Former Auburn University running back and 1985 Heisman trophy winner Bo Jackson plans to ride 300 miles across the state of Alabama on a Trek Bicycle in an effort to raise $1 million to benefit Gov. Robert Bentley’s Emergency Relief Fund.
The bike will be illustrated with the names of the 249 people killed in last year’s devastating tornadoes.
“The reason for this ride is for state unity and to pay homage to the great Alabamians who lost their lives on April 27, 2011,” Jackson said in a press release. “I want Bo Bikes Bama to bring hope to Alabamians whose lives were forever changed by last year’s devastating tornadoes. I encourage all my friends and fellow Alabamians to support me throughout this journey.”
Jackson will begin the ride on April 24 in Henagar and end it on April 28 at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. He will be joined by fellow sports celebrities Cornelius Bennett, Ray Lewis, Lance Armstrong and Ken Griffey Jr. While Alabamians are free to join the ride for the last three miles in Tuscaloosa, those who wish to join in beforehand may do so after making a $200 donation to the campaign.
At the end of the ride, the crew will join Tuscaloosa residents for a celebration at the amphitheater. The celebration will include a silent auction of autographed memorabilia, including the bikes used, and will also feature live entertainment.
Julie Ward, account executive for Big Communications, described Bo Bikes Bama as an eye-opener for individuals unaware of the work that still needs to be done in many storm-ravaged areas.
“Jackson’s 300-mile ride will offer a glimpse of the devastation caused by the April 2011 tornadoes,” Ward said. “The route was designed by TREK Travel to follow the path of destruction and will offer a glimpse of remaining damage from the 2011 storms.”
Jackson said Bo Bikes Bama is not a matter of sports team affiliation, but rather a cause that all Alabamians can relate to.
“This is something to recognize all of those great Alabamians that lost their lives in this tornado,” Jackson told al.com. “It doesn’t matter if they were Auburn fans, Alabama fans, Troy fans, UAB fans, [West Alabama] fans. When you have a significant loss of life in one day that we had in our state, that is enough to make you stand up and say, ‘Hey, certain things aren’t important right now.’
“If I can do anything to shine the light on the importance of us treating each other with respect and showing that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, if I can do that on a minute scale, I will feel I’ve done something worthwhile for my state and my fellow brothers and sisters.”
As of Sunday, Bo Bikes Bama has raised $198,379. Those interested in donating to the cause may do so by registering at www.bobikesbama.com.
