Cycle marathon aims to raise money for local Iraq War vet

Published 1:40 pm Monday, May 14, 2012

By ALDO AMATO / Staff writer

HOOVER – Combat Fitness is teaming up with the Heroes Project to help a local wounded warrior Sgt. Noah Galloway fulfill his dream vacation through a three hour outdoor stationary bike ride event.

Army Sgt. Noah Galloway, a native of Pelham, lost his left leg and arm during a tour in Iraq. The veteran now is hoping to conquer new heights by successfully climbing the Cartenz Pyramid in Indonesia. Galloway tried to do so last year but had to turn back due to weather. That is where Hero’s Project leader Tim Medvetz stepped in.

“Tim asked Noah if he would be interested,” Combat Fitness owner Sean Dickenson said. “Noah accepted and then came and pitched the idea to me. I told him that I was absolutely down to do the event which had only been done in Los Angeles and New York.”

Dickson said that the cycling event to benefit Galloway is not only to help a fellow vet, but also a great friend.

“Noah is such a great, high energy guy,” Dickenson said. “I met him one day when he walked into my gym and every time I see him, he is giving 110%.”

The event features a three hour spinning course in which the public can purchase a bike for $50 an hour. There will be over 100 bikes including one rode by Galloway himself. For those who do not wish to ride a back, there will be a silent auction to also collect proceeds. The event will also be catered by Margarita Grill.

“There are going to be a ton of ways to help Noah,” Dickenson said. “All of the proceeds we collect go directly to his trip fund so we hope to have a great time to help out a great solider.”