So my strategy as of now, with just 26 days to go, is:

1) Get the word out to peeps/family/fans: We’re reaching out one by one so everyone knows they are expected to do something to get this Kickstarter funded.  So we’ll likely send 3+ emails per 1,252 people that I have met in the last 10 years traveling and who know me since a kid.

2) Big Fish: Even if we get great numbers from the personal outreach, we may be shy quite a bit.  So we’ll be going after some bigger potential backers and bigger numbers of outreach using BIG strategies like:

a) Major Media: We have contacts with CNN, NBC, CBS and more.  we’ll be running some big campaigns using press releases to reach masses.

b) Big Backers: Folks who not only connect with the project but can make 4-5 digit pledges.  I plan to meet face to face with these folks.

c) Big Endorsements: I’m a 1st time producer going for a big budget.  So I need backup.  Starting with Les Stroud as my EP we’ll be looking to get some bigger names behind this to add credibility.

d) Corporate: We may be digging into corporate options as well–trying to find a few companies that want to back this as sponsors.

3) Work Smart, Not Hard: The goal is to have everyone do a little bit, and do it as effectively as possible.

So it’s game on.  I can see us reaching this goal. I just don’t know how we’re going to do it.  This is the adventure of life and the adventure of big goals!

I may not be posting too much as this is the “production blog” where we’ll be doing mostly posts as we develop the content.  But this is the latest on October 10th.

Jamie

After three days in a row of working over 18 hours a day, I got this note put on my windshield from the property manager of the office where I rent studio space.  It reads “This is a private parking lot…you care will towed if not removed”  My truck was there so much he thought I was was living right in the parking lot.  Classic!

But I’m happy to say all the work paid off and my truck did not get towed.  We are just about ready for launch–few more changes and additions

Luca, Cris n Jamie

In order to feel totally present and light during the festivities I’ve decide to light the fuse then fly–and leave it up to my friends, family and cycling community to get this kickstarter kickin’.

The idea is to light two fuses:

1) The Kickstarter Fuse A: To my peeps, family and folks following the adventure + new peeps from Kickstarter community.  At 11.11AM on September 12, 2011 the fuse is officially lit and I hope the crew helps it explode

2) The Interbike Fuse B: The largest bicycle trade show on earth.  We’ll be screening our launch video for three days non-stop our supporter’s booth Ortlieb and have a Toughbook computer there ready for folks to show their support.

These will both be lit within about 48 hours of each other and meanwhile, I’ll be in Barcelona with my Spanish family celebrating this special time.  I’d love it if I plugged back in and there were tons of backers and pledges.  But after I light the fuse I’ve decided to give myself a break before the big push.  So work with me, work with me!  Tweet it, Facebook it, email it, blog it, share it.

Thanks much!  I’ll post one more just at fuse lighting then…c ya!

Jamie

This blog is kind of a record within a record. After years spent bicycling around the world and documenting the journey via diary entries (see them here) and video, I’m continuing the habit here as I work on my new project: the Peace Pedalers Africa trilogy release of a television series, feature film and music compilation.

So let’s take an adventure together and navigate this wild and rapidly changing entertainment industry together.

Thank you so much for reading and for supporting Peace Pedalers.

Jamie

Since my family and I are going to be in Spain for the vast chunk of the month of September (marriage fiesta on September 17!) and we are in between rental dwellings, we decided to ‘float’, aka, global couchsurfing mission.   I even rented my camper to some friends to go to burning man earlier in the month too.  Result: the first positive cashflow month since I returned home from the trip!

It’s been a challenge keeping this dream alive and boat afloat over the last 10 months since me re-entry into “realty” but the end is near–I hear backers, investors and networks knockin’ on the door just ahead.  I’m hangin’ tight and keepin’ the faith!  I’m truly all in, no doubt about that!  Thanks for the support again!

Thanks again for supporting me and my dream.  I will make it’s worth every penny you backed me with and the time you spent to share this dream with your friends and family.  One way is by sharing this adventure of taking raw footage and moving it through each step of the creative and business process to share the stories with the world.  And somehow, by keeping our intentions pure and laser focused on the dream, we can get the stories out, help tons of great projects in Africa and still allow me and my family to live our life here in Santa Cruz.  So here’s the latest as of 2:49PM on September 6, 2011.  More to come!

Here’s the 1st video blog of many on this long adventure together.