Lake Nona, FL – Riding with Santa

Sunday morning December 8, 2019, three TeamOne members (Catherine, Diana, & Z) joined other cyclists for the Riding with Santa charity event. Waking up to a moderate 60-degree morning was refreshing. By the time the ride started at 8 a.m. the temperature had risen to a Florida December of 74-degrees. Winds were only 4 mph from the northeast. All perfect combination for a beautiful ride.

The Riding with Santa had the inaugural Orlando event in 2018. This is the second year in Orlando providing the community with the opportunity to collect new toys. Just like last year, each rider donates a new toy on registration day.

The History behind this project!

When it all started, it was just a vision. A fellow cyclist coming home after a Sunday morning rides back in April 2013, meditating and being thankful for a safe return home, “out of the blue” a daydream comes along showing three vans filled with toys arriving at different locations in Puerto Rico to deliver these toys on Christmas day.

On December 15, 2013, the first “toy ride collection” project begins under the title: Rodando con Santa (Riding with Santa). Fifty-two cyclists (donating their new toy) and volunteers come together to fulfill what was once a vision and make it a reality.

Since its inception, this project has grown with over 900 cyclists participating in the collection of over 2,800 toys and bringing joy to many kids in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and now in Orlando.

Dreams do come true, so join the movement of LOVE titled “Riding with Santa”.

This event is part of a program that consists of three (3) phases

Riding with Santa: A massive toy collection effort made possible through this cycling event. The party starts with a ride. At the end of the ride, the party continues with a feast of authentic Puerto Rican food, music and more.
Santa’s Workshop: The second phase of the program where volunteers separate the toys for delivery to the communities and families.
Act of Random Kindness: The showstopper. On Christmas Day, between 9:30 am – 10:30 am, volunteers deliver the toys. Whether it’s a big community gathering or what is called “door to door” impact, volunteers do this during that one hour. They don’t just deliver a toy, they give the child a message: “We don’t ask for anything in return, all we do ask is that if you feel a strong sense to help someone, you do so as we are doing with you”.

Note: Toys are being collected through December at any David’s World Cycle. For more information, email: ridingwithsanta@gmail.com

Last but not least, David’s World Cycle and the American Diabetes Association of Orlando teamed up with this cause to help make it successful. In appreciation for their support, a portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the A.D.A. to help them continue their mission and vision. Big impacts to the community on several fronts in this season of giving.

End to a Successful Riding with Santa in 2019

“What was even more heartwarming was the parents of these children sharing their gratitude towards us as they felt thankful for what we’ve done for their kids … A mother of one living in a room with her child, barely making ends meet, thank us for giving her child the only toy for christmas.”