Alabama Dam Ride pedals for a cause
More than 20 riders participated in this year's Dam Ride. (Meg McKinney / Alabama NewsCenter)
More than 20 cyclists rode in this year’s Dam Ride at Lay Dam, held annually to raise money to support multiple sclerosis (MS) research.
For this year’s one-day event, riders left Alabama Power Corporate Headquarters in Birmingham, traveled through Leeds and finished at Lay Dam. More than $2,000 was raised from the event.
“We’re thrilled to be able to host an event that supports MS while promoting a healthy lifestyle and we appreciate the support we get from Alabama Power and its employees to make it successful every year,” said Herbie Johnson, Southern Company Hydro general manager. The ride is supported by Alabama Power’s Power Pedalers cycling team and the Alabama Power Service Organization.
Steve Hicks, fire safety coordinator, Southern Company Generation Safety & Compliance, said he’s been cycling for more than 20 years and has participated in this ride at least six or seven times.
Hicks said he appreciates that it’s for a good cause and that it showcases Birmingham’s cycling community.
“Birmingham has a large cycling community, on par with Atlanta, and I’m totally on board with supporting cycling efforts in the city, especially when it’s for such a worthy cause,” Hicks said.
He complimented the efforts of the Hydro team, particularly Hydro Senior Power Generation Specialist John Morris, for making the Dam Ride a world-class event each year, including a clearly marked 85-mile course with police escorts and organized rest stops.
Knowing there are people in the company who deal with MS makes it even more meaningful to Hicks.
“It just makes me want to be a better steward for my company and community and to raise as much money as I can to help the cause,” Hicks said.
Learn more about Alabama Power’s hydro operations here. Learn more about the Alabama Power Service Organization here.
