Pedaling for the Kids | Video

Michelle San Miguel | 4/30/2012

Hundreds of people packed into a gym on Saturday to break a sweat for a good cause. Riders were pounding the pedals at the 16th annual Great American Bike Race to raise money for children with cerebral palsy and related disabilities.
It`s loud. It`s hot. And it`s crowded. That`s what riders at Century High School in Bismarck have come to expect and enjoy about the race.

"Someone came in and said, `Is this the busy time?` And I said, `No. The whole time has been the busy time,`" said Melanie Carvell, co-director of the race.

This year two young men were selected to be the stars of the race: 14-year-old Tyler Schwab and 16-year-old Nathan Zent.

"So many people are recognizing him this year and coming up and congratulating him. Just telling him he`s doing a great job so it`s just been a very special day for him," said Tania Zent, Nathan`s mother.

"Every year that we come back it`s like a big GABR family and it just makes you feel like there`s just so much support and love for all the kids and it`s wonderful," said Jessica Schwab, Tyler`s mother.

And like any race, there`s a fair share of friendly competition. For 20 minutes, these riders spin the pedals as fast as they can, hoping they`ll outdo the rest of their team.

"I try not to worry too much about how many miles I get," Tania said. "Just do my best as Nathan`s cheering me on, hoping I do my best."

The money raised at the race helps children living with cerebral palsy and related conditions pay for things that insurance won`t cover. The event`s also a reminder that there are many others in the community who are facing similar challenges.

"Sometimes lifelong friendships are formed here and it`s just nice to have other people going through the same situation that you are. To visit with them and see how things are going for them and get a little bit of support," Tania said.

And like every year, the riders do it for the kids.

Last year`s race raised about $300,000. Organizers say they won`t know how much money was raised at this year`s race until next week because of the sheer number of donations they`ve received.

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