Detroit nonprofit, repair shop hosts annual ‘Bike the Blizzard’ fundraiser

The winter climate held off for Again Alley Bikes’ annual Bike the Blizzard fundraiser in Detroit on Sunday.

The charity experience will get Again Alley Bikes on Cass Avenue, a restore store and nonprofit, by way of the yr. Although there was no blizzard this yr, the objective is similar — to lift cash to remodel the Motor Metropolis one bike at a time.

“We do quite a lot of youth programming, youth training in the direction of bike upkeep, mechanics after which we additionally do youth giveaways; so final yr we received about 100 youngsters on bikes,” says Jai Whitworth, supervisor of Again Alley Bikes.

After these upkeep and mechanic lessons, the kids get to maintain the used bike they fastened.

It doesn’t matter what number of miles a Bike the Blizzard participant rides, they only have to lift a minimal of $50.

This yr, about 100 individuals registered and raised greater than $24,000, the biggest sum of money in Bike the Blizzard historical past, topping final yr when 80 riders raised $22,000.

“We had individuals signing up in November, December anticipating (climate to be like) final yr, we had a blizzard,” Whitworth stated. “It’s thrilling to see the neighborhood present up, help us and be enthusiastic about what we’re doing.”

Detroit Metropolis Councilman Scott Benson (District 3) rides yearly, finishing 13 miles within the metropolis of Detroit this yr.

“That is what I do, I’m very passionate. I’m a biking advocate and I wish to make sure that I expose and help those that wish to expose youth and particularly Detroit youth and our most weak youth within the metropolis of Detroit to the world and alternatives round biking,” Benson stated.

His hope is that extra youngsters will be capable to see bikes for the numerous potentialities it brings.

“It’s not simply in regards to the capability to race and have long-distance rides, it’s additionally a couple of life-style and health,” Benson stated. “It’s actually good to be match and have an exercise, a ardour that may observe you all through your lifetime.”