Give Hope Ride: A family cycling event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

About five years ago, cycling enthusiast John Wright and his wife, Peg, decided to invite a few friends to join them for a bike ride. After the ride, they all enjoyed breakfast at the Wrights’ Fishers home. A few years later, the couple decided it would be nice to use the ride to collect donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “St. Jude became our charity of choice because our friends Susie and Randy Tatum’s daughter Kelsey had been treated at St. Jude,” said John. “We wanted to support the organization that gave so much to Kelsey during her diagnosis and treatment.”

What started out as a group of friends riding bikes quickly grew into an annual fundraising event. John recalled the pivotal year when the ride outgrew their house as a location. “In 2012, 50 people showed up at our house for the ride and breakfast. That was the year we decided to take the event to the next level and involve the community.” In 2013, the Give Hope Ride became an official community event and raised $12,000 for St. Jude from its 178 registrants and local sponsors. This year, event organizers hope to double their fundraising efforts to give even more to the hospital that gave so much to the Wrights’ family friend.

The 2014 Give Hope Ride, presented by Fritz in Fishers, is scheduled for Monday, May 26, and offers fun for the entire family. Fishers Heritage Park, located at 10595 Eller Road, serves as the main hub of the event. There are four adult rides to choose from depending on your ability and interests: 9.7 miles, 21 miles, 45 miles or 62 miles. Bring the whole family — a Kids’ Bike Safety Class, sponsored by Simpson Construction Services, and a Family Ride held inside the park will be available for kids of all ages. A $25 registration is required for all adults, but children are free with at least one registered adult per family. The event is held from 7 a.m. to noon and includes plenty of snacks and refreshments to refuel. SAG stops also are planned along each route for rider support.

Give Hope RideParticipants are encouraged to register in advance at givehoperide.com. For the first time, packet pickup and registration also will be held on Sunday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Motion Cycling & Fitness, located at 9530 E. 126th St. in Fishers. Participants also are welcome to register the day of the event at 7 a.m. As an extra incentive for raising additional donations for St. Jude, those participants who raise more than $50, $100 or $200 will receive a T-shirt and additional prizes.

The Give Hope Ride has something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a novice, or want the kids to learn more about bike safety, your entire family will enjoy this community event. Register today, and help bring hope to more St. Jude patients and their families. Helmets are required for all participants, including adults and children. John Wright is available to answer any questions or accept donations from those who are unable to make it to the ride. Contact him at john@givehoperide.com or 317-721-7885.

EVENT DETAILS

  • Date: Monday, May 26
  • Location: Fishers Heritage Park, 10595 Eller Road, Fishers
  • Registration: Anytime at givehoperide.com OR 4 p.m. OR Fishers Heritage Park on day of event, Monday, May 26, at 7 a.m.
  • Adult Rides: Adult rides begin at 8 a.m.
  • Kids’ Bike Safety Class: 10:30 a.m.
  • Family Fun Ride: Immediately following the safety class at 11 a.m.
  • Important Requirement:  All riders must wear a helmet — children and adults

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