For the past six years Randall Lewis has logged hundreds of miles on his bicycle for charity.
This year is no exception for the 59-year-old Columbia man as he prepares to venture from Marion County to the Gulf Coast on two wheels.
The Walmart employee will leave from Lampton June 16 at 3 a.m. and hopes to arrive at Biloxi beach at about 1 p.m. He’s riding for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital and Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf on behalf of local youth Travon Aikens, who died at age 12 in 2014 after a brave battle with cancer, and Victoria Lampton, who is blind and graduated this spring from Columbia High School.
“Children and students that have their health, sight and hearing are so blessed, but what about those who deal with issues every day? My heart goes out to them because they have to adjust their lives to their particular situation. That is not easy,” he said. “So when you see people reaching out for donations to help someone, don’t just walk away. Give what you can. Don’t let an issue not be important because it’s not affecting you.”
Training and preparations for the annual ride are extensive for Lewis, beginning in March and going through June.
“I spend my time along with my crew fundraising on the weekends. I also begin to prepare myself for the long ride,” he said. “It’s quite an adventure on the road on a bicycle. There’s nothing else like it.”
People interested in donating can come by Walmart Monday through Friday and ask for him, Lewis said. He thanked those who have donated for their support and said it’s been “a blast” raising thousands for charity over the years.
He said he’s been blessed and points to one bit of providence in particular: “God has been so good; I’ve only had one flat in five years.”
Pictured Above: Randall Lewis is pictured in Carriere on his way to New Orleans last year along U.S. 11. The 59-year-old is riding June 16 from Lampton to Biloxi beach. | Submitted Photo
