AuburnTigers.com
    Auburn Teammates Reunite for Bo Bikes Bama Ten Former Letterwinners Bike 50 Miles for Tornado Victims
    Bo Bikes Bama


    Bo Bikes Bama

    April 25, 2012

    Photo Gallery

    More than 100 bike riders sat at the starting line in Henagar, Ala. set to begin a 50-mile ride. Bo Jackson stepped on stage with a special guest and changed the atmosphere with one story. He introduced Bryce Ferguson, an 11-year-old boy. Last April, Bryce lost his mother, father and sister in the tornadoes that ravaged more than 200 miles of Alabama land.

    Ferguson is a prime example of the reason Bo Bikes Bama has brought together community after community to continue the recovery efforts. Among those reunited were Jackson's Auburn teammates. More than 20 years after they led Auburn to an SEC Championship, top-15 rankings and watching Jackson win the 1985 Heisman, nine former players stood at that starting line ready to ride in support.

    Forming a ceremonial football formation to begin the ride, Jackson was joined by his offensive line Yann Cowart, Ben Tamburello, Jay Jacobs, David Jordan and Pat Arrington, his quarterback Randy Campbell, receiver Tommy Carroll, defensive back Bob Harris and placekicker Al Del Greco.

    "I was not sure what to expect nor what would be the results," said Arrington, "However, after we started the ride, it really kicked in how moving the entire day was. It was unbelievable to see the support and to see the destruction. It was a real honor for me to ride with a great bunch of guys."

    The route was planned and designed to take riders into the direct areas affected by the tornadoes, much of which has not recovered, despite a year's time passing.

    "It was a moving experience to see all the people who had damage to their houses and trees, lives devastated. Finishing 50 miles, we did it. We showed up today and finished strong. It's says a lot about our tenacity as a group."

    At the lunch stop, the team of riders were greeted by more than 100 school kids lining Hwy 75 in Fyffe, Ala. Immediately, Jackson jumped off his bike and made his way down the entire street meeting and taking pictures with his young fans.

    "It's great that Bo would use his celebrity for this platform," said Tamburello, the two-time All-American center. "The best part was seeing all the kids as Bo would pass. I am so proud that he is an Auburn man, and really an Alabama man."

    Jackson not only used his celebrity, but enlisted the help of some of his well-known friends like six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen, 13-time major league all-star outfielder Ken Griffey, Jr., two-time Olympic gold medalist skier Picabo Street and Olympic gold medalist triple-jumper Al Joyner, who got out their comfort zone for the ride.

    Jackson was the overall ride winner, passing through the finish line at the Lodge in Lake Guntersville nearly two hours before the projected time.

    "I am so happy I did this," said Del Greco. "My goal was to make it to lunch, but my teammates spurred me on. I made it all the way until the last hill, that was a tough one, but what a great experience and I couldn't be happier for what Bo is doing."

    After one day of the ride, Bo Bikes Bama has raised over $350,000 for the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund, established to help Alabamians with continued recovery needs.

     

     

    Auburn Tiger Features

    2012 Fan Guide iOS App: FREE Shop
    Louisville Slugger Shop