Friends and family -
I am proud to work at Grady. Our ER is the only place that many in Atlanta can turn to when they're sick or injured, or just can't bear to be out in the cold one more night. Every shift I hear heartbreaking stories of the challenges my patients must bear: the father who works three jobs to support his wife and child, only able to come at 3am to refill his blood pressure medicine. The pregnant teen, beaten by the father of her child. The schizophrenic man who already lost a foot to diabetes, now coming with frostbite and likely to lose more toes. The grandmother raising her incarcerated daughter's kids in a neighborhood so riddled with violence that we'd never step foot there. These same patients and others tell me they wouldn't go anywhere else, that they've been coming to "the Gradys" since they were born and will until they die. Grady is also where all of us would want to go if we were badly injured, knowing that we'd get the best care possible, and the best chance of a full recovery.
This is my first group bike ride (as you know I'm not much of what you'd call an athlete), and also my first time fundraising. I'm not asking for much, just $5, $10, or $20 will go a long way towards me meeting my goal and in helping Grady continue to serve Atlanta.
Thanks for your support,
Jeff
VeloCity 2018
VeloCity is an exciting new cycling and fundraising event that is bringing cyclists of all abilities and ages together to celebrate our city, our health and Atlanta’s own Grady Hospital.
Taking place for the first time on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Georgia International Plaza, just steps away from Mercedes Benz Stadium, this new fundraising ride will feature fully supported routes as well as an Opening Celebration on Friday, May 4, and much more!
Route distances of 5-, 25-, 50-, and 100-Miles are available for cyclists of all abilities. We also have an Indoor Cycling option, hosted by our partners from Vibe Ride. Each class will run for 45-minutes, starting every hour between 9AM and 3PM.
Click the "Register To Ride" button above to select your distance today. Check out our route maps here to learn more.
VeloCity will be proudly permitted with USA Cycling Inc. Participation waivers must be signed by all participants and will be available at packet pick-up and on-site registration during the event weekend.
VeloCity is a fundraising event, and 100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to Grady Hospital. After registering to ride you will receive an email with information on how to begin raising money for Grady. Although not required, below are our suggested goals for fundraising based on the distance you select.
- Indoor Cycling: $50
- City Ride: $50
- 25-Miles: $250
- 50-Miles: $250
- 100-MIles: $250
In addition to helping Grady, participants will earn great rewards as they fundraise. Each tier reached will include the incentives offered at ALL previous tiers.
- $250 - Commemorative Cycling Jersey
- $500 - VeloCity Cycling Socks
- $750 - VeloCity Ballcap
- $1000 - VeloCity Cycling Vest
- $1500 - VeloCity Backpack
- $5000 - VeloHero!!! VIP access at the Friday Night Opening Celebration and during the Saturday post-ride celebration
Our Partners at Wahoo Fitness have put together some great training tips for the longer distance rides. Check them out to get ready for the ride:
Key Workouts for Your Best Century Ride
How to Prepare for a Century Ride
Why Ride for Grady?
For over 125 years, Grady has been there when Atlanta needed it the most - saving and changing lives, training the next generation of doctors, and conducting cutting edge research that impacts patient care throughout the world.
Atlanta literally would not be here without Grady. And none of us know when we, our family, friends or co-workers might need the incredible care that Grady provides. By participating in VeloCity, you will raise much needed funds that will go directly to patient care and support programs such as:
- The metro Atlanta region’s premier level 1 trauma center
- Georgia’s first Cancer Center of Excellence
- Nationally recognized stroke and cardiac centers
- Neonatal intensive care relied upon by more than 40 counties throughout the state
- One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive treatment centers for advanced HIV/AIDS
- The world’s first 24/7 sickle cell center
Grady will be there for you when you need it. We hope you will be there for Grady by being a part of VeloCity on May 4, 2019!