Bike riders invited to pedal with a purpose at Bentonville CycleNation

An upcoming event will combine six-figure fundraising and exercise.

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association (AHA), is presenting CycleNation on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the 8th Street Market in Bentonville. It’s the fourth year for the Northwest Arkansas event to raise awareness about heart disease, stroke and brain health.

Jon Davis and Tim Robinson are the local movement’s co-chairs and are recruiting companies and individuals to participate. More than a year of planning will culminate at the event, where teams of four to six stationary cyclists will ride to raise money and awareness for the AHA.

The fundraising minimum is $500 per rider or $2,500 per team. This year’s goal is $250,000, which goes toward stroke and heart disease research.

Davis is vice president and general manager of Global Walmart and Sam’s Club business with The Hershey Co. He has been incorporating spin cycling as part of his wellness routine for over five years and recently completed his 1,700th Peloton ride.

“When I moved to Northwest Arkansas seven years ago, I knew I wanted to be personally involved in the community my family and I were calling home,” he said. “So many people have been affected by heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association and CycleNation felt like such a natural fit.”

Robinson is vice president of merchandising at Walmart and has chaired the local CycleNation event since its first year in 2019.

“What’s exciting about the CycleNation movement is, it’s not just a one-day event,” said Robinson, a co-owner of Bentonville-based retail business Phat Tire Bike Shop. “Participating companies and organizations become part of something bigger. We’re not only making a significant impact on the overall health of our community through our fundraising efforts, but this initiative is designed to improve employee engagement, wellness and overall workplace health.”

Last year, this event raised $168,091. Since its inception in 2019, it has raised almost half a million dollars.

There’s more information at this link.