Greetings fellow riders and followers of Pedal with Pete in Northeast Ohio. Earlier this year we posted on this site that the Kent Event would have a new look in 2020. After 25 years of rides originating from Kent, we were planning to hold the 2020 ride further north at the Mill Stream Run Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. This move brings new routes with a good combination of trail and road riding. It will also bring the Pedal with Pete experience to a new and larger population of riders and it will be much more accessible for riders and rider families from our partner Youth Challenge. Youth Challenge provides adapted sports and recreation programs to young people with disabilities, including a large group of hand cyclists.
Unfortunately, the Covid shutdown has made a supported ride impossible. Even with a ride date later in the year, we have not been able to overcome the limitations imposed through the shutdown. Along with limiting the size of gatherings, we are still not able to make all the reservations necessary to hold a supported ride. This is disappointing to the riders who have enjoyed taking part in our rides over the years, the volunteers who have supported these rides and the Pedal with Pete organization which depends on these rides to raise funds for cerebral palsy research to benefit those affected by cerebral palsy.
Recognizing that this is a temporary setback and that those affected by cerebral palsy are still in need, the Pedal with Pete Foundation has taken the following two actions in 2020. First, normally 2-4 research projects per year are funded through the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM). In 2020, one project will be funded up to $25,000. Second, a contribution was made to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus to be used to make grants of up to $500 each to families of CP patients affected by the shutdown to use for housing, food or medical needs.
To keep Pedal with Pete active in 2020 and to give our riders the opportunity to make a donation to a great cause, we will hold an unsupported ride. Ride maps are available for 5 different rides of varying distances in the Cleveland Metroparks. You can ride on a day and time of your own choosing between September 19th and October 4th.
To sign-up to ride, or just to make a donation if you so choose, clicking here will take you to the Stride registration site.
Historically the registration fee for Pedal with Pete is $40 / person. If possible, a suggested donation for this year’s ride is $25.
The following route maps are available:https://www.ms-stride.org/pedalwithpeteneohio
65 mile – Lakewood-Brecksville (start at the Scenic Loop by the Metroparks Marina in Rocky River Reservation) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3381371605
26 mile – Lakewood-Berea loop (start at the Scenic Loop by the Metroparks Marina in Rocky River Reservation) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3381719713
20 mile – Aukerman Park-Wallace Lake Park loop (start at Aukerman Park) (10 miles each way) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3381693907
17 mile – Lake to Lake loop (start at Mill Stream Run Reservation) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3381712774
10 mile – Wallace Lake Park-Pearl Rd (start at Wallace Lake Park) https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3381678043
All of these routes follow Metroparks trails and roads in the Emerald Necklace park system. They can be lengthened or shortened as desired. Along with being shorter, the routes in the Wallace Lake and Aukerman Park areas are also flatter. We hope you will consider riding and donating this year and in 2021 when we will return with a fully supported ride.
On behalf of all the volunteers at the Pedal with Pete Foundation, and the cerebral palsy community, we want to thank you for your continuing support.
The Pedal with Pete event organizers:
Lisa Boyd and Jim Stroble, The Pedal with Pete Foundation
Chris Garr, Youth Challenge
Photos from the 2019 Kent ride.
