Sheboygan's Salvation Ride turns 10 this year. Here's a look at its beginnings and its decade of impact.
SHEBOYGAN – Just more than 10 years ago, the Sheboygan Salvation Army leadership knew their Christmas in July program wasn't bringing in enough funds needed to sustain the organization's programs.
In 2013, Robert Radzins, then a Wigwam staff member and Salvation Army advisory board member, dug deep within to make a difference.
Radzins, an ardent bicyclist, helped develop The Salvation Ride as a way to support The Salvation Army and its programs that help the Sheboygan-area community.
Radzins said in a Sheboygan Press clipping from 2014: "This will never challenge the Red Kettle Campaign, but this is an additional resource. It'll be a nice plug or shot in arm for them in middle of summer as opposed to having to wait till Christmas again."
The first ride start point was the gravely parking lot of the old Sheboygan Armory. Today, the ride starts at King Park, 1615 S. Seventh St., in Sheboygan.
As the word got out about the event, riders from around the Midwest would pack up their bikes and travel to Sheboygan for the ride, which today offers routes of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles.
That first ride covered the same distances, except it offered a 62.5-mile ride instead of today's 75-mile ride. Today, some 40% of the riders come from outside of Sheboygan County and about 5% come from out of state, according to Salvation Army Development Director Carrye Jo Cony. Cony added that all the fees and donations for the ride help people in Sheboygan County.
At the time of the first ride, Lt. Daryl Mangeri, the then commander of the Sheboygan Salvation Army, said the ride is proving to be revolutionary. He added then: "This is a very tough time for nonprofits. If nothing else, (the ride) increased awareness because need knows no season."
Sheboygan County's fairly gentle hills and agreeable July weather helped the ride to get a following from bicycling clubs and organizations wishing to make a difference.
“This event is a collective effort,” said Lt. Heather Gladney of The Salvation Army. “Every rider, sponsor and volunteer plays a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of those we serve. We are grateful for the continued support and are excited to celebrate this milestone with our community.”
Since that first ride in 2014, more than a half a million dollars has been raised to support the Army's mission. This year, the ride organizers have a goal of $75,000.
Local companies stepped up to support the new event back in 2014. Wigwam, a local sock manufacturer that has supported the ride from day one, today will offer a complimentary pair of socks as a token of appreciation to registered riders.
Other local companies, Acuity and Sargento, are this year's presenting sponsors. Their contributions and support have helped the ride reach its milestones, which ensure the continued success of The Salvation Army's social service programs.
Registration for the Salvation Ride is now open. This year's ride will be July 13. Salvation Army's development director said people can save money by registering online or by mail before July 12. In-person registration is also available 4-6 p.m. July 12 and on the day of the event July 13, starting at 6:30 a.m. at King Park.
To join the ride and support the cause, visit thesalvationride.org. Additional event details and route information are also available on the website.
Gary C. Klein can be reached at 920-453-5149 or [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @leicaman99.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Salvation Ride supports Salvation Army in 10th year in 2024
