• April 29, 2013
• Harrington Family Foundation

Former University of Oregon and NFL quarterback Joey Harrington has been hit in traffic while wearing a helmet many times. But it wasn’t until it happened to him off the field that it changed his life.

On July 31st of 2011, Harrington was hit from behind by a man driving an SUV. He was riding on SE Foster Road, returning to his downtown condo after riding a loop out on the Springwater Corridor. The collision left Harrington with serious injuries and he spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit. Today at Roseway Heights School he showed the helmet he was wearing that night to a few dozen fifth graders.

“Sometimes things to sideways, sometimes accidents happen,” he said, “Had it not been for this helmet right here [which he pointed out still has blood stains on it from his head], I honestly don’t know if I would be here right now. This saved my life.”

The students were all about to graduate from their Bike Safety Education class taught by theBicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). Harrington, and BTA Education Programs Manager LeeAnne Fergason were at the school today as part of an event to mark the 50,000th studentto graduate from the class.

After his collision, Harrington vowed to work on bike safety issues through his foundation, which focuses on children’s education, safety, and health care. He shared with me this morning that he believes bike safety education, “Essentially covers all three of those things: It’s an education program, it’s child safety, and it’s keeping them out of the health care system.”

Harrington, who currently lives in northeast Portland and works as a broadcaster for FOX Sports in Los Angeles on the weekends, said when he got hit, he realized that within the same month there were two other fatal bicycle collisions. “People died. But mine was the one that was on SportsCenter and on the evening news. You rarely heard about the other accidents. I realized this was an opportunity to bring these issues to light.” While he says the city has a responsibility to create bike-friendly streets, Harrington feels people need to take responsibility for their own safety as well.

Harrington sees early education of children about how to operate a bicycle safely in traffic is key. “These kids will not only know how to stay safe now, they’ll grow up to be drivers that are conscious of bike riders.”

At the event this morning, Harrington’s words and his presence, definitely made an impact. The kids flocked to him to get his autograph and they looked up his towering figure (adorned with a brand new Nutcase UO Ducks helmet) with broad smiles and rapt attention. When Harrington shared the news that the Nutcase helmets they had on were theirs to keep, pandemonium nearly broke out: A few of the kids danced and several gasped with excitement about their new helmets. “Yes! We get to keep ‘em!”

Before hopping on their bikes, the students were given one final refresher on the right-of-way rules. They shouted in unison: “First to stop, first to go! Furthest to the right goes first! Turning left goes last! And the zero rule (because it trumps all the other rules): Don’t get hit no matter what!”

Whether as a quarterback dodging massive tacklers or as a bike rider out for a spin, that’s a rule Harrington will never forget.

Article Source: http://bikeportland.org/2013/04/11/former-nfl-quarterback-inspires-fifth-graders-to-ride-safely-85326

• December 6, 2012
• Harrington Family Foundation

A story about one of our Riders, if Ethan can ride a century so can you.
The morning was damp, misty, cool and dark when Ethan Berleman turned his bike up the driveway to the registration site and starting point for the first annual Bridges to Breakers Century Bike Ride.  He was only one of more than 150 riders who picked this event to cap off a fantastic summer of cycling.  But there was something different about Ethan.  In fact, there was a lot different.
As the other riders drove up in their mostly late model cars and unloaded bikes off roof and bumper racks, Ethan truly arrived by bike having started four miles away from a friend’s house.  After parking in a nearby pasture, most of the others fine-tuned their cycling ensembles complete with form fitted jerseys, lycra and padded cycling shorts, gloves, breathable rain jackets, skull caps and helmets.  Ethan’s gear: tennis shoes, jeans, tee shirt and a heavy canvas jacket.  His bike he had purchased more than ten years ago from a family friend…a hybrid with a full range of gears but very heavy.  And instead of a regular bicycle pannier for carrying extra gear, he had strapped a five gallon plastic bucket on the side.

The looks and glances among the volunteers at the registration desk and some of the other cyclists were pretty much the same and seemed to say, “this guy’s going to ride 100 miles? Yea, right!”  But with little fanfare, Ethan paid his money, pinned on his participant number, pedaled back down the driveway and disappeared into the fog.  There was some concern among the staff about his intent and certainly his ability to “do a century.”  But none of these folks knew Ethan.

He grew up in the Hollywood section of Portland, graduated from Grant High School in 2001 and in 2009 received a degree from Portland State, majoring in Community Development.  During his studies he developed an interest in alternative forms of transportation.  He purchased a bus pass but slowly came to realize he could get to places faster on his bike and it became his primary form getting around the city.
In the spring, Ethan learned of the Bridges to Breakers ride to the coast and thought it was something he would try to do.  He increased his riding and estimates he rode about 1000 miles during the summer.  But still, probably no one ride longer than 40 miles.  But he was determined and once he had ridden 30 miles in about two hours, he knew he could do it.  And, of course, he did.

He is quick to note that he did indeed have doubts about his ability to finish as the miles piled up and fatigue and an aching body began to be a concern.  He began to think, on one hand, that he would not be able to continue but kept forcing himself one more mile at a time and saying, “I can’t stop.”  He also recognized the “tremendous help” he received from the people in the support vehicle.  “I would never have made it without their support and I really did appreciate it,” he said.

Ethan emphasized that cycling has really changed his life and his successful completion of the century is the culmination of that.  He said he feels a “real sense of improvement that is tangible…something that carries over into everyday life.  He even said that his girlfriend of two years has become a cyclist and it is a cornerstone of their relationship.

Ethan said that his only regret about the ride was that he didn’t stick around at the end and talk to other riders and have a beer or two.  He said, “the people were awesome…but I wanted to go.  I was pretty tired.”
Bob Graves, 2012 Bridges to Breakers Committee member

 

• December 6, 2012
• Harrington Family Foundation

At first light on the foggy summer morning of September 23rd, 120 devoted bicycle enthusiasts peddled away from the picturesque Bladberry Farm property on Sauvie Island to begin the challenging 100-mile trek to the Pacific Coast. The sun finally emerged as the rider field crossed from Multnomah into Columbia County warming the remainder of the scenic route to a steady 70 degrees. The event, however, had a purpose of greater significance than merely providing riders with a coordinated opportunity to view Western Oregon’s pristine, rural timber country. More importantly, the participating athletes marked the launch of the Harrington Family Foundation’s (HFF) collaborative campaign to generate much-needed exposure, capital and education for bicycle safety in the Portland community.

Following Joey Harrington’s bicycle riding accident two summers ago on the streets of Portland, his foundation has worked in concert with community partners and volunteers from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA), Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) and the OHSU Sports Medicine Team to launch the inaugural Bridges to Breakers – Helmets for Kids Century Bike Ride. The objective of Bridges to Breakers was to channel the attention from Joey’s accident to advance the public discussion on bicycle safety, educate the Portland community to the hazards associated with bicycle travel and prevent any future injuries to children.

Catering to a variety of skill levels, this challenging ride through Oregon’s coastal mountain range,
which rises between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in the northern region of the state, is rich with old-growth
forests, both rare and familiar birds, charming coastal towns and the sandy beaches of the Pacific
Coast. Riders revere Oregon’s scenic views and diverse cycling terrain, and the course selected for
Bridges to Breakers included both.

Overwhelming satisfaction was the report by riders hailing from Oregon, Washington and even as afar as Puerto Rico. As Lynn Bauer of Portland emphasized, “Bridges to Breakers was the funnest organized ride I have ever completed. The route was fantastic, the rest stops were well-placed and the food options were so satisfying, but best of all was your stellar volunteers who were helpful, charming and fun. Thank you for a job well done!” Countless others substantiated the satisfaction inherent in Ms. Bauer’s Sunday ride.

In consideration that 100 percent of the participants endured the total elevation gain of 3,855 feet and arrived to the McMenamins Gearhart Hotel and Sand Trap beach party without a single injury, with the exception of a variety of fatigued, aching bodies, we consider the event to be an absolute success. Live music resonated for five hours as it welcomed the exhausted, yet exuberant field of bicycle enthusiasts to the
McMenamins hotel along its 18-hole golf course for barbeque and hand-crafted beer.

The money raised during this inaugural event will be channeled to distribute over 500 bicycle helmets throughout the Portland Metropolitan community in 2013 and to forward safety and awareness
programs in Portland’s public schools. Other 2012 fundraising events organized by the Harrington
Family Foundation included the Grapes and 2-Grands (March), Battle at Bandon – PAC-12 (June) and
the Civil War Championship, Fighting in the Fairways (October). Bridges to Breakers adds to the
growing legacy of the Harrington Family Foundation, which has raised over $800,000 since its
founding in 2003.

The Harrington Family Foundation would like to extend a special thanks to our impressive collection of sponsors that include Bladberry Farms, Coastal Mountain Sports Haus, Columbia Sportswear, McMenamins, Fred Meyer, Nutcase Helmets and Western Bikeworks. The organizing committee would also like to thank the devoted cadre of volunteers for providing their free time to organize the rest stops that distributed food, water, bicycle repair and medical services, and were generally responsible for making this event function without a hitch. Additional thanks is due to the law enforcement teams of the Multnomah, Columbia and Clatsop counties for providing their presence and security along the route ensuring rider safety. On behalf of a grateful board of directors, many volunteers and especially the families that we serve, thank you all for taking a part in this first annual Bridges to Breakers – Helmets for Kids Century Bike Ride.

Rider Responses

“I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the ride. I’ve been in
a number of organized, supported rides in the past. This ride
was every bit as good as any ride I’ve been on. My pet peeve is
signage along the route and I never felt “lost” on this ride.
Everything was great. Thanks so much for having the ride. I’ll
be doing it again next year!” ~ Dale Rosenthal

“First, let me say WOW! What a great event – where do we
sign up for next year! Fabulous organization and execution -
with dozens of centuries behind me, this is certainly one of my
faves! Changes for next year – aaaaaa – none!” ~ Mike Davies

Sponsors

Birkenfeld Country Store

The lunch stop at the Birkenfeld Country Store, which is located in the marvelous small town of
Birkenfeld along Highway 202, included live music and smokehouse burgers. The restaurant was
converted from its original use as a country store and is today older than Fenway Park and Wrigley
Field. Learn more about their menu and live music schedule at their website -thebirk.com.

Coastal Mountain Sportshaus

Forty miles into the Bridges to Breakers ride was a rest stop at the Coastal Mountain Sports Haus,
which is also where the 60-mile riders began their trek. Glen and Sandy Crinklaw’s beautiful property
and Inn captures the warmth and relaxed atmosphere found in the Italian countryside, which is where
the character of the property was fashioned. Learn more about their business at coastalmountainsporthaus.com.

McMenamins Gearhart Hotel and Sand Trap

Set in the coastal resort town of Gearhart, just five miles north of Seaside, the Gearhart Hotel and
Sand Trap pub grace the gorgeous greens of the Gearhart Golf Links, an 18-hole public course that is
among the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Stop by for a casual meal before or after a round and
check out their website at www.mcmenamins.com.

 

• August 13, 2012
• Harrington Family Foundation

On June 22-24 and under beautiful coastal skies, Joey Harrington and the Harrington Family Foundation hosted the second annual Battle at Bandon golf tournament, which took place at the #1 Golf Resort in North America according to Golf Digest, Bandon Dunes. The tournament assembled twenty-four PAC-12 football and basketball legends to compete on behalf of their alma maters and to raise money in support of charitable organizations benefiting Oregon’s children.

This year’s Battle at Bandon slated twelve teams of storied collegiate athletes against one another in nine-hole match play. This year’s event included two Super Bowl Champions (NFL), two NBA champions, two Pac-12 Offensive Players of the Year, a Doak Walker award winner (nation’s top running back), an Outland Trophy winner (nation’s best interior lineman), an AFC Offensive Player of the Year (NFL), an NBA lottery pick and the greatest pure shooter the NBA has ever known. The University of Oregon team of Joey Harrington and Justin Peelle tied with the University of Utah team of Michael Doleac and Wes Mallard for first place honors.

The event not only created an exciting environment for PAC-12 celebrity competition, but more importantly the Harrington Family Foundation achieved its institutional goal of raising $25,000. These funds will be devoted to children’s programs administered by charities throughout the state. Battle at Bandon 2012 will be televised as an hour-long special this month on Comcast Sports Net (CSN) where you can tune in to watch PAC-12 competition in this uniquely-designed golfing format and learn more about the sponsors’ and Harrington Family Foundation’s charitable activities.

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is true to the spirit of Scotland’s ancient links and located along Oregon’s southwestern scenic landscape. It offers four distinctly constructed courses built on a beautiful stretch of sand dunes perched 100 feet above the Pacific Ocean and overlooking 23 miles of sweeping, undisturbed shoreline.

Battle at Bandon Results

Celebrity Participants

• May 21, 2012
• Harrington Family Foundation

Joey Harrington, former University of Oregon and Detroit Lions quarterback, made an appearance in South Salem today to participate in the Grass Masters Charity Golf Tournament.

The event, held at Creekside Golf Club, is hosted by the Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America group.

Harrington played alongside OPVA President Jeff DeLeon and others.

Harrington, is currently the president of the Harrington Family Foundation, which raises money for various charities and works as an analyst during the season for Fox College Sports.

Source: Statesman Journal

• January 1, 2012
• Harrington Family Foundation

Effective 2012 The Harrington Family Foundation has partnered with the Children’s Cancer Association for their fundraising efforts. CCA will be one of the beneficiaries of the upcoming Bridges To Breakers bike ride from Portland to Gearhart in September.

Visit CCA’s MusicRX Website to see how Joey used to prepare for his NFL games.

• December 27, 2011
• Harrington Family Foundation

Joey talks about the Harrington Family Foundation’s message and goals.

• December 27, 2011
• Harrington Family Foundation

A Tribute to Joey Harrington from the Oregon Club of Portland.

Video by SoundView Recording

• October 29, 2011
• Harrington Family Foundation

The First Annual Fighting in the Fairways Golf Tournament by the Harrington Foundation was held Oct. 20th at Pumpkin Ridge in North Plains, Oregon. The 2012 Fighting in the Fairways event will be held October 11, 2012 at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Course. ….more info 

2011 Fighting in the Fairway Results

2011 Event Photos

Photo Credit: Scott Larsen

• October 1, 2011
• Harrington Family Foundation

Due to some recent tragic bike/ automobile collisions, bikes and bike helmets have been in the news lately and as a result certain perspectives are being vocalized both for and against helmet use by bicyclists. As if I need to state my position after this many years of writing this column, not to mention being an active supporter of the Brain Injury Association of Oregon, I encourage anyone who rides a bike to wear a helmet whenever and wherever they do so. No surprise there. …more info