Dear Kansas City Cycling Community,
After nearly a month following the shelter at home directive in the Kansas City metro, in response to the global pandemic, we have each experienced profound changes to our daily lives. For each of us, our priority and our energy is focused first on the well-being of our families, while we also each do our part to bring unity and positivity to our community.
Each day is a new adventure in navigating these uncertain times—including finding ways to engage in outdoor activity, for your physical and mental well-being. Under Mayor Quinton Lucas’ “Stay at Home” order, Kansas Citians are encouraged to continue walking, running, hiking or biking, provided we all comply with social distancing requirements. With reduced vehicle traffic, some of us are exploring new and exhilarating cycling routes, particularly through streets of our urban city center.
Earlier this year, two of Kansas City’s established charity cycling events—Tour de Hope, benefiting The Hope Center; and, The Head for the Cure Foundation, benefiting the KU Cancer Center—teamed up with BikeWalkKC to encourage cyclists to “ride with a purpose.” In light of the pandemic, the Tour de Hope ride, originally scheduled for May 3; and, the Head for the Cure ride, originally scheduled for June 7, have both shifted to virtual rides. Nonetheless, we remain committed to our respective charities; and, in partnership with BikeWalkKC, we are united in our encouragement and advocacy to continue riding safely throughout Kansas City.
It’s our collective hope that you and your bike can join the Tour de Hope and Head for the Cure virtual rides in May and June; and BikeWalkKC’s Tour de Bier, now scheduled for August 9.
On behalf of respective communities we serve at the Hope Center, the brain tumor community, and the whole of the greater Kansas City cycling community, we are grateful for your support. And as the skies clear, and we look to sunny days ahead, we send our best wishes for health and comfort to you and your loved ones.
Please keep riding. Keep riding safely. And keep riding with a purpose.
Sincerely,
Matt Anthony, President, Head for the Cure
Bill Hicks, President, Tour de Hope
Eric Rogers, Executive Director, BikeWalkKC
