Bike4Alz, a cross-country bike ride started by WKU’s Chi Eta chapter of Phi Gamma Delta to raise money towards Alzheimer’s Disease research, made their way back to Bowling Green on Monday after starting their trip May 18 in San Francisco.
The team of 12 students from WKU will continue to fundraise and spread awareness for Alzheimer’s as they finish their 3,600 mile route, which will end in Virginia Beach, Virginia on July 27.
“Throughout our journey, we host events in each community to highlight the profound impact of Alzheimer’s Disease,” the Bike4Alz website states. “While our team members change each year, our mission remains steadfast: to reach more people and make a greater difference with every mile.”
The current team, named “Team 13” includes members:
- Kellen Patterson
- Dalton Buhs
- Carter Chapman
- Thomas Fairchild
- Hayden Harvey
- Aiden Hornback
- John King
- Ryan Riggs
- Britton Rowe
- Mason Strunk
- Layne True
- Will Weitlauf
Bike4Alz started in 2010 after the founder, Tyler Jury, experienced the loss of his grandfather Barrett Cummings to Alzheimer’s, according to the Bike4Alz website.
Tyler and five of his fraternity brothers then decided to bike to raise money for Alzheimer’s research and during the first Bike4Alz ride from San Diego to Yorktown, Virginia, Jury and his fraternity brothers were able to raise nearly $60,000.
14 years and 12 treks later, Bike4Alz has biked almost 40,000 miles and raised $675,000, according to the Bike4Alz website. As of July 8, “Team 13” has raised almost $65,000 through donations.
“Why we ride and what keeps us going may vary from member to member, but Bike4Alz has one goal: to end Alzheimer’s Disease,” the Bike4Alz website states. “Our fraternity chapter started this mission, and we proudly pedal on for the memories made along the way.”
