JAMESTOWN, N.C. — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A Greensboro man is inviting the public to participate in a charity bike ride on Saturday to raise funds for mental health resources.
Ron Jones is the founder of the RJ Strong Foundation. In 2019, Jones became ill due to a clot in his left leg and had to undergo nine different surgeries. In the process, he lost two of his toes.
“The healthcare workers were under such a strain doing what they do, not only taking care of me but taking care of so many that were there in the hospital,” Jones said. “This fell on me, to do something to bring awareness to their struggle and their mental health challenges as they did their job."
That's when he had the idea to start Pedaling for Mental Health Charity Bike Ride. Saturday will be the second year the event will take place. Proceeds from the event will benefit Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Behavioral Health Division and the Brenner Children's Mental Health Fund. Jones said he hopes the ride will encourage others to consider cycling to balance mental and physical health.
“It's ok to not be ok,” Jones said. “We want to bring awareness and take away the negative stigmatism and connotation when it comes to getting help."
The race is in partnership with Mayhem Cycling and Cycle Paths of Greensboro.
Saturday's race will start at 8 am at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown. Participants can sign up for a 12.5-mile, 31-mile, or 62-mile ride. All rides are $45 to register through May 3. On-site registration is $50.