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Technically Not Tech: Jack Broomall of 2Wheels2Alaska

Just like many residents of the Philadelphia area, Jack Broomall made it a point to visit the Jersey Shore this week. Not because he wanted to work on his tan or to relax. On the contrary, Broomall waded into the Atlantic Ocean up to his ankles to kick off his 10,000-mile coast-to-coast motorcycle ride for […]

hatcher
Just like many residents of the Philadelphia area, Jack Broomall made it a point to visit the Jersey Shore this week. Not because he wanted to work on his tan or to relax. On the contrary, Broomall waded into the Atlantic Ocean up to his ankles to kick off his 10,000-mile coast-to-coast motorcycle ride for charity.
“We took some pictures and tweeted to the world that the ride begins here and now,” Broomall said.
The retired auto engineer and Malvern native is taking the next few weeks and cycling to Wasilla (Yes, that Wasilla), Alaska on his 2009 BMW F650GS in the name of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The charity was created by two doctors who are fellow bikers and friends of Broomall who lost a child to brain cancer when he was only nine weeks old. Read their story on the foundation’s Web site.
“I have the opportunity to do it, so I’m doing it and I can bundle it with a charity I care about a great deal,” he said.
With the help of some sponsors, including local bike retailer Revzilla, the trip has raised “several thousand dollars”, and is nearing Broomall’s initial goal of five.
After the jump learn how Revzilla is aiding the cause, find out the tech Broomall is using to stay connected and find out how you can help and donate to the cause.
By the time you read this, Jack Broomall assumes he’ll be somewhere in Minnesota, maybe even North Dakota. But assuming on his location may be a waste of time. Broomall plans on extensively blogging, tweeting and posting about the progress of his trips on various forums and mediums.
The linchpin of all of his efforts is his blog, 2wheels2alaska where Broomall hopes to post daily.
“There may be places in Northern Canada and the Yukon” that may be tough, he admits. Broomall does have an air card for the times wireless isn’t available, and is traveling with a small HP mini netbook. He has also taken to posting small updates on to Twitter, a tool that he has been using for several months now, but only recently has he ramped up posting to help drive awareness for his ride and the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
“Twitter is mostly a tool to let my wife know where the hell I am,” he said with a chuckle.
Among those helping get the word about about his efforts is the motorcycle gear store Revzilla, who we have covered before. The company outfitted Broomall with free gear, contributed money and will add an option for customers to donate to the Austin Hatcher Foundation when they checkout. Revzilla is also using its wide social media reach to help promote the cause. Broomall even officially launched his trip from the company’s South Philly warehouse and received a bit of coverage from CBS 3.
Broomhall also kicks it Web 1.0 style by posting on several well-trafficked motorcycling forums, including this post on Adventure Rider that has already received more than 2,000 views and nearly 40 replies.
“I found it very useful as a way to get the word out through multiple channels, multiple venues,” he said. “Aside from money, there’s nothing that charities need more than awareness. I was already using [these tools] so lets try a little harder and try and make a good thing for a worthy cause.”
If you would like to donate to the Autin Hatcher Foundation, visit the Foundation’s donation page and be sure to reference Bromall’s trip in the form’s comment section. Follow Jack on Twitter.
Every Monday, Technically Not Tech will feature people, projects, and businesses that are involved with Philly�s tech scene, but aren�t necessarily technology focused. See others here.

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