2:30 p.m.

Arms Around Bainbridge, the Island organization that raises funds to support people living with chronic illness, has expanded its repertoire. In addition to an AAB team of fundraising swimmers, there is a new team of cyclists, and that team is looking to grow its membership with an informational meeting this week.

The idea of a cycling team came to Islander Roger Moore when he was on his bike. Moore explained: “It all started one Friday morning on a 5:15 a.m. bike ride with two friends. I suggested to the guys that they ride the STP with me in 2013 in one day. After a few moments of silence, I said, ‘We could do it as a fundraiser for Arms Around Bainbridge,’ and they both said, ‘I’m in.’”

Moore then took the idea to the AAB board. They were enthusiastic but with a caveat: As long as Moore was willing to take the lead on the “legwork,” they gave the project a green light. Moore said, “I kept talking to people about the idea and was met with genuine excitement. Bainbridge Islanders want to help people on Bainbridge, and we get to ride our bikes doing it.”

Moore approached cycling pals Kathi McMahon, Carleen Gosney, Jackie Fabbri, Darren Gray, and Heather Burger to help make the team happen. Together, the team is organizing bicycle events throughout 2013 to raise much-needed funds. Their goal for 2013 is to raise $50,000.

Paula Murphy

Paula Murphy is the most recent recipient of AAB assistance. A single mother of two teenagers, she was just diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and started chemotherapy. She has managed to keep working, but she is struggling to keep up and pay her bills. Murphy said, “AAB has relieved an enormous burden in a time when it was most needed.”

AAB Cycling is inviting cyclists of all skill levels to join in their outdoor and indoor events. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate through spin classes, solo rides, group rides, and organized events put on by local bike clubs. Participants can even count the miles on their home exercise bikes. In addition, AAB Cycling will be offering indoor training with spin classes as well as organized outdoor training rides. All money raised will go to Arms Around Bainbridge.

The team has set four participation levels:

• Challenge Level 1: You set your goal for how many miles and how much money you raise.
• Challenge Level 2: This 1,000-Mile Tier requires 30 miles per week (that’s just 2 spin classes per week for 34 weeks).
• Challenge Level 3: This 1,500- to 2,000-Mile Tier challenges riders to cycle 50 to 75 miles per week.
• Challenge Level 4: At the 3,500-Mile Tier: riders rack up 100 miles per week.

Participants ask family, friends, colleagues, employer, clients, neighbors, and strangers to support Arms Around Bainbridge by pledging money for the miles they ride.

The informational meeting is this Wednesday, November 14, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Firehouse (at Madison and 305). Even if you’re unable to attend, you can e-mail AAB Cycling at aabcycling@gmail.com with your questions.

Photos courtesy of AAB.