5th Annual Jeff Sherman Memorial Bike Ride

My dad passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2012 from heart surgery complications. For years I had this idea of organizing a charity bike ride in his honor and in 2018, the first Jeff Sherman Memorial Bike Ride took place. This is the fifth year we've raised money for Christ Saves Hearts, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and advocate for the awareness of heart disparities among all racial and ethnic minorities, with the hope to inspire and empower all mankind that has been impacted by heart disease through the love of God, education, resources, and community outreach.

Christ Saves Hearts is an organization that was started by my friend and colleague, Koren Underdue-Bowman. Koren tragically lost her husband to sudden cardiac arrest and when we met, one of our first conversation was bonding over the unexpected deaths of our loved ones. Last year, CSH established the Jeff Sherman Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to high school students who have been impacted by heart disease to use towards their higher education expenses. This year we are hoping to raise $10,000 for this years scholarship fund.

This year, the ride will take place on Oct. 22. We meet in the parking lot of Hi-Wire Brewing company in downtown Durham at 11 am and usually start the ride around 11:30. We ride 16 miles on the American Tobacco Trail, stop for snacks and water at a park, and then turn around and ride back to Hi-Wire where we have lunch provided. The ride is not a race and is open to anyone who wants to participate.

This is a fun, family friendly event that has grown organically over the years and means a lot to my family and I. We are truly grateful to everyone who donates, rides, and supports us as we work toward our goal of raising $10,000 in scholarship money.

We'll see you on Oct. 22!