On September 15, Somerville resident Lexi Beckwith (EF Educational Tours Production Coordinator) and many others will enjoy a bike ride down car-free Storrow Drive and across the Emerald Necklace, exploring Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods by bike, and all for a good cause in Boston’s 15th Annual Hub on Wheels Citywide Ride.

Put on in conjunction with EF Education First, the City of Boston and Boston Children’s Hospital, this is Mayor Walsh’s annual citywide bike ride. Fundraising supports pediatric and adult cancer research at Boston Children’s Hospital, the world’s largest research center at a pediatric institute, that we’re so lucky to have in our own backyard.

Lexi provided responses to a few Q’s:

Why are you riding Hub on Wheels? Did you ride with EF last year?

I want to give back in some small way, ride with lots of other passionate individuals, and bring some positive energy to Storrow Drive! This is my first time riding, and I can’t wait.

Do you have a personal connection to cancer or Boston Children’s Hospital?

My cousin has special needs and during his first year of life was in and out of Boston Children’s, my aunt credits them greatly for being able to help him through, and he is now 28 years old and living life to the fullest. My grammie is currently in remission from a tricky bout of breast cancer, and we are so proud of her bravery and spitfire spirit – at 4’10” she displayed superhuman force in staying positive and pushing through her treatments, and we are so thankful for all the care she received at various facilities around the country.

How would you describe yourself as a cyclist (e.g., competitive, recreational)?

Recreational, but I love a few races a year! I do the Tour de Cure with a few colleagues each year.

Is there anything else about your story that you’d want folks to know?

I want to make sure people don’t forget their roots, and remember to take time to thank those nurses, doctors, and all other staff not only for the care BCH provides to their patients, but the support and caring approach they offer to their families, as it takes away so much of the additional stress they are feeling as their child is experiencing what could have been a scary.

There’s something for everyone with two route options:

Emerald Necklace Route: A 45-mile journey exploring scenic views of Boston’s vibrant neighborhoods and landmarks. Registration is $55 and riders must be 16+ to participate. College students (with a valid school ID) can register for $25.

Downtown Route: 12 Miles… 0 Cars! Explore the heart of the city by bike. Registration is just $15 for adults and kids 8-17 ride FREE with an accompanying adult or guardian.

For more information and to register, visit: https://hubonwheels.com/. The event will be capped at 5K riders.

$5 from every registration automatically benefits Boston Children’s Hospital. People can also choose to register as a Hope Rider (individual or team) with special ride-day perks. Hope Rider info here: bostonchildrens.org/ride.

Enjoy the post-ride community festival on City Hall Plaza that will feature the New Belgium Beer Garden, free Boloco burritos for all riders, live music and fun for the whole family.

Your Hub On Wheels registration will enter you for a chance to win an incredible trip to the 2020 Tour de France pro cycling race, courtesy of our friends at EF Education First.