AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn University Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson is marking a decade of fundraising bicycle rides to help victims of the 2011 tornado outbreak that devastated much of Alabama.
The 10th annual “Bo Bikes Bama” event was held on Saturday in a virtual format because of the coronavirus pandemic. Rather than riding through the state as a group, participants this year joined in through an online platform with simulated group rides.
“Ride wherever you can, raise how much you can because it’s all for a good cause,” Jackson said in a video posted on social media.
A small, VIP group ride through Auburn and Opelika was held Friday with safety precautions.
The first “Bo Bikes Bama” was held after dozens of twisters killed about 250 people and wiped out entire communities on April 27, 2011. An announcement by organizers says the rides have raised more than $2 million in all for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, which has helped build community safe rooms, repair homes and provide other assistance.
Perfect time after the #VIP ride for @BoBikesBama to see an old friend #wardamneagle pic.twitter.com/0OeyoTnugN
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) April 23, 2021
Young Boozer, former State Treasurer of AL, has ridden in #bobikesbama almost every year. This year, he clocked 400 mi, the distance from the AL/TN line to Dauphin Island in support of the cause! We know the weather isn’t great for your From Home Ride but support when you can! pic.twitter.com/sa5cHYKDWu
— Bo Bikes Bama (@BoBikesBama) April 24, 2021
Just before 7 am: rolling out for 2021 #BoBikesBama (in Boston)! pic.twitter.com/46qlCnOOVt
— Andrew Welch (@amccw71) April 24, 2021
This isn’t about Auburn, this isn’t about Tuscaloosa, this isn’t about who you cheer for on Saturday. This is about supporting your local man.”
Although this year’s #BoBikesBama ride is virtual, the impact is just as important as year’s past.
STORY: https://t.co/JlBGqxsCyb pic.twitter.com/muC6ssJcRe
— Hailey Sutton (@_HaileySutton) April 23, 2021