Ryde-A-Thon Benefits Cycling Program for People with Disabilities
Saturday's event at Ryde On Saline will raise money for Programs to Educate All Cyclists.
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Ryde On Cycling Studio will host a four-hour “Ryde”-a-thon Saturday to support a Washtenaw county organization that helps people with disabilities enjoy the benefits of cycling.
Performance Bike Shop, Bearclaw Coffee, and Afternoon Delight, also of Ann Arbor, have signed on to sponsor the event, which takes place from 2-6 p.m.
Detroit Lions' running back Jahvid Best has donated a signed jersey. The Ryde-a-thon will be held at the RydeOn! studio at 450 E. Michigan Ave. in Saline.
Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) was founded in 2004 by Saline resident John Waterman, a public school teacher, in response to an accident where a special needs student at his school was severely injured by a car while riding his bicycle. The program provides cycling classes to people with disabilities and to those who wish to act as trained cycling companions to people with disabilities.
RydeOn! Cycling Studio opened in Saline in October of 2011 and is co-owned by Saline-area residents Brigid Lossing and Christina Turner.
David Rhoads
10:26 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
PEAC, John Waterman, does a great job of working with people who have some limitations, either physically or emotionally. Thanks to Ryde On for sponsoring this opportunity to help a worthwhile cause.
john Waterman
8:55 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Ryde-On has made this event possible and it is going to be a blast. Thanks Christina and Brigid for sponsoring PEAC. This is an example of a local business giving back to their community in a big way. Great job!!!
Kim Kaster
5:37 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Without PEAC, my son, Zach, would not be the independent bike rider he has become. He was scared to ride and couldn't balance himself. John and his staff were patient and helpful. It now has been 8 years and he rides everywhere by himself. He has independence because of this amazing program. Thanks PEAC.
john Waterman
8:50 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I remember going to a meeting at Pittsfield Twp about four years ago and met Zach after about four years. He was riding his bike and had become an independent young man. We shared only a few words, which is Zac style and not mine, but during those few moments I relived the challenges of his learning to ride. I felt the triumphant of his success again. Thanks for giving me the chance to remember that moment.
I spend more time teaching young staff how to work with the kids, so they can experience the joy of the assisting children with disabilites ride for the first time.
Randy
6:08 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
PEAC, John Waterman, and businesses like Ryde On that support these endeavors -- all things that make me proud to call Saline home
john Waterman
8:38 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thanks David and Randy.