Pedal With A Purpose is an annual indoor cycling event to help fund the Akron Area YMCA‘s Annual Campaign. This year’s event took place on Saturday, March 7, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Riverfront YMCA at in Cuyahoga Falls.
Participants were encouraged to collect $20 in pledges for each half hour they cycle. Certified instructors were on-hand with upbeat music to inspire the cyclists and monitor activity.
A silent auction, inflatables, raffle prizes, face painting, and bake sale added to the family fun. Individuals and businesses participated also by underwriting a bicycle or donating a gift basket or raffle prize.
As a member of the Akron leadership group, Torchbearers, I took part in Pedal With A Purpose during a special timeslot dedicated to a competitive heat between Torchbearers and Young Professionals of Akron. We took our spots on the stationary bikes in the spinning class and we pedaled as many miles as possible for a half an hour. The team with the most collective miles would win bragging rights for an entire year (that’s a big deal). 
I pedaled my arse off (really – my behind was hurting pretty bad after the intense spin class) and was sweating buckets and buckets. My quads were burning every time the instructor had us stand up and pedal. But, in the end, it was all worth it, because not only did I help raise money for the YMCA, I was able to burn a TON of calories and get my rear in gear. And, best of all, the Torchbearers ended up taking home the proverbial gold medal, as we had pedaled the most miles (a cherry on the sundae was that I pedaled more miles than any other participant, but let’s not get too cocky LOL).I really enjoyed my very first spin class, and it is making me really excited for the warm weather to arrive so I can hit the bike trails OUTSIDE!
Pedal with a Purpose
