The 15th annual Ride Like King event drew thousands of riders from around the world as they joined the celebration and helped Giant Group reach its goal of donating 500 bicycles to communities in need.
Held annually since 2009, Ride Like King honors Giant Group founder King Liu, bringing people together through virtual group rides and outdoor rides within their communities. The purpose of Ride Like King is to celebrate cycling and help mobilize people in low-income regions by donating bicycles to communities in need. id15"
Ride Like King is organized by Giant Group—parent company of the Giant, Liv, Momentum and CADEX brands—along with partners World Bicycle Relief and Zwift.
To mark Giant Group’s 50th anniversary this year, a new“500for500” challenge was introduced. For every 500km ridden collectively, one World Bicycle Relief Buffalo Bicycle was donated. The goal this year was to donate 500 bikes, which would surpass last year’s total of 300.
RLK15 included three days of virtual and outdoor rides to generate the bike donations. Close to 3,000 riders from more than 75 countries participated in 12 Zwift rides, reaching 90,000km collectively. The Zwift rides were led by Giant and Liv racers, ambassadors and staff members.
Another 360 participants from 44 countries signed up through World Bicycle Relief’s campaign hub, accumulating 30,000km. Beyond that, Giant Group Sales Companies around the world organized rides for staff, retailers and consumers, tallying an additional 500,000km. With lockdowns and restrictions on outdoor rides eased this year, participation was particularly strong in China and other Asian countries.
The overall total, between Zwift rides, the World Bicycle Relief campaign hub, and sales companies rides, was 620,000km, far surpassing the distance needed to successfully meet the 500 for 500 challenge.
“The global community came together this year in a big way,” said Giant Global Marketing Director An Le.“Giant Group staff, athletes, ambassadors and consumers around the world all rallied on Zwift and through numerous outdoor events and rides to help us crush our 500 for 500 challenge and donate 500 Buffalo Bicycles to World Bicycle Relief.”
Riders shared their experiences by posting photos and stories on Giant and Liv social media. Contests throughout the event awarded limited-edition RLK15 jerseys, along with signed cards from King Liu, to participants. Five jerseys were given away during each Zwift ride, and another 15 jersey winners were selected from social media posts.
The 500 Buffalo Bicycles that will be donated are purpose-built to handle heavy loads, long distances and rugged terrain. Simple to maintain and easy to repair, they are manufactured by Giant Group and assembled by local workers in countries where World Bicycle Relief has programs.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for the support from Giant Group and the amazing community that comes together for Ride Like King,” said World Bicycle Relief Director of Partnerships Claire Geiger. “The impact from this event will help individuals and communities in rural regions thrive with access to life-changing bicycles.”
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Buffalo Bicycles are designed for heavy loads, long distances and rugged terrain. Donating these bikes to regions in need helps mobilize people including students and health workers.
