Dr. Jack Sherrer says he’s “always had a heart for the underdog.”
“And I’ve always had a heart for children. I don’t know if there is more of an underdog than a disabled child,” he said. Sherrer organized Pedaling for Kids, a series of bike rides to raise money for equipment for disabled children.
Finding money to fund items like side-entry wheelchairs and Ipads equipped with apps for special needs students can be tough, he said.
“We try and fill that gap by raising money for disabled children’s equipment,” he said. All of the money from the fundraiser benefits disabled children in the Chattahoochee Valley.
Last year, 11 riders completed a 250-mile journey across the state, from Columbus to Savannah, and raised $10,000. This year, Sherrer hopes to raise $40,000 and enroll 200 riders to participate in three different rides -- a 30-mile loop around Fort Benning, a 62-mile ride to Buena Vista and another ride across the state.
He said they added more options this year to get more participants. Next year, they are considering adding a family ride.
All riders will leave together at the National Infantry Museum at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1. Sherrer said the ride to Buena Vista (which is also called a “metric century” because it’s 100 kilometers) takes the average cyclist about four hours, while the state ride takes two days. But the ride is not a race, he said.
“It can be as short a ride as you want,” he said, adding that there will be hydration and food stations along the way.
Sherrer wasn’t a cyclist himself before starting Pedaling for Kids.
“I had friends that were cyclists. They were enthusiastic about it and always looking for a cause,” he said. “Pedaling across the state seemed like something I could work at and I could do. It was a good goal for me personally.”
Last year he rode part of the statewide ride and he plans to ride part of the way this year, too. His advice to fellow novices this year? Take advantage of the food and water stations along the way, and “don’t push yourself too hard.” The cooler fall weather should help, he said.
“It’s a great time of year to ride,” he said.
Sherrer said they’re raising money for Pedaling for Kids through selling sponsorships and from donations by riders.
Riders participating in the local ride and the ride to Buena Vista are asked to raise $200. Riders going across the state are asked to raise $500.
Cyclists who meet their fundraising goal get a cycling jersey and all riders get a Pedaling for Kids T-shirt. Those who don’t want to raise money can ride for a $35 donation.
Cyclists can register on the Pedaling for Kids website or on the day of the event.
Sara Pauff, 706-320-4469
