Why Pedal Hilton Head Island Matters
by Frank Babel
Thirteen years ago, a few friends and I came up with the idea of organizing a community bike ride to raise awareness of biking on Hilton Head Island. Coincidentally, the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island was thinking about how to create another fund raiser to expand programs and diversify its donor and volunteer base.
We connected and with the support of Town staff, the BCSO, SCDOT and hard work from some dedicated Boys & Girls Club board members, Pedal came into being. The first ride was a success, more followed, and the rest is history.
Pedal is now the second largest annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. It also was a pillar in Hilton Head Island’s successful quest to become internationally recognized as a certified Bicycle Friendly Community.
The impact of Pedal on the Boys & Girls Club was significant. Leaders and riders in a number of gated communities participated, enjoyed the event and through Pedal, “discovered” the good work of the Club.
The Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island has become one of the island’s top non- profits with amazing leadership, dedicated professional development staff and diverse volunteer team helping over 250 children daily, making a huge difference in their lives. Pedal also has evolved from a yearly Island recreational community ride to a top notch Regional biking event.
So to all of you out there on our beautiful Island, explore what’s happening with Pedal, November 16th, 17th and 18th – Two concerts at Coligny Theatre with Music of the Grateful Dead, a beach obstacle course ride on Saturday and the main ride on Sunday, November 18th.
Pedal benefits a great charity in our community, positively effects children in our community, and if you ride, it’s so much fun. With rides tailored from 2 miles, 10, 20, 40 or a 62 mile ride for expert bikers. It also demonstrates our community support for biking with its attendant health and quality of life benefits. And finally, it will greatly help our Town achieve the coveted gold status in the upcoming Bicycle Friendly Community re-application.
Visit Online Here to Register for Pedal HHI
