Cycling has always been more than just a sport. It’s a community, a way of life, and a vehicle for positive change. When a group of passionate cyclists teams up with a foundation committed to making a difference, incredible things can happen. The 15th Annual Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride is a shining example of this synergy. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Ride! Foundation partnered with Serious Cycling to run the rest stop for this remarkable event, supporting families and individuals confronting life-threatening illnesses.
The Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride
The Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride is a beloved annual event that combines two of Mike Nosco’s greatest passions: cycling and helping others. Mike, an avid cyclist and philanthropist, tragically lost his life in 2004. To honor his memory, his friends and family organized the first ride in 2007. Since then, this event has grown into a powerful force for good in the cycling community.
The ride’s primary mission is to provide financial assistance to families and individuals who are confronting life-threatening illnesses. These patients and their families often face overwhelming medical expenses, and the Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride aims to alleviate some of that burden. The ride has raised over a million dollars to support these families over the years.
Ride! Foundation: A Force for Change
The Ride! Foundation, led by Scott and Jennifer Johnson, shares a similar passion for cycling and philanthropy. The Ride! Foundation is about growing the sport of cycling. They do this through building community, supporting local race programs, as well as offering education and training while showcasing the incredible riding in the Santa Monica Mountains and beyond.
The Partnership:
The partnership between the Ride! Foundation and Serious Cycling for the 15th Annual Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride was a match made in heaven. Serious Cycling, a prominent cycling organization known for its dedication to the sport and excellent retail locations, joined forces with the foundation to run the rest stop for the event. This collaboration allowed both organizations to leverage their strengths and resources to make the ride even more impactful.
Supporting Cyclists and Families:
During the ride, the rest stop serves as a critical point for participants to refuel, hydrate, and recharge. Serious Cycling provided expert support in managing the rest stop, ensuring that participants received the assistance they needed while making it a memorable experience.
We are eternally grateful to our dedicated volunteers – as this would not happen without them! Thank you to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Station 71 and retired Captain Rusty for hosting our tent and supplying the man power and extra ice for the warm conditions of the day. Thank you also to our stedfast volunteers Martha & Chuck Filkins, Sue Bergeron and Matthew Boardman for laboring with the essential hydration and nutrition needs of the cyclists. You are all Heros in our book!
By partnering with the Ride! Foundation, Serious Cycling expanded its mission beyond competitive cycling and embraced the spirit of giving back. This collaboration not only supported the cyclists participating in the Mike Nosco Memorial Bike Ride but also contributed to the foundation’s ongoing efforts to make a difference in the lives of those facing life-threatening illnesses.