Awareness for
Project Rwanda

Ritchey partnership with Plus 3 Network helps members make "every mile count" towards bettering the economic development of Rwanda

SAN CARLOS, Calif. - Jan. 7, 2009 - Ritchey Design, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality road and mountain bike components, today announced it is working with Plus 3 Network, a beta social networking Web site, to increase awareness and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, Project Rwanda.

By selecting Ritchey Design as a sponsor, Plus 3 members can choose to raise money for Project
Ritchey Proj. Rwanda
Rwanda with every mile they ride, walk, run or swim. The relationship between Ritchey and Project Rwanda went live on www.plus3network.com on January 7, 2009.

"Project Rwanda, while near and dear to the hearts of many cyclists in the industry, is also gaining support from thousands of individuals who simply recognize the power of a bicycle," said Steve Parke, general manager and vice president of marketing for Ritchey Design. "We are confident our partnership with Plus 3 Network will help connect active individuals everywhere with a very worthwhile cause."

Founded by Tom Ritchey after a compelling personal visit to Rwanda in 2005, Project Rwanda is committed to the concept that the bicycle can be an important tool in rebuilding a country, fostering national pride and addressing local issues facing Rwanda and other African nations.

"In the last two years, Project Rwanda has specifically helped Rwandan coffee farmers through our coffee bike program by providing a tool - our bike - that allows them to change the structure of their work day in a way that benefits their lives and the lives of their families and communities," said Susan Brown, executive director for Project Rwanda. "The contributions and awareness we gain from the partnership with Ritchey and Plus 3 Networks will help us continue this mission."

Individuals who would like to turn their regular (or irregular) fitness routines into a contribution to Project Rwanda can sign up to become a member of the Plus 3 Network at https://plus3network.com/user/signup.

For questions about how the relationship between sponsors like Ritchey and Plus 3 Network is helping dozens of nonprofit organizations garner more attention and funding, please visit https://plus3network.com/home/faq.

About Ritchey Design, Inc.
Northern California-based Ritchey Design was founded by road racer, mountain bike pioneer and product innovator Tom Ritchey in 1974. The company is well-known for its technical merits through attention to detail during the product design phase, resulting in high-quality, reasonably priced road and mountain bike components. Under its Fit Logic philosophy, Ritchey Design offers a wide range of "cockpit" components (handlebars, stems and seatposts) that help riders custom fit their bikes for a more efficient and comfortable ride. Ritchey Design also offers a complete line of innovative products ranging from headsets to tires for professional racers and the serious weekend rider, as well as its line of "Break-Away" travel bicycles for traveling cyclists. For more information about Ritchey Design, please visit www.ritcheylogic.com.

About Project Rwanda
Founded in 2005 by Tom Ritchey, Project Rwanda (www.projectrwanda.org) is committed to furthering the economic development of Rwanda through initiatives based on the bicycle as a tool and symbol of hope. Propelled entirely by a volunteer board, Project Rwanda is working to build tourism awareness for the country, create special bike designs that meet the industrial needs of citizens, distribute bikes to charitable organizations and promote civic pride through the Rwanda National Cycling Team.

source: Maura Lansford