Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Bill Van Tassel
LEEDS — Students at Leeds Central School got a big surprise during a Sept. 28 assembly in the school gymnasium, when Olympian and professional cyclist Freddie Rodriguez entered the gym on a bike, then gave a talk about health and fitness.
But it turned out that wasn’t all — 10 students at the school also were given new bikes, courtesy of a foundation formed by Rodriguez, the Fast Freddie Foundation, which gives free bikes to kids in order to encourage fitness.
Rodriguez was joined by Dennis Richardson, of Turner, who met Rodriguez while doing his first Dempsey Challenge 50-mile bike ride a few years ago. The two became friends, and formed Dennis and Freddies Excellent Adventure Global Relay, which raises money for the foundation and takes place in Turner, Richardson’s hometown.
Richardson credits Rodriguez and Patrick Dempsey, a childhood friend, with getting him to give up smoking live a healthier lifestyle.
Rodriguez emphasized to the Leeds students the need to stay healthy and fit, and the special benefits of cycling.
The Tour de France star, nicknamed Fast Freddie, then got the kids up for some calisthenics.
The highlight of the visit was when 10 names were picked randomly, each child whose name was called came forward and was given a bike. The students were also were given packs full of bicycle and health-related items, including, of course, a helmet. Similar giveaways have been held in Minot, Auburn and Norway schools.
The Excellent Adventure fundraising rides have raised thousands since he began in 2015. The ride has 25 to 200-mile distances. The initial event raised $5,000 and since then they’ve raised between $10,000 and $20,000.
A new goal has been set at $25,000. The longer rides have a relay option for teams.
National cycling champion Freddie Rodriguez fastens the new helmet of Leeds Central School fifth grader Steve Witham. Steve was one of 10 students given a new bicycle from Rodriguez’s Fast Freddie Foundation. (Bill Van Tassel photo)
