Bo Jackson leads annual charity bike ride for final time
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After watching storms decimate parts of his home state on April 27, 2011, legendary two-sport athlete Bo Jackson created an event to help raise funds for those needing emergency relief.
Bo Bikes Bama was first held on the first anniversary of the storms in 2012 and this year marked the 14th year of the event. Each year, the former Auburn star led a pack of cyclists across areas of the state to raise money for Alabama’s Emergency Relief Fund.
“The reason for this ride is for state unity and to pay homage to the great Alabamians who lost their lives on April 27th, 2011. I am my brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.”
Bo Jackson
Despite some rainy weather, the event still took place over the first weekend in May, marking the final year of Bo Bikes Bama.
Bo Bikes Bama
The organization announced this year would be the final year for the event with Jackson once again leading the way with different routes passing through the beautiful Auburn University campus.
60-mile riders got to explore the scenic Tuskegee and Macon County areas. There was also an option for a 20-mile ride.
But the weekend provided much more than just exercise. Friday included an opportunity for a VIP golf experience with Bo Jackson + a kick-off party at Red Clay Brewing in Opelika.
And for people who couldn’t make it out to the ride, the organization offered opportunities to join the fun from home through a virtual bike ride, online auction + other fundraising efforts.
Emergency Relief Funds
Bo Jackson grew up in the Birmingham metro and graduated from McAdory High School before becoming a baseball + football star at Auburn. So when the April 27 storms hit across the state, Jackson wanted to step up.
- $2.53 million raised
- Over 600,000 miles biked
- Riders from 39 states
- 735 homes repaired/served
- 75 safe rooms built
- 10 emergency warning sirens installed
And although the ride is completed, you can still make donations through the organization by going to their website. Bo Bikes Bama has also said it plans to make leftover merchandise available online soon.
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