By Michael Hernandez
Since 2012, I’ve been on a grassroots mission to bring together people of all walks of life within our community to kick cancer to the curb. The Good Ride cycling event was created to bring together those who share a love of cycling to generate positive change in our community, bringing awareness specifically to cancer. In 2013, the Char-Heel Classic charity ride was the inaugural event that first brought this mission to life. In 2014, the Char-Heel Classic officially became The Good Ride- a new name with the same purpose in mind- providing a community-centric cancer charity event aimed at raising money for cancer advocacy all while creating lasting memories for riders and volunteers. These events were ranked runner-up to 24 Hours of Booty by Endurance magazine as Charlotte’s Best Cycling Charity Rides in 2013 and 2014 and I believe that standing firm on our mission is what earned us this recognition.
The goodRiders cycling team was developed to further activate our mission and provide direct support of the charities we back. In 2014, the goodRiders were a 10-person team that raised $16,447 for 24 Hours of Booty in less than 10 days. This year, we’re 61+ riders strong and to date, we’ve raised more than $20,000 for this year’s 24 Hours of Booty fundraising event.
I believe that in today’s vast landscape of charity cycling events, participating in 24 Hours of Booty is the best way to continue to write The Good Ride story and further our mission. Our team includes commuter riders, BMXers, cyclocross racers, urban riders, mountain bikers, seasoned road cyclists and novices. We are cancer supporters, survivors, and co-survivors. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and neither do the goodRiders. No matter the make or model of your bike or the style of clothes you choose to ride in, we are an all-inclusive team that welcomes everyone. We only have two requirements to join the goodRider team: meet your minimum 24 Hours of Booty fundraising goal of $400 and plan to have fun!
As the founder of The Good Ride, my goal has always been to serve those currently battling cancer and the individuals who support them in their fight. With its current infrastructure, network of riders and resources, 24 Hours of Booty can more effectively distribute our fundraising dollars to assist survivors locally and across the country.
If you are looking be part of something “good” for the first time or if you are a past Good Ride event participant who wants to continue to support our mission, join us at 24 Hours of Booty this year! To become a goodRider or to donate, visit http://www.24hoursofbooty.org/goto/thegoodriders
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Michael C. Hernandez is the Founder of The Good Ride cycling event that was developed in 2013 to benefit cancer survivors through 24 Hours of Booty. He is a passionate Go-Giver interested in making a difference in the lives of others by utilizing his expertise in business, communications and new media development and execution.
