The Marion County Pedal Pushers enjoyed their inaugural bike ride Oct. 9 and had such a great time that they already have the next ride planned.
The concept behind the pedal pusher group is to create a fun activity for everyone — men, women and children alike. They ride bicycles through the city, making various stops and allowing everyone to have a great time and take part in fellowship.
Sheila “Chunkie” Brown, who is a part of a similar group in Hattiesburg, created the group. However, the Hattiesburg group is for adults only, and she wanted to create one that would be fun for the entire family.
Brown is remarried, and she and her husband have six children that come to their house every weekend. Her children love telling her there is nothing to do in Columbia when they come to visit, so she went and spoke with Mayor Justin McKenzie about doing a bike ride and he was all for it.
“One of my goals is to bring positive vibes, make a change, create something better for our kids and bring all people together,” Brown said.
The first bike ride two weeks ago featured an 80s theme. Brown had a boom box playing music from that time period, and everyone showed up in bright colors and big hair. There were even people from New Hebron and Oak Grove who journeyed to Columbia for the ride.
Tickets were required to be purchased in order to participate, but the riders received goodie bags with an assortment of items in return, as well as other things. All of the bikes were required to have safety lights on them so they could light up and also look great. Businesses in the community, such as K’s Catering & Meal Prep, The Deck and Sweet Magnolia Nutrition, contributed to the ride.
As the ride went through Columbia, there were plenty of rest spots to allow riders the opportunity to fuel back up with water and snacks. Brown said she appreciates Doug and Teresa Duncan for the use of an adult tricycle. Brown was able to load a Bluetooth speaker in the rear basket to lead the way by playing music.
Brown, who always strives to have fun, said her grandmother, who died just before her 102nd birthday, used to tell Brown that “tomorrow is not promised.” Her grandmother also said to her to never change who she is and embrace life.
The next ride is scheduled for Nov. 13. For new participants, the cost to participate is $20, and for returning riders is $15. Tickets can be purchased from Brown, Janice Honeycutt and Foxworth Insurance.
