‘Rewarding Rides’ Helping Others, One Mile at a Time

When it comes to helping others, some people pitch in at hot meals. Some just write a check.

Then, there are those who navigate their bikes though a mountain range in an effort to raise money for a cause.

Take, for example, long-time friends Mo Farunia, 22, and Gabe Williams, 23, who rode their bicycles last week through the Appalachian mountains from Washington DC to Lakewood. 

They packed up tents, sleeping bags and food and hit the C&O railroad trail.

The Lakewood natives’ 500-mile, 10-day trek sought to raise money for the family of a local man who died in February. The $2,200 that Farunia and Williams raised will help cover medical bills for the family of Ernie Vagi.

Farunia founded Rewarding Rides three years ago. “We raise money each year for a different cause,” he said.

In 2011, the pair rode from the campus of Ohio University in Athens to Lakewood, raising $1,600 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“Last year, we rode from Lakewood to Chicago to raise money for Good Works," said Williams, sharing his admiration for the nonprofit that provides extensive resources for people without homes and those struggling with poverty.

Farunia and Williams do some training to get ready, but most of the ride is all about heart.

“I just kept telling myself ‘I don’t care when we get home, I don’t care how fast I am going, just don’t you dare stop,” said Farunia.

The volunteering duo will leave it up to their followers on social media to decide where they’re going next year.