Riding for good cause

The 17th annual Courage Ride made its inaugural Washington launch Saturday.

For the first time, the ride, which traditionally treks through northern Washington County and southern Johnson County, had a Kewash Trail option.

“We always wanted to get more of the local communities involved,” Courage Ride founder Jackie Bailey said. “Iowa City went really well, so we thought we would go south to Washington.

“The Kewash Trail is a perfect trail. We’re hoping to get a lot of families involved in riding the Kewash Trail.”

More than 400 riders took off from Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City on Saturday morning. A smaller number launched from the Washington County Fairgrounds.

“We had 15 pre-registered riders as of Friday night,” Bailey said. “We had 21 this morning, and we expect more to come throughout the day.”

Bailey said that the hope is to bring the Courage Ride back to Washington next year.

“This is our first year to do Washington,” she said. “We’re hoping we get enough participants to keep it each year. I’ve been very happy with who has come so far.”

One group of friends from the Kalona area decided to start their ride in Washington.

“The ride’s going great so far,” Matthew Yoder said as he and his friends prepared their bikes for the ride. “We ate breakfast.

“It’s a nice ride and a good cause. We all know Jackie personally from the community.”

Nathaniel De Avila added, “I think she taught everybody phys ed.”

Bailey and her husband, Tom, founded the Courage Ride in 2005 to honor their son, Seth, who was diagnosed with soft-tissue synovial sarcoma cancer and died in 2003.

All proceeds from the Courage Ride go to the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Sarcoma Research Program.

“I’m a member of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center,” Michael Schnieders of Iowa City said. “In addition to just liking to ride, I appreciate being able to support the fundraising goal of the ride.”

Schneiders and two friends started their ride in Iowa City.

“It’s a beautiful day, and we’re trying to support the cause for cancer research,” David Nembhard of Iowa City said. “A couple of friends and I have ridden around before from Iowa City.

“It seemed like a perfect opportunity to get together and support a great cause.”

Elliott Sohn of Iowa City appreciated being able to enjoy a beautiful day with friends.

“It’s a great cause, and I get to ride with my friends,” Sohn said. “It’s a great way to burn calories, get some exercise and be in the great state of Iowa.”