Cycling St. Mary for a good cause

When Ky Griffin woke up Wednesday morning in Abbeville, the cyclist hoped to make a successful trip to Morgan City that afternoon.

But he wasn’t alone.

Griffin joined 44 other cyclists rolling through St. Mary Parish on day four of the American Red Cross Tour du Rouge last week.

“The ride was specifically designed to go along the Gulf Coast, which was affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and more recently Gustav and Ike,” said American Red Cross Communications Coordinator Rebekah Cain. “They are riding to raise money and awareness about the American Red Cross and its missions, specifically disaster preparedness.”

Riders began the trek in Houston last Sunday, and 525 miles and six days later, the group rode into New Orleans with sweat on their skin and love in their hearts.

That’s because the 40 men and five women making the journey all had to raise a minimum of $2,400 to participate in the 2nd annual American Red Cross sponsored event.

“Half of the fundraising goal goes straight to the [local] American Red Cross [chapters], and then there are other sponsorships that go right to the American Red Cross as well,” said Cain.

In the Jasper, Texas, resident’s second consecutive year participating in the fundraiser, Griffin was determined to make this year’s experience in St. Mary Parish a little better than last year’s.

“I’m just thankful to make it this far,” he said after last week’s lunch stop in Franklin. “Last year, I had a fall somewhere outside of this town and had a concussion. I don’t really remember a lot about it, so I’m glad to be here.”

Although Griffin may not remember his first trip to St. Mary Parish, his memories of American Red Cross hurricane assistance made the decision to get back on the bike this year a no brainier.

“When Hurricane Rita hit Jasper, I was about 30 days without electricity at my business, and the American Red Cross provided food for my staff so we could continue to operate,” said Griffin. “Then Hurricane Ike hit Woodville, which I have a business there also, the American Red Cross provided food there, too. I just saw first hand what the American Red Cross does to help people in a disaster situation.”

Like Griffin, fellow rider Stephen Sachnik overcame physical problems to take part in the weeklong excursion.

“I haven’t ridden a bike in three years,” he said nearly halfway through the race. “I can’t tell you how tough it’s been, when your body is not used to it.”

But the Houston resident’s perseverance raised almost $11,000 for the Red Cross, making him the event’s highest donator.

“I told people that I’m 53 years old, and I’m going to ride a bike from Houston to New Orleans, so give me money,” he said. “And they said, ‘If you’re stupid enough to do that, we’ll give you money.'”

Sachnik said he contacted about 100 people and received donations from about 50.

“My average was probably about $100,” he said. “I got a few $250 (donations), a couple for $500 and one for $1,000.”

But for more serious cyclists like Missouri City, Texas’ Gregory Tennesse, the Tour du Rouge is a chance to not only give back to the community but to challenge yourself physically.

“It’s probably the closest I’m going to get in my life to being a professional rider,” Tennesse said, smiling. “I’ve been a serious cyclist since 1984, and I’ve done scores and scores of organized rides or tours and to do one of this magnitude where we cover this amount of mileage over a week’s time is probably unique in of itself.”

Tennesse challenged his friends and family to match his own personal donation of $100, and he said several exceeded it.

“I really, truly believe in the theme of me being my brothers keeper, and you’d like to think should a misfortune hit on your own doorstep, there would be people willing to step forward to help you out with your circumstances,” said Tennesse. “So if you’re going to expect that, then you should be willing to give as well as receive.”

Cain said the Red Cross plans on sponsoring the event again next year, and anyone interested can contact her at (504) 620-3105.

Cyclists Darrell Hayslip (front) and Bill Wesley lead 43 other cyclists into Franklin last Wednesday. The pit stop in St. Mary Parish was part of six-day, 525-mile journey from Houston to New Orleans. * Photo by RICHARD FISHER