Over 1,200 cyclists ride for Bo Bikes Bama

AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Over 1,200 cyclists rode for a good cause Saturday morning in Auburn. The 8th annual Bo Bikes Bama event kicked off at 7 a.m.

This ride has a special impact. It’s been just under two months since the tornadoes that devastated Lee County and Saturday marked the eight-year anniversary of the deadly storms in Tuscaloosa. During the 60-mile ride, participants crossed areas of Beauregard damaged by the storms and had a one mile ride of silence.

Since the events beginning in 2012, Bo Bikes Bama has raised more than $1.5 million for Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund.

“Well today is not so much about the tornadoes of the past that were in 2011 or on March 3. It’s more about keeping Alabama strong and prepared for what may yet to come. So, this is an ongoing effort to raise funds,” said Gov. Kay Ivey. “To date we’ve been able help on repairs to 600 homes and build 68 storm shelters.”

“This is the number one state for tornado deaths, annual deaths, and long track tornadoes. The smell of pine in the air and looking around where it looks like God put homes in a wood chipper, it’s haunting,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings.

Hastings participated in the 20 mile ride.

Just before the 7 a.m. ride started off, Bo Jackson revealed that he has an anonymous friend who is matching all of the proceeds from this ride 75 to 100 percent.

Bo Bikes Bama has raised more than $130,000 this year.

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