A 60-mile bike ride is no easy feat. But for Rabbi Sholom Kessler, the payoff is worth it.
That’s because the inaugural Tour de Friendship charity bike ride, set for Nov. 9 in Boca Raton, is dedicated to his nonprofit organization, which assists people with special needs and their families.
Kessler is executive director of the Friendship House, a program he founded in 2020 within Chabad of Central Boca Raton with the goal of building an inclusive community.
“Oftentimes, children with special needs are overlooked and we are here to change that,” said Kessler. “As a rabbi, I feel that individuals with special needs have a strong influence and a great capacity to impact others. By integrating them into our community, they have the ability to bring important change to those around them.”
The Friendship House currently serves about 70 local families, with hopes to expand. All proceeds from the bike ride will help them continue to host year-round programming for young adults and children. Kessler also sees the ride as a chance for the community to learn more about the group and get involved.
“It’s an opportunity for the Boca community to come together, not just in support, but in shared purpose,” said Kessler.
Riders are asked to raise $1,500 each and will receive a Tour de Friendship bike jersey. Campaigns can be created at tourdefriendship.com, where riders can register (there is currently no deadline to register), people can sign up to volunteer, and donations can be made to specific riders or to the event as a whole.
On the day of the ride, after a light breakfast and ceremonial send-off at the Friendship House campus, riders will pedal along State Road A1A to Palm Beach then return to the starting point. There will be breaks every 15 miles that include refreshments, bike support and time to refuel.
Cyclists can bring their own gear or rent a bike for the day. Kessler said organizers are working to accommodate all skill levels, but riders should be aware of the mileage: The 60-mile trek is expected to take four to five hours.
So while participants do not need to be experienced cyclists, many have been training for the long journey. Kessler himself has been training on Sundays with a small group, creating a community in itself.
“I think the value of riding, and people in the community putting their foot to the pedal to raise funds for special needs and to celebrate after, it makes them a part of it,” said Kessler. “They get to see the impact of the program first-hand and the community gets to see the people riding for them.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Tour de Friendship, in support of Friendship House
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 9
8 a.m. — light kosher breakfast and rider send-off
2 p.m. (estimate) — finish line celebration
WHERE: Start and finish at Friendship House, 17950 N. Military Trail, Boca Raton
INFORMATION: tourdefriendship.com
