Pelotonia Kids engages new generation of cyclists in Upper Arlington

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) -- In May, Pelotonia announced a new series of cycling events to help engage the next generation of riders in central Ohio.

The organization launched 'Pelotonia Kids,' which features several rides organized by community volunteers, all designed to help support pediatric cancer research. "Kids want to be involved with this in a bigger way. Not just cheering from the sidelines, they want to be a part of it," exclaims Sarah Jane Germain.

Sarah Jane Germain and her husband Paul got involved with Pelotonia at an early stage. But the couple's commitment to the cause was solidified back in 2019, when Sarah Jane's mother was diagnosed with cancer.

"When it hits that close to home, it becomes that much more important," Sarah Jane admits. It was around that same time, that the couple's oldest daughter Leigh -- who witnessed her grandmother's battle -- got the itch as well.

"My dad used to ride in Pelotonia, so I just really wanted to do it with him," Leigh, who is now 8-years-old, recalls. "For weeks after Pelotonia, we would play Pelotonia in the backyard. She would scooter her scooter across the finish line, and we'd cheer for her, and give her a medal," Sarah Jane describes of Leigh's passion for the event at a young age.

It was then, that the couple decided to create an event where kids, like theirs, could participate in their own way. "It was just unbelievable. The first year we had hundreds of kids on this track, riding, in their matching t-shirts. And they loved it," Sarah Jane reflects.

But the drive to get kids more involved has been building in central Ohio for several years. "We've just had a handful of community volunteers and neighborhood leaders start these kids rides over the years," says Joe Apgar, President & CEO of Pelotonia.

Those events across central Ohio may very in ages, routes, and locations, but for the first time in 2024, they all fall under the official  Pelotonia umbrella. And for the first time, they all support pediatric cancer research at nationwide children's hospital.

"I think it's great because I really like to help other people that are sick, so I think it's just really fun," Leigh says of her motivation to participate. "I like riding with my friends and my neighbors and my cousins and it's just a really fun time of the year," says the Germain's 7-year-old daughter Lucy, echoing her sister's passion for helping others.

On Saturday, the Germain's hosted their third annual Pelotonia Kids event in Upper Arlington. More than 250 kids gathered at the Jones Middle School track for the third annual Pelotonia ride. “I wanted to help people that have cancer so they feel better and so they can have a normal life,” said Lucy Germain.

Children under 5 years old rode their bikes and scooters around the track while the older children rode around the neighborhood. 100% of each dollar raised by the kids goes toward pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“We make pledge forms so kids can ask friends, family, grandparents. They pledge per lap or per mile or whatever they are going to ride,” said Joe Apgar, Pelotonia President & CEO. “Other kids do things like sell bracelets, lemonade stands or candy stands for the 4th of July.”

Encouraging kids to set a goal of what they hope to ride, and set commitments to get donations per lap. "We're just really excited that this year, the funds raised by kids will go to benefit kids," says Sarah Jane.

All with the goal of fulfilling pelotonia's mission of ending cancer for all ages. "Cancer does not discriminate. It impacts people from newborns, all the way to old and end of life," Apgar describes. "This is like the first time the entire family can engage and I think that's really important."

If you missed Saturday's event, there are three more 'Pelotonia Kids' events happening this summer:

• July 27: SpokesKIDS Jr., Wildwood Park in Granville (hosted by Team Granville Spokesmen for a Cure peloton members)
• July 27: SpokesKIDS, Newark to Granville (hosted by Team Granville Spokesmen for a Cure peloton members)
• TBA: Building Brighter Futures, Hilliard (hosted by M/I Homes, Inc.)

You can learn more about how to sign up or donate here.