While many people in California rode their bikes to work today, there was at least one group who rode their bikes as work, so to speak. By the time I made it over there after work, the El Roble Intermediate School students participating in the Bike Marathon were three hours into their twenty-four hour fundraiser, and many of the riders had completed more than 160 laps already. Various strategies were being employed; some students were riding in groups, chatting as they went, others seemed to be pacing themselves for the long night ahead, while still others were going to hammer along until they could hammer no more. Helpers, family, staff and riders who were not riding at the time kept busy cheering on the riders circling the track. Flood lights have been set up around the track to hold back the darkness, and a tent city has sprung up on the infield. There will no doubt be some tired students by the time the event ends tomorrow afternoon, but I think they will be satisfied, and rightly so, with their efforts and what they have accomplished. Not sure what I am talking about? Check my earlier post here.
8th grade students at El Roble Intermediate School have been gearing up (literally) for the 34th Bike Marathon which raises funds for the Claremont Chapter of the American Red Cross. Over the past 33 editions more than $150,000 have been raised. This years Marathon ride will take place May 13 and 14. About 40 students are selected through a screening process which includes writing essays and gpa minimums. Funds are raised by pledges for laps completed. Awesome, humanitarianism at its best; kids riding bikes to benefit others.
