News

Bicyclist joins cross-state ride to benefit Bruce Drysale

By Bill Moss, Published: August 31, 2012

Hendersonville cyclist A.J. Ball will depart on a 430-mile trek from Brevard to Carolina Beach on Sept. 30 in an effort to raise money for Bruce Drysdale Elementary School.With the community's partnership, A.J. hopes his trek in the Cycle North Carolina "Mountains to the Sea Bike Ride" will raise $30,000 in support of academic and fitness programs for students.
"The energy and environment at BDS is incredibly positive and uplifting," said Ball, who has two family members attending the school this year. "Because the staff and students are so focused on their goals, they are making great strides. Their positive attitudes and determination to succeed have inspired me to dedicate this ride to them," he said. Ball will join 1,500 other cyclists from around the world on the journey which culminates on Oct. 7.
Bruce Drysdale School principal Christine Smith said that donations generated by the ride would offset expenses for special priority projects, ranging from funds for technology vouchers for apps for school iPads to improvements to the playground areas, including handicapped-accessible elements and upgraded play equipment. "Not only am I amazed that a group of people would voluntarily ride 430 miles on bicycles in just seven days, but also to sponsor a school to raise money for education," Smith said. "We are thrilled with this opportunity."
Another element of the challenge is to get students involved in a hands-on capacity. BDS students will be able to 'ride alongside A.J.' by accumulating their own miles on the homefront. Students are chal- lenged to ride their bikes 20 miles a week over a 3-week period and will also work to collect monetary pledges for their miles in support of A.J.'s ride.
Community support of the ride is being sought in a number of ways, explained Angie Reid, BDS Parent Involvement Coordinator and PTO President. "We're looking for sponsorships at flat dollar amounts or we're asking folks to simply sponsor A.J. by the mile. We would love to have the support of the business community too." Reid noted that businesses can become involved by devoting 10% of their sales for a day to the ride or earmark $1.00 from the sale of a specific item over the course of the ride. All businesses or individuals who participate can choose to be promoted on a blog detailing the ride.
"This is just an extraordinary way to support an extraordinary school. We hope that we'll have plenty of company cheering for A.J. as he makes his way to the coast." Reid added that more information about the Mountains to the Sea Bike Ride can be obtained by calling Bruce Drysdale Elementary School at 828-697-5568.