Summer may be coming to an end, but there are still two
Pelotonia Kids youth rides remaining in the 2024 season. Next up on the schedule is a brand-new ride in the city of Columbus,
Pelotonia Kids Linden! The Linden community kids ride on Saturday, September 14 at
Maloney Park (Joyce & E. 17th Ave.) is for children ages 4 to 14. Rider check-in begins at 9am with the kids ride starting at 10am.
Pelotonia Kids is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at
Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Each
Pelotonia Kids ride is organized by Pelotonia community volunteers with assistance from Pelotonia through planning resources, equipment rentals, merchandise and promotional support. Events vary in participant ages, route distances and venue locations.
Planning for
Pelotonia Kids Linden is led by 3-year Rider, Captain of the Team Linden peloton, and cancer survivor
Adam Troy, alongside Donna Hicho, both from the
Community of Caring Development Foundation in Linden.
Several partners are supporting the event including: Big Lots, Columbus City Council – Office of Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, Columbus City Schools – Linden Elementaries, City of Columbus – Department of Neighborhoods and Department of Public Safety, Dwight Smith and Thanks Be to God Foundation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, New Salem Baptist Church and SOS Ministry, and St. Stephen’s Community House.
“Events like these are possible in Linden thanks to many generous partners and organizations coming together to make it fun and invest in the youth of our community. We’re excited to bring Pelotonia Kids to the city of Columbus and the Linden area.”
- Donna Hicho
Pelotonia Kids Linden aims to promote health and safety through cycling, encouraging kids to focus on fitness while also fostering community as they come together to raise funds for innovative pediatric cancer research and build a brighter future for Columbus youth. Community leaders are encouraging Linden youth to also participate in Pelotonia Kids to understand the positive difference they can personally make through philanthropy.
“We are raising the next generation of philanthropists in the brown and black community. Pelotonia Kids gives children in Linden the opportunity for peer-to-peer impact, as their efforts will directly benefit other kids.
Events like this give us hope for a brighter tomorrow, laying the groundwork not only for philanthropy in our youth, but also to inspire them to be future community organizers and teaching them the value of service above self.”
- Adam Troy
Rider registration for Pelotonia Kids Linden is free. Donations from Riders and families are encouraged but not required for participation. Riders can check-in upon arrival beginning at 9am prior to the start of the kids ride at 10am.
There will be two route options for Pelotonia Kids Linden Riders, with distances based on age groups: a shorter route for younger Riders and a longer route for older Riders. Both routes will be on the paved path within the park. There will be route marshal volunteers along the route to direct Riders, provide water rest stops, and cheer them on!
Pelotonia Kids Linden will feature free food trucks, music from a DJ, and bounce houses. The event is also part of
Public Safety Week which takes place from September 8-14 and is organized by Columbus City Councilmember Remy. There will be a Public Safety Resource Fair from 10am to 2pm on Saturday during the kids ride featuring a Bike Safety Rodeo, Nationwide Children’s Hospital PlayStreets, public safety resources, giveaways
, and drawings for great prizes!
All Riders will receive a Pelotonia Kids medal, youth t-shirt, sticker sheet, and more after they cross the finish line.
Participants can register for Pelotonia Kids Linden at
this link.
Can’t make it? You can read more about the Pelotonia Kids program and upcoming rides
here. Or you can donate to Pelotonia Kids Linden
here to support pediatric cancer research!