Tuesday, February 24, 2015

4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon Wrap Up!

A feeling of electricity filled the room as 25 cyclists pushed themselves harder than they ever have before. Everyone is concentrating on what they are doing as upbeat, exhilarating music and the encouraging words of an instructor known as "Dr. Feel-Good" energizes the cyclists forward.

This is the adrenaline-charged atmosphere of RydeOn! Cycling Studio in Saline, MI as cyclists are not only riding for their own fitness, but to raise funds and support for a bike program in their community aimed at helping children with disabilities. The 4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon in collaboration with Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) and RydeOn! Cycling Studio took place on Sunday, February 8th, 2015 and raised over $3,500.



Brigid Lossing, owner of RydeOn! Cycling Studio generously offered her studio, certified instructors and time to help make this fundraiser a success. Lossing said the partnership between PEAC and RydeOn! Studio is an easy one because both organizations have similar goals of providing a sense of community and fitness for all. PEAC's motto, "Everyone Can Ride" also rings true for the RydeOn! Studio where people with all different fitness levels and goals can ride together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The money raised from this fundraiser will directly support the PEAC Summer Program in Saline. This program is structured to work with individuals with disabilities to identify and achieve their personal cycling goals. The goals could vary from balancing a two-wheel bike, riding on a tandem bicycle, or developing safe community riding skills. The summer program site in Saline works with over 30 students twice weekly June through August.

Among the 74 participants at the 4th Annual Ryde-A-Thon was Lisa Rentschler, whose son Connor has been a part of the PEAC Summer Program in Saline for many years. Connor learned to ride a two-wheel bike with PEAC and is now mastering his community riding skills. Lisa says Connor was able to get over the fear of riding, and now feels confident to ride his bike around his neighborhood.



Sponsors of the event include American Cycle and Fitness, Bearclaw Coffee Co., Busch's Fresh Food Market, Pampered Chef Consultant Amy Robke, Treefort Bike Shop, Janet Horvat and Wheels in Motion. 

For more information about PEAC or RydeOn! Cycling Studio, visit www.bikeprogram.org or rydeoncycling.com