Four of CREATE Inc.’s youth cyclists are invited to take part in the London to Paris 24-Hour Cycling Challenge this coming May. For the first time, youth riders, alongside their coaches, will be allowed to partake in this international event, which takes cyclists across 185 miles from London’s Greenwich neighborhood to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our youth to represent their community on an international stage. We are beyond excited and incredibly proud of them being chosen to participate in the London to Paris Challenge,” said Toyia Barnes, program director of CREATE Inc.
CREATE will start its trip April 29 with the ride taking place May 1-2. The four youths participating are 11 years old (two of them), 12 years old, and 17 years old. As a prerequisite to be able to be a part of this ride, each of them completed the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia, where cyclists ride on a weeklong path, averaging about 55 miles per day. Students are also required to be able to complete 400 miles within a week and ride at a “steady pace” of 15 miles per hour.
“This particular event will be the most grueling trip we have ever done. It will have them completing 185 miles within 24 hours with 60 miles to begin, and then they arrive on a ferry with beds and will sleep for seven hours and then they will ride 120 miles,” said Barnes. “So, these youth are trained and prepared. Each of these students can do a century, which means they can ride 100 miles in a day. But we are starting continuous training now to ensure students stay capable and ready.”
CREATE Inc. was provided students’ quarterly grades by the school district and confirmed students were doing well in school with no behavioral issues before being allowed to attend.
“This is more than just a cycling trip ... it’s an educational experience.
Students will be expected to pick from one of three projects that they will then present to the public upon their return,” said Barnes.
“Those projects will be done primarily on the few days before the ride.”
Students will take a pre-trip class, learning about foreign currency and exchange rates.
During the trip, students can choose between Money Miles & Meals where they document their expenses and prices to create an infographic, a cycling mileage log to document their cycling growth and capture video of their journey for a presentation, or complete photo essays comparing communities in London and Paris while touring historic sites.
“They will learn, they will grow, and it will be an unforgettable experience.
These youth will be the first to participate in this event, as it is the firsttime young people have been invited to attend,” said Barnes. “We are offering many ways for our community to support their ride. Any amount helps.”
To support the ride, anyone may donate Delta Sky Miles, sponsor students, sponsor specific areas (like flights, registration, et cetera), offer a corporate sponsorship, or donate any amount at createwithus. net. CREATE will also host fundraising events throughout the year prior to the event that anyone may support. The fundraising goal is $25,000.