As a fourth grade student at Mark Twain Elementary School, Michael Riebe is too young to ride in Pelotonia – participants have to be 14. But he still wanted to get involved, and he still wanted to raise money in honor of Lynn Yoho, a retired teacher from his school, and his “friends’ moms.” So he decided to solicit donors and participate as a “virtual” rider.
Riebe will take a parallel 25-mile bike ride with his team on the day and time of the actual event. He will begin his journey on August 9 at 8:00 a.m. in Jeffrey Park on Clifton Avenue in Bexley, across from St. Charles, by the river. Those who wish to donate or register to ride with Riebe can sign up at www.mypelotonia.org/virtualride.jsp.
Founded in 2008, Pelotonia was established with the objective to fund life-saving cancer research. Pelotonia is a three-day experience that includes a weekend of cycling, entertainment and volunteerism. In its first five rides, Pelotonia has raised $61 million for cancer research. Thanks to its generous sponsors – Huntington Bank, Limited Brands Foundation, Richard and Peggy Santulli, American Electric Power Foundation, Nationwide Insurance, Cardinal Health Foundation, JP Morgan Chase and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company – Pelotonia is able to direct 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar to cancer research at Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.