The First-Year Rider Award recognizes a new member of the Pelotonia community who brings newfound energy, excitement and passion to recruitment, fundraising and advancing our mission of ending cancer.

This was Steve’s first year participating in Pelotonia. He got involved in Pelotonia through David White, who had a vision of seeing 50 black cyclists riding 50 miles. After some planning, strategizing, and connecting with several fellow cycling clubs, the two formed one large Peloton, Wheels of Color, for this year’s ride. Steve would like to give a big shout-out to Black Girls Do Bike, Steady Pedaling, Trailblazers, Major Taylor Cycling Club, and Columbus Blackstar Cycling Group for helping to make Wheels of Color happen. He hopes to make Wheels of Color bigger and better in 2023, with more volunteers and riders covering all routes. 

 

In 2016, my dad passed away from prostate cancer.  This has brought a new level of awareness to me.  We all hear and know about cancer, but when it hits you or someone in your inner circle, it takes on a new meaning.  Just knowing that the money I raise will help find a cure for this deadly disease.  I am riding for those who can’t ride and “reaching people one pedal at a time”.   

 

My favorite part of ride weekend is the morning of the event.  I love seeing the smiling faces, talking to people, and hearing their stories.  There’s no politics, no division, no competition, and everyone is so cheerful.  At least for a short time, we all seem to be equal.  I wish we could bottle this up and distribute it around the world.   

 

I love spending time with my family, my four grandkids, and friends.  I love hunting and anything that has to do with the outdoors. I enjoy our Wheels of Color Monday evening rides, when even people that haven’t ridden a bike in years come out to ride anywhere from two miles to 102 miles. Just seeing the smiles on their faces and hearing the excitement in their voices after the ride is over, that’s what brings me joy. My two favorite sayings are: “It takes a cycling village,” and, “A mile is a mile, no matter how fast or slow you ride it. At the end of the day, it’s still a mile.”