By Andy Litvak, partner, Hartman Simons
If you need a reason to dust off your old bicycle and get in shape this summer, I have a great one: Spin for Kids, an incredible bicycling weekend that raises money for an even more incredible cause, Camp Twin Lakes.
Camp Twin Lakes is a network of camps in Georgia that offers programs for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges. This year’s Spin for Kids will be Oct. 22-23 in Madison. Now in its sixth year, the event will raise money to send as many kids as possible to camp during the course of the year. Last year, the event raised $300,000.
I am honored to be on the steering committee for this year’s event. I have always been an avid cyclist, and a big fan of camp. Plus, as a father of three myself, I feel really lucky to be able to do something to help children.
Whether you are a recreational cyclist or planning to ride in this year’s Tour de France, the weekend offers something for everyone. On Saturday, Oct. 22, Spin for Kids hosts the Mountain Bike Ride. Participants can choose from 8-, 12- or 20-mile rides through Fort Yargo State Park. The road ride is held the following day on Sunday, Oct. 23. This event features 5-, 27-, 47-, 62- and 100-mile options. Following the Sunday ride, all Spin for Kids riders, along with their friends and family, are invited to a post-ride celebration featuring food, music, and fun camp activities at the beautiful facilities at Camp Twin Lakes-Rutledge.
Not only is it a weekend full of calorie-burning fun, but you are also contributing to what many campers call the highlight of their year. Attending Camp Twin Lakes is an opportunity for these children to enjoy the camp experience by learning new skills, making friends and just being kids.
At Hartman Simons, we are planning to establish a cycling team either under our firm name or in conjunction with a client to participate in the road ride. Benno Rothschild and I are already on the roster. Other corporate teams will include Taco Mac, Sweetwater Brewery, United Distributors and Halperns’.
(Laura Barnard, Chair of the Spin for Kids 2011 Steering Committee, and I posing for a photo)
It is not too late to get involved. For more information and to register, please visit Spin for Kids at www.spinforkids.org. Also, for more information regarding Camp Twin Lakes, please visit www.camptwinlakes.org.
Hope to see you in Madison!