The Annual Great Lakes Independence Ride, or “IRide,” is an exciting, four-day inclusive cycling event in which people with and without disabilities ride all the way from the west coast of Michigan to Ann Arbor to promote advocacy and awareness for individuals with disabilities. Last year, 150 people participated in the event, and 35 cyclists rode the entire journey from Holland to Ann Arbor. This year we expect attendance to be even larger.
The growing popularity of IRide stems from the fact that it is the only inclusive cycling event of its kind in Michigan. IRide is a fun event for riders and spectators of all ages, that encourages cycling and fitness through full inclusion, regardless of the type of cycle someone rides.
This year, the event is starting on August 5th in Three Oaks, just south of Benton Harbor, near the coast of Lake Michigan. Cyclists can ride one full day, two days, all four days, or join in at the Final Mile Celebration. The skilled group of athletes making the full trek will travel 240 miles through Three Rivers, Hillsdale, and Jackson, and finish at the Ann Arbor CIL on August 8th.
On August 8th at 3:00 PM, upon the completion of the 4-day ride, the Ann Arbor CIL is hosting its annual celebration of the ride and commemorating the 20th Anniversary the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This special dual celebration is called “Destination Independence,” to reflect the accomplishments of the unique riders and the accomplishments of the landmark law.
Guests and speakers at the special event will include Congressman John Dingell, who was an author of the ADA in 1990. Other dignitaries anticipated to appear include State Representatives Alma Wheeler-Smith and Kathy Angerer, State Senator Liz Brater, and County Commissioners Jeff Irwin and Mark Ouimet. Patrons to the finale event are invited to participate in the Final Mile of the ride or be part of welcoming the cyclists at the finish line and cheering for their accomplishment. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Adam Rose, 16, and his family participate in IRide every year. Adam says, “I’ve done a lot of sports events, and IRide is the best event I’ve done.” Adam is a competitive handcyclist and regularly participates in elite-level cycling events around Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. He says, “no matter what disability you have, IRide shows you that you can do what able-bodied people can. It says you can do anything.” Adam has a T10 spinal cord injury which he sustained from a rare adverse reaction to chemotherapy treatment for leukemia when he was four years old. As a result Adam is paralyzed from the waist down.
Glen Ashlock, Director of the Ann Arbor CIL’s expanding Sports and Recreation program, says, “IRide is an amazing event that represents the athletic accomplishments of individuals with significant mobility impairments. What’s important about IRide is the message it sends to the athletic community. Our event is the only cycling event in Michigan that is fully accessible to people with disabilities. Our aim is to encourage other events to use IRide as an example to make their rides fully accessible for all who want to participate in athletic events.” Expanding inclusive recreation opportunities around Michigan is an important goal of the Ann Arbor CIL’s.
In addition to increasing disability awareness and encouraging inclusiveness, the IRide plays an important role in raising funds for Disability Network/Michigan, the consortium of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) around the state. Sponsorships support the event as well as raise needed funds for CILs.
The Ann Arbor CIL is a community enrichment, learning and advocacy center offering classes, individual supports, events, and resources that help individuals with disabilities advance and improve their lives.
The Ann Arbor CIL thanks its generous sponsors of the event, which include Domino’s Pizza, Fusion Medical, Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, Subway, AATA, Busch’s, Arbor Wellness Massage Therapy, Arctic Breakaway Restaurant, Miner’s Den Jewelers, Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express, the Buckman Group, and more.
For more information, contact Glen Ashlock, Director of Sports and Recreation at the Ann Arbor CIL. (734) 971-0277 x 33 or glen@aacil.org.
