Pedal for Pat

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces new partnership with professional cycling team, Nashville Local Cycling (NLC). NLC photo with PFA Ambassador.

Pedal for Alzheimer’s Announces Partnership with Professional Cycling Team

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces new partnership with professional cycling team, Nashville Local Cycling (NLC) making Pedal for Alzheimer’s the official non-profit charity of NLC. The two organizations are committed to utilizing cycling events and teams to further the growth and mission to spread awareness and raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

“The nationally recognized cycling team brings a new element to Pedal for Alzheimer’s as we proudly partner with NLC to take both organizations to the next level,” Josh Crisp, Founder of Pedal for Alzheimer’s said. “The group’s level of competitive drive along with a shared passion to fight Alzheimer’s makes for a great partnership.”

NLC is a cycling team with a footprint large enough to encourage true change and growth in the sport. The team features professional, club and a junior level of cyclists. Through cycling events such as crit races, group rides and fondo series, the partnership encourages increased use of cycling events to rally passionate individuals to carry the fight to Alzheimer’s.

“Nashville Local Cycling is thrilled to partner with Pedal for Alzheimer’s. The level of passion and work ethic these two groups bring together is fantastic and I expect great things,” Michaelee Bowes, President of Nashville Local Cycling said. “Always surround yourself with people that elevate you. With this partnership, I see our race team and our ability to help a wonderful cause taken to a whole new level.”

Since the inception of NLC, the team has focused on growth. Through racing bikes locally, encouraging new individuals to enter the sport and live healthier lifestyles, NLC provides a unique experience for both club and professional riders to promote cycling through community outreach, and competition at all levels.

“NLC has a legacy of using their well known and established platform to help organizations like Pedal for Alzheimer’s. This partnership is a testament to two organizations striving to make a difference not only in the cycling community but a passion for helping those affected with Alzheiemr’s,” said Monk Feehery, Event Manager for Pedal for Alzheimer’s. “I couldn’t be more excited to be working hand in hand with the NLC team to continue the fight against Alzheimer’s together.”

The organizations will provide opportunities for events nationally in 2024. Learn more about events and ways to get involved at pedalforalzheimers.org.

Pedal for Pat Event Raises $50,000 to Benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation

The Pedal for Pat charity cycling event announces it raised $50,000 to benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation. The 501(c)3 nonprofit, Pedal for Alzheimer’s, hosted the 12-day, 1,098-mile cycling event in honor of each of Coach Pat Summitt’s 1,098 victories. The team pedaled through five states with stops at some of the South’s finest universities to honor Summitt’s legacy and spread awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

“The mission of the organization is made possible due to elite humans like those who pedaled, volunteered, and supported Pedal for Pat,” Josh Crisp, Board President said. “It is through generosity and commitment that we are able to support the great work of the Pat Summitt Foundation.”

The organization was pleased to team up with Lady Vol MVP and Hall of Famer Michelle Marciniak to show respect to her beloved basketball coach and mentor, the late-legendary coach Pat Summitt.

“This team accomplished so much together, and I know Pat would be proud,” Michelle Marciniak, Summitt Cyclist said. “The Pedal for Alzheimer’s organization is doing great work, and I’m proud to work with them and the Foundation to carry on the fight against Alzheimer’s in Pat’s honor.”

Marciniak continues to show dedication to making a difference in memory of Pat Summitt by reflecting on the profound impact that the legendary coach had not only on her life but on the lives of countless others.

Pedal for Pat Team 2023 Pat Summitt Foundation beneficiary of event by Pedal for Alzheimer's raised by cycling team from across the country

The Pat Summitt Foundation was started by Pat and Tyler Summitt in 2011 to advance research for a cure, provide support for patients and caregivers, and promote education and awareness. The Foundation carries out its mission by supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the region, including the Pat Summitt Clinic. In conjunction with UT Medical Center, the Clinic opened its doors in 2017 and has since treated over 5,000 patients from 25 states. More information on the work of the Foundation can be found at PatSummitt.org.

“Pat was determined to beat this disease and make an impact. We are proud to continue her fight. We couldn’t have the success we do or reach the amount of patients and caregivers without the help from groups like Pedal for Alzheimer’s and the Summitt Cyclists,” said Morgan Vance, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Pat Summitt Foundation.

The Pedal for Pat team, led by Josh Crisp and Michelle Marciniak, will present a check to the Pat Summitt Foundation at the Lady Vols basketball game at Thompson Boling Arena on Sunday, January 7th at noon EST.

Lady Vol Alumni Michelle Marciniak participates in Pedal for Pat in Honor of Pat Summitt

PEDAL FOR PAT RIDERS LOG MILES AND MEMORIES

Before Michelle Marciniak decided to get on a bike to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease, she estimated the farthest she had ever pedaled was 25 miles. In September, the former Lady Vol point guard will join the Pedal for Pat peloton for 1,098 miles across five states in 12 days.

Do you back Pat? Graphic 1098 Miles 12 days 1 mission media

THE PEDAL FOR PAT 1,098-MILE CHARITY CYCLING EVENT IS BACK

The Pat Summitt Foundation and Pat Summitt Clinic Named Beneficiary of the 12-Day Event in Memory of Pat Summitt

Pedal for Alzheimer’s announces the Pedal for Pat, 1,098-mile, 12-day charity cycling event is set for September 11-22, 2023. The event will feature a tour of the south’s finest universities, beginning in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee. The team of 12 Summitt Cyclists will pedal into several universities along the route while gaining support from SEC schools, the SEC Network offices in Birmingham, and others.

Six years after the inaugural Pedal for Pat event, founder Josh Crisp teamed up with organization alumni and Lady Vol MVP Michelle Marciniak to bring back the event.

“I’m super excited to bring back the Pedal for Pat event because this was the foundational event that paved the way for Pedal for Alzheimer’s,” Josh Crisp, Founder and Board President said. “I think if Coach Summitt was with us, she would be extremely proud of what the huge and growing team of volunteers has worked on to honor her legacy. Pat always said ‘you win with people’ and I’m honored to witness the growing team of supporters that have joined the fight against Alzheimer’s in honor of her. We are happy to continue to support the great work of The Pat Summitt Foundation and The Pat Summitt Clinic.”

In the first Pedal for Pat event in 2017, the 1,098-mile bike ride raised over $100,000 for the Pat Summitt Foundation in honor of late-legendary basketball coach Pat Summitt’s 1,098 career NCAA wins. That event became the 501c3 non-profit Pedal for Alzheimer’s, Ltd. which serves as the umbrella organization that creates and manages charity cycling events to benefit organizations that are involved in Alzheimer’s research, education, support and care.

Hall of famer and Lady Vol MVP alumni, Michelle Marciniak, witnessed her beloved college basketball coach, Pat Summitt, die at age 62, diagnosed with ‘early onset’ at age 57. When Pat was diagnosed, Michelle began to carry the torch for Alzheimer’s awareness in her honor and became part of the Pedal for Alzheimer’s organization.

“Everyone’s family either has been or will be touched by this awful disease,” Michelle Marciniak said. “As a former point guard for Pat, I feel it is my calling to shed the brightest of lights on Pat’s legacy to help people understand why one courageous woman’s fight can be the reason for a cure. I am thrilled and personally motivated to join Josh, the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Pat Summitt Clinic in this year’s Pedal for Pat ride.”

Funds from this year’s Pedal for Pat will benefit the Pat Summitt Foundation and the Pat Summitt Clinic.

The Pedal for Pat event will be officially announced at the Lady Vols vs. Florida “We Back Pat” game on January 19, 2023 at Thompson Boling Arena. Media is invited.

Game: We Back Pat – Lady Vols vs. Univ. of Florida
Location: Thompson Boling Arena
Date: Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023
Tip off: 6:30PM

Title sponsors of the event are Solinity Marketing and SHEEX. For interested cyclists, volunteers and sponsors, contact Pedal for Alzheimer’s at pedalforalzheimers.org.