Prior to November, 2017, I had never stepped foot in Grady Hospital. After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, that all changed. My friend, Dawn Keon, a resident of Culebra, PR, was severely burned while heating an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat supplied by FEMA). If you know me, you know my love for Culebra. I had only met Dawn briefly on Culebra, but as Southern hospitality dictates, if you end up in my "backyard", I've got your back. I first visited Dawn just after Thanksgiving and last just before Christmas when she was transferred to a longer-term rehab facility closer to her family in Colorado.. To say I was impressed with Grady is an understatement. Dawn's treatment while there was nothing short of specatular.
For over 125 years, Grady Hospital 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.
I am riding in VeloCity because I want to make sure that Grady will continue to be there for me, my family, friends, co-workers, and anyone who finds themself in need of lifesaving services 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
- A neonatal intensive care relied upon by more than 40 counties
- One of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive treatment centers for advanced HIV/AIDS
- The word’s first 24/7 sickle cell center
Grady will be there for you when you need it. I hope you will join me and be there for Grady by contributing to my ride on May 5, 2018!
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!