Tyler Klassen has been getting kids on bikes for over 10 years. He was the founder behind Riders for Striders, an adventure charity motorcycle ride to get kids on bikes.
Rewind to 2013 when Klassen learned of a little girl named Presley who was going through cancer treatment at a hospital in Utah. Presley was a huge Strider Bike fan and would ride her Strider through the halls of the hospital. Klassen was inspired by Presley and loved the idea of kids being able to ride bikes around the hospital during tough times. An idea sparked in his mind to start a motorcycle charity ride to get kids on bikes. After exchanging a few calls with Strider and the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, his idea was a “go.”
The ride is 180 miles and takes place on the back roads of Indiana. There is a $55 registration fee and an option for riders to purchase a Strider Bike for a child in need. The first year, 32 riders showed up to support the cause despite the pouring rain.
“The ride has always been a great way to kick off summer,” said Klassen. “Since 2013, we have never cancelled the event. A lot of people look forward to coming out and showing their support. I have a friend, Gabor, who has attended all 10 rides.”
This year, Riders for Striders celebrated its 10th annual ride, and over 80 riders got in on the action.
Over the past decade, the group has donated roughly 40 bikes to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital for kids to ride during their stays and 45 bikes to Gigi’s Playhouse, a down syndrome achievement center which provides program and support for people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Today, Riders for Striders has transitioned into sponsoring local elementary schools with the All Kids Bike Program. All Kids Bike is a national movement that places learn-to-ride programs in Kindergarten PE classes using Strider Bikes. To date, Riders for Striders has funded three schools in Columbus, Indiana. In addition to funding the schools and getting the program rolling, Riders for Striders participants will go to the school to help build the bike rack and assemble the Strider Bikes so that the students are able to ride them immediately.
Klassen’s ultimate goal is to get as many kids on bikes as possible and to watch the event grow for years to come.
