Community and citizenship are two words that Freewheelin’ Community Bikes lives by.

Located at 34th Street and Central Avenue just north of downtown Indianapolis, Freewheelin’ strives to enrich the lives of youths throughout Indianapolis, and create positive neighborhood and community connections through a shared passion for bicycles.

As part of this mission, Freewheelin’ Community Bikes hosted its annual Nancy’s Ride event on September 21, an inclusive ride for cyclists of all ages. The event was sponsored and hosted by the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood. The event took place at the church, where it has been held since its inception.

Nancy’s Ride is a community event that honors the memory and mission of Nancy Stimson, the youth pastor who founded Freewheelin’ Community Bikes. She devoted much of her time to educating kids about bike maintenance and repair as part of her citizen development work. Her work touched the lives of many through a shared passion of bicycles, and the team at Freewheelin’ continues to strive to be like Nancy.

All proceeds from the event went to benefit the Freewheelin’ Community Bikes youth development programs. “The $20,000 in proceeds raised during the event will be used to strengthen the Freewheelin’ mission and serve additional families over the next 12 months,” says LaNisha Clark, executive director of Freewheelin’ Bikes.

This year nearly 100 cyclists, volunteers and Freewheelin’ team members gathered as part of the event to chat with other riders and prepare for their upcoming bike loops. Steve Hershberger, a Nancy’s Ride Committer member, launched the event with inspiring words to participants about what cycling means to him. He shared some lessons learned after a bicycle accident earlier in the summer, during which he sustained multiple injuries including a concussion and broken bones. “Steve led one of our bike routes,” says Clark. “The Freewheelin’ team is so grateful to have him on board.”

Riders began to file in around 8 a.m. for registration and enjoyed a variety of activities before heading out on their chosen loop. Participants enjoyed arts and crafts, games, cone courses and mechanical activities. There was something for all ages. Participants were also treated to snacks and beverages.

“It was great to see some young [cyclists] ride with their families,” says Clark. “It’s always fun to see their personalized bikes and decorated helmets before they ride. Smiles were had by all.”

Riders chose from distance rides of varying lengths that took participants to the north, west and east throughout different Indianapolis communities. A family-oriented destination ride was also available and ran a circuit of 6.2 miles. Upon their return to the church, all participants were served lunch.

Of this year’s registered individuals, nearly 40% were return participants. Many treat the ride as an annual reunion to gather and enjoy some time with the Freewheelin’ team.

“Nancy’s Ride is always a fun time,” says Clark. “It has become an annual reunion to see friends and colleagues, and to ride through some amazing Indy communities. This year the group enjoyed some coffee, shared some inspirational stories on how cycling has positively impacted our lives, and then enjoyed some group rides in the beautiful sunshine. It was a beautiful day to remember our founder, Nancy, and make new memories with our neighbors.”

Next year’s event will take place on September 20.

 

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