"Keep Calm and RydeOn," said one of the 74 participants at the 3rd Annual PEAC Ryde-A-Thon Event. "I love anything that reminds me to keep calm," she finished, as she held up her bright red t-shirt.
However, the 3rd Annual PEAC Ryde-A-Thon was anything but calm; with bands ranging from One Republic to Ke$ha to Jay-Z, ryders spun to upbeat songs for one hour at RydeOn spinning studio in Saline!
This is the 3rd year that RydeOn! Saline has been gracious enough to host a day of spinning with all proceeds benefitting PEAC. PEAC is a non-profit organization located in Ypsilanti, Michigan that empowers individuals with disabilities through cycling; in order to enrich lives by increasing community access, fostering social involvement and promoting healthy lifestyles. Our summer program helps over 30 students in Saline alone, and over 250 students throughout Michigan. Some of our students goals include learning to ride a two-wheeled bike, pedaling and steering a tricycle, and increasing endurance on a tandem.
Michael mastered the two-wheel this year, thanks to the help of PEAC Saline site!
Katie LOVES to ride the tandem! This year Katie mastered her goal of balancing independently!
Gavin Carter, first time participant at the PEAC Ryde-A-Thon said, “Kudos to everyone that came out and challenged themselves at RydeOn 2014! It was my first time doing a spin class and I must say, although it was a challenge, keeping our determined students in mind gave me the motivation to push myself!” Gavin is looking forward to participating next year and helping the PEAC Saline students.
All participants received one hour of spinning from great RydeOn instructors, a free t-shirt, snacks including apples, granola bars and bananas provided by Busch's in Saline, and hot coffee provided by Bearclaw Coffee.
Participants also received two free raffle tickets to enter into our large prize drawing, which included three gift baskets from Pampered Chef, an autographed "fun." tshirt, hand-knit scarves and Performance Bicycle Gear.
Due to the generosity of our sponsors, we were also able to give away two prizes per hour to participants just for showing up! THANK YOU, Wheels in Motion, Brecon Grille, Reincarnations Resale, Mac's Seafood restaurant, and Al Petri and Sons Bicycle Shop for these donations.
Due to the generosity of the community, this event has brought in more than $4,500 in donations. The generosity of the community helps to keep our costs low for our families! Because we believe that "Everyone Can Ride," we look to eliminate all barriers that might exclude someone from achieving their cycling goals.
For more pictures of the event, please check out our facebook page or contact liz@bikeprogram.org or monica@bikeprogram.org!
