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Pedal Imua raises $17K to support children in Crisis

Imua Family Services raised $17,000 from its second Pedal Imua event on Dec. 5th, which allowed cyclists from around the world to participate virtually due to COVID-19

Pedal Imua raises $17K to support children in Crisis

The fundraiser, which launched globally on Gran Fondo Guide, benefits Dream Imua, a program that grants “dream days” to children who are in crisis or have experienced life-altering circumstances. Cyclists in the inaugural event took on the 60-mile “gran fondo” of the famed West Maui Loop, named one of the Ten Best Rides in the World by Bicycle Magazine.

Cyclists in the inaugural event took on the 60-mile “gran fondo” of the famed West Maui Loop

This year’s event shifted to a virtual format that allowed cyclists from around the world to participate by riding in their local areas. Imua’s ocean paddling event, Paddle Imua, adopted a similar format earlier this year and drew hundreds of participants from over 16 countries, according to a news release.

Pedal Imua went with a mixed format, with organizers retooling the mass start and replacing it with a socially distanced drop-by check-in. The “Ohana Festival” that typically closes out the event with a large community gathering and entertainment, was replaced with a meal and lei pick-up. Cyclists self-timed their own rides due to the staggered start times and were encouraged to turn in their results upon finish.

Pedal Imua went with a mixed format, with organizers retooling the mass start and replacing it with a socially distanced drop-by check-in.

“Imua Family Services is honored to host this Gran Fondo event which we anticipate becoming a marquee annual cycling event on Maui,” Executive Director Dean Wong said to Gran Fondo Guide. “Cyclists can dream big, ride around the stunning West Maui Mountains and at the same time help children in crisis dream big by supporting Dream Imua.”

"Thank you to everyone who came out to support and participate in Pedal Imua 2020. It’s been a challenging year and we can’t thank you enough for supporting Maui’s keiki in crisis during this time - funds raised from Pedal Imua go directly to helping the children who need our help more than ever. We had a blast out there today and we hope you did too."

"Smiles, shakas and supporting children in crisis! Thank you to all our riders out there today!"

Smiles, shakas and supporting children in crisis! Thank you to all our riders out there today!

Pedal Imua sponsors include Maui Health Systems, Baur Pacific Builders, Stable Road Capital, Deep2Peak, Maui Cyclery, Krank Cycles Maui, West Maui Cycles, Maui Life, Hammer Nutrition and SP Connect.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support and participate in Pedal Imua 2020.