#PlumeStrong
5–9 September 2022
PSCC22 recap | Bike auction | Tadej Pogačar | The 2022 route | Our partners | History | Impact | PSCC22
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We serve our global community through our social impact balance sheet—the #PlumeStrong initiative.
In the spirit of supporting two of the five pillars of #PlumeStrong— Education & Equality and Health & Wellness—we were thrilled to announce this year’s fundraiser, the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 (#PSCC22).
This five-day, 650 km ride—with 11,250 meters of elevation gain through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain passes—helped raise funds to provide safe access to education programs for refugee children in Ukraine and Moldova through our chosen charity, Street Child.
Stage 1 of the #PSCC22 route was joined by two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar. We were incredibly excited to partner with Tadej, who at the age of 21 won the Tour de France in 2020, and again in 2021. He also competed in the 2022 Tour de France, winning three stages at the race and coming through with an impressive second-place overall, and winner of the White Jersey for the fastest rider under 25 years of age.
We have a lot in common with Tadej. We both have Slovenian roots—Plume’s European headquarters is in Slovenia and a significant number of Plumians live and work in the country.
Tadej cares deeply about supporting young people and making their dreams come true and like Tadej, Plume is young and committed to making a big impact across the globe.
And, oh—we both really like cycling.
Tadej Pogačar
The 2022 route
The #PSCC22 route was a tour through Switzerland across beautiful mountain passes with a distance of 650 km and 11,250 meters of climbing. View the course details for each stage:
WorkPass:
Lenzerheide to Lugano
2
STAGE
OpenSync:
Zurich to Lenzerheide
1
STAGE
Flex:
Munster to Interlaken
4
STAGE
HomePass:
Interlaken to Zurich
5
STAGE
Uprise:
Lugano to Munster
3
STAGE
A little backstory on #PlumeStrong and the cycling challenge
#PlumeStrong began during the early days of the pandemic as an action-oriented initiative.
In March of 2020, when there was uncertainty and fear around Covid-19, we created an internal challenge—“Go the Distance for Social Distance”—to help stay physically and mentally healthy. This was both our primary defense against the virus and our social responsibility contribution. Over a 2-week period, 62 Plumians moved almost 5,000 km on foot, rode over 5,000 km on bikes, and recorded over 880 active days (with 30+ min of activity).
In April of 2020 we held a second internal contest and doubled down on our commitment to staying healthy via our “eat-sleep-exercise-repeat to beat covid” meme. We officially formed the #PlumeStrong initiative along with its initial steering committee represented by the winners of
the second contest. Through this first #PlumeStrong contest, we pledged one Plume HomePass subscription per 60+ minutes of activity recorded to a family in need, resulting in over 1,000 HomePass subscription pledges.
Today, we serve our global community through the #PlumeStrong initiative—our social impact balance sheet— committed to making a material impact across five pillars:
As #PlumeStrong gained momentum inside and outside of our own walls, the inaugural #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge took place in September 2021. Over the course of five days, 33 Plumians cycled over the Alps on a ~680 km route from our office in Zurich, Switzerland to our office in Ljubljana, Slovenia. We rode through 5 countries— Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, and Slovenia—at an average speed of 24.7 km/h.
Each rider and each km ridden was sponsored by fellow Plumians on and off the course, resulting in $70,000 raised as teammates encouraged each other across the finish line every day.
Health & Wellness
Education & Equality
Planet & Climate
Science & Technology
Security & Privacy
Take a look at some of the moments we captured:
Most importantly, PSCC21 made a meaningful contribution to our communities
In the United States, we donated almost $30,000 to the #PlumeStrong scholarship fund via the Ron Brown Scholarship Program, to help raise high-achieving young people and leaders to impact their communities.
In Slovenia, we donated 45 bicycles, bicycle helmets, and chains to the Friends of the Youth Association of Slovenia—the biggest and oldest non-profit organization in Slovenia—at an event hosted by the President of the State, Mr. Borut Pahor.
The #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022
The 2022 #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge took place 5–9 September, when riders cycled through Switzerland to help provide access to safe education programs to support children in Ukraine and Moldova.
of the contributions raised through the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 were donated through our chosen charity Street Child.
Here’s how Plume contributed:
Plume was the founding partner of Inclusive Learning Hubs in Moldova. Inclusive Learning Hubs provide safe spaces for Ukrainian refugee children and Moldovan children to learn, play, build friendships, and have a sense of normalcy despite the challenging circumstances of war. Thanks to #PSCC22, Street Child was able to run a six-month pilot program for Ukrainian refugees who could not return to school in person.
Donate to the #PlumeStrong Challenge 2022 to support children in Ukraine and Moldova.
Plume also became Street Child’s first technology partner in Ukraine. We equipped children’s Inclusive Learning Hubs in Ukraine and Moldova with technology resources, including internet subscriptions, routers, and devices.
Learn more about Street Child and our partnership here.
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100%
1. OpenSync:
Zurich to Lenzerheide
1. OpenSync:
Zurich to Lenzerheide
1. OpenSync:
Zurich to Lenzerheide
1. OpenSync:
Zurich to Lenzerheide
Donate
PSCC22 recap
Bike auction
Tadej Pogačar
The 2022 route
Our partners
History
Impact
PSCC22
Our partners
Our partners
PSCC22 highlights
Watch the video
The pre-ride AMA with Tadej Pogačar
5 September 2022
PSCC22 highlights
Plume auctioned a signed replica of Tadej’s 2020 Tour de France-winning bike—an incredible Colnago V3Rs painted in the same race-winning yellow.
All proceeds from this auction went directly to local organizations in Ukraine and Moldova to ensure every child has access to an education through our partner Street Child.
Thanks to Colnago for supporting this event!
Bike auction
#PSCC22 riders in Zurich before leaving for Lenzerheide to ride OpenSync, the first stage of the route!
Tadej Pogačar led the group as they arrived at the first break, halfway through Stage 1.
We were excited to be joined by 2020 and 2021 Tour de France winner Tadej for Stage 1 of #PSCC22!
#PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 1 wrap-up with Tadej Pogačar.
The final challenging climb of the day before getting to Lenzerheide.
The big climb awaits after the mid-day break.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
Watch the video
The pre-ride AMA with Tadej Pogačar
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 2 wrap-up.
Some riders taking a well-deserved rest in Lugano after riding 157 km today during Stage 2. Cheers!
Riders stop for a quick break—and to snap some photos of the beautiful Lake Sufnersee.
Taking a moment to enjoy the gorgeous view during the first part of the ride in the morning.
Riders getting ready to head out on one of the most challenging sections of the ride, Stage 2: WorkPass.
#PSCC22 riders in Lenzerheide are excited to start Stage 2 before leaving for Lugano!
6 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 2 wrap-up.
Some riders taking a well-deserved rest in Lugano after riding 157 km today during Stage 2. Cheers!
Riders stop for a quick break—and to snap some photos of the beautiful Lake Sufnersee.
Taking a moment to enjoy the gorgeous view during the first part of the ride in the morning.
Riders getting ready to head out on one of the most challenging sections of the ride, Stage 2: WorkPass.
#PSCC22 riders in Lenzerheide are excited to start Stage 2 before leaving for Lugano!
5 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 3 wrap-up.
Riders at the mid-way point between Lugano and Munster about to stop for a lunch break.
Raising a glass to making it through Stage 3, riders celebrate in Munster after riding 135 kilometers from Lugano.
This stage is called Uprise for a reason! Riders climbed 2,216 meters of elevation over 60 kilometers on the way to Passo della Novena.
Passing through a picturesque Swiss village in the Italian canton, an Italian-speaking region of Switzerland—note the signs.
Riders push ahead on Stage 3 of the ride, Uprise—the toughest section of the route with the most elevation gain.
7 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 3 wrap-up.
Riders at the mid-way point between Lugano and Munster about to stop for a lunch break.
Raising a glass to making it through Stage 3, riders celebrate in Munster after riding 135 kilometers from Lugano.
This stage is called Uprise for a reason! Riders climbed 2,216 meters of elevation over 60 kilometers on the way to Passo della Novena.
Passing through a picturesque Swiss village in the Italian canton, an Italian-speaking region of Switzerland—note the signs.
Riders push ahead on Stage 3, Uprise—the toughest section of the route with the most elevation gain.
6 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 4 wrap-up.
More cowbell! Riders take in the beautiful Swiss views with some four-legged friends.
Stopping to refuel with lunch after a tough climb and descent from Grimselpass.
We had to get a group photo in the clouds after climbing 2,165 meters up to Grimselpas!
Riders approach the first incline of the day. Alexa, play “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
In Munster, getting ready to head out on Stage 4 of the ride—Flex— before leaving for Interlaken.
8 September 2022
7 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 4 wrap-up.
More cowbell! Riders take in the beautiful Swiss views with some four-legged friends.
Stopping to refuel with lunch after a tough climb and descent from Grimselpass.
We had to get a group photo in the clouds after climbing 2,165 meters up to Grimselpas!
Riders approach the first incline of the day. Alexa, play “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
In Munster, getting ready to head out on Stage 4 of the ride—Flex— before leaving for Interlaken.
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 5 wrap-up.
We did it! All the riders celebrating at the finish line in front of our Plume office in Zurich.
Big thanks to the staff that supported us during the week! We couldn’t have done it without you.
Na zdravje! A very well deserved aperitivo for our riders at the finish line.
Powering up with coffee and donuts in Lucerne for the home stretch of HomePass.
Big smiles for the final stage of PlumeStrong— HomePass—from Interlaken to Zurich.
9 September 2022
PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2022 Stage 5 wrap-up.
We did it! All the riders celebrating at the finish line in front of our Plume office in Zurich.
Big thanks to the staff that supported us during the week! We couldn’t have done it without you.
Na zdravje! A very well deserved aperitivo for our riders at the finish line.
Powering up with coffee and donuts in Lucerne for the home stretch of HomePass.
Big smiles for the final stage of PlumeStrong— HomePass—from Interlaken to Zurich.
8 September 2022
PSCC22 recap
Thanks to everyone who donated, participated, and gave their support. We had fun, rode bikes through beautiful landscapes—including one day with two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar!—and raised funds for a worthy cause. Take a look at our video recap.
In 2022, the PSCC expanded to include all of Plume’s friends and partners. The intent was to do even more together and make an even greater impact.
Thanks to all our partners who helped make #PSCC22 a success!
The breakdown
Now that this year’s #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge is over, we wanted to break down the stats for you and share some of our wins.
675
Route distance
km
Route Elevation
10,912
m
Cumulative Elevation
358,955
m
Cumulative distance
24,412
km
Equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 41 times
Cumulative riding time
Equivalent of riding 46 days
1,101
hrs
, 46
min
Cumulative riding time
Equivalent of riding 46 days
1,101
hrs
, 46
min
Cumulative Elevation
Equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 41 times Elevation
358,955
km
Cumulative distance
24,412
km
Route Elevation
10,912
m
Route distance
675
km
Now that this year’s #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge is over, we wanted to break down the stats for you and share some of our wins.
The breakdown
#PSCC22 was a big success—we raised €251,000 so far!
Read the press release