Last month, NorCal Webcorians spent a beautiful Saturday morning challenging themselves to 20-mile, 40-mile, and 62-mile bike rides along the winding trails of Nicasio, a small community nestled in the Bay Area’s famously picturesque Marin County. However, it was more than just the breathtaking views, fresh air, and exercise that compelled the nearly dozen Webcorians to devote their weekend morning to the group bike ride; it was the collective desire to support the mission of one of Webcor’s most beloved community partners.    

Known as the Best Buddies “DIY” ride, the annual bike ride is an internal Webcor event benefiting Best Buddies, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation often faced by those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In 2010, former Webcor Executive VP John Bowles—an avid cyclist with a close family member living with IDD—was inspired to launch Webcor’s involvement with the official Best Buddies Challenge after discovering that several of his fellow Webcorians also had family members and friends with IDD.

“For me, riding in the Best Buddies Challenge is all about supporting a cause that promotes friendship, inclusion, and empowerment of individuals with IDD,” says Project Manager Crissy Tsai, who’s been on Webcor Cycling’s Steering Committee for the last six years. “It's a cause that has a positive and lasting impact on individuals and communities.”

‍

‍

When the official Challenge raised its individual donation requirement to $5,000 in 2020, Webcor Cycling was inspired to launch the regional DIY rides as a way for all interested Webcorians to engage in the fundraising event and support Best Buddies. Participants worked with their project teams to request trade partner support for their regional DIY rides, which weren’t tied to a donation minimum, instead of feeling pressured to meet the official Challenge’s substantial individual donation requirement.

Thanks to the generous support of key trade partners, Webcorians have raised nearly $30,000 for Best Buddies through this year’s fundraiser, which participating project teams approached as a friendly competition. Special thanks to the leaders of our top fundraising teams: Alec Bangs at CCC ADR, Ryan Neil at 1951 Shattuck, and Danny Cueva at Mission Rock Parcel F! Top donors include California Drywall; Critchfield; Clark Pacific; VPI; Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino, LLP; SF Interiors, Malcolm, and Contra Costa Electric.

“The fundraising and physical commitments that my colleagues and I make every year to bike in support of individuals with IDD is truly inspirational,” says Vice President Nihan Tiryaki, who’s participated in the Best Buddies rides since 2018. “Best Buddies’ mission, which is centered on friendship and inclusion, and call to advocate for social change in our communities resonate with me. I love investing my time and energy in Best Buddies.”

‍

‍

After finishing their bike routes, Webcor riders gathered for lunch with one of Best Buddies’ ambassadors living with IDD. She shared a powerful speech illuminating the ways the organization has transformed her life and equipped her with the support needed to engage in experiences many of us take for granted — experiences ranging from the seemingly simple, such as going to the movies, to the ambitious, such as pursuing a college degree.

“Her speech really highlighted the ways Best Buddies opens doors and raises confidence,” says Project Manager David Grattan, who’s on the Webcor Cycling Steering Committee and participated in all three DIY rides and two official Challenge rides. “The effort that goes into planning the DIY rides is small when we consider its potential to help the organization.”

‍

‍

Coordinating the DIY rides and Webcor’s participation in the official Challenge has long been an annual highlight for Crissy, who fondly recalls connecting with her fellow NorCal and SoCal Webcorians at Hearst Castle to take on the official Challenge’s scenic route along Highway 1’s famous coastline from 2017–2019.

“Nothing beats waking up early and riding past the hills along Big Sur across the Bixby Bridge while looking ahead to the Pacific Ocean,” she says. “This event is an excellent opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an important cause while enjoying the physical and emotional rewards of the overall experience. I don’t normally ride 40—60 miles and always make a conscious effort to train ahead of time so I can fully enjoy the event.”

‍

‍

That said, Webcorians who would like to support the DIY rides but aren’t quite as interested in biking 20+ miles are highly encouraged to come out to the event and help coordinate day-of logistics—an option that Crissy decided to pursue in lieu of participating in the bike ride this year.

“My husband and I managed the support van together this year, including packing it with all the snacks and water,” she says. “After leaving the 20-mile-route group, we drove to the rest stop for the 60-mile-route group and set up everything for them in the nick of time. Less than 10 minutes after setting up the Webcor tent, we saw some familiar faces pedaling down the road who were ready to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the healthy snacks we’d just laid out.

“While I was distracted chatting with the 60-mile group, my puppy Ginger also found a nice mud puddle and decided it would be fun to jump right into it. We had to tie her up to prevent her from getting muddier!”

‍

‍

Next, Sr. Vice President Tom Taylor will represent Webcor at Best Buddies’ reception for corporate sponsors on Oct. 13, the day preceding the official Best Buddies Challenge at Summit Skywalker Ranch. The five participating Webcorians will tackle the 38-mile or 72-mile route through Marin County with the support of on-course domestiques, two fully stocked rest stops, on-site bike technicians, and professional cyclists' assistance with pacing.

Thank you to all the Webcorians who joined us in supporting Best Buddies this year: David, Nihan, Crissy, Sr. Project Manager Nathaniel Crawford, Sr. Preconstruction Director Ryan Hoff, Sr. Design Manager Michael Bardin, Carpenter Lead Foreman Jorge Barragan, Sr. VP/General Counsel Patrick Kirby, Project Engineer Lucas Decasper, Sr. Project Engineer Evan To, and Sr. Project Manager Brad Shambaugh!

‍