NEW YORK CITY (BRAIN) — The Ride On For Red Nose Day event wrapped up this week, with nearly 800 miles covered and $225,000 raised to help end childhood poverty.
The ride was led by pro cyclist Tim Johnson and included about 20 other rides, including 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Andrew Ference, who rode on the East Coast leg of the journey.
The ride evolved out of the Ride on Washington group rides that Johnson led to raise awareness about the need for safe bike infrastructure around the country. This year Johnson and PeopleForBikes partnered with Walgreens and Red Nose Day to promote the ride.
"I originally started these rides because I saw an opening for professional racers like myself to give back to the general cycling community by creating awareness around the lack of safe places to ride," said Johnson. "When Walgreens wanted to do a ride in conjunction with Red Nose Day, we all jumped at the opportunity to expand these Ride On events to an even bigger audience, and support the noble cause of ending childhood poverty."
"This was our sevent year of producing Ride On events with Tim and crew," said Charlie Cooper, vice president of membership and development for PeopleForBikes. "These rides focus on the importance of safe bike infrastructure, show that shared respect and courtesy is essential on the road and highlight the long list of positive personal and community outcomes that bicycling generates."
The West Coast ride from Santa Barbara to Las Vegas covered a total of 339 miles and climbed a total of 17,478 vertical feet. The East Coast ride traveled from Boston to New York City via Vermont and covered 405 miles and 21,040 vertical feet.
