Pelotonia Kids is a series of kids cycling events to engage the next generation of Pelotonia participants. In collaboration with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC—James), 100 percent of every Pelotonia Kids participant-raised dollar will be directed to innovative pediatric cancer research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.   

SpokesKIDS Jr., one of Pelotonia’s longest-running youth cycling events, returns for its ninth annual ride on Saturday, July 26, in Granville. Designed for children in pre-K through 3rd grade, this ride gives young participants the opportunity to experience the energy and spirit of Ride Weekend while supporting lifesaving pediatric cancer research. 

Each event is uniquely local, planned by Pelotonia community volunteers with support from the organization, including event logistics, equipment rentals, promotional materials, and branded merchandise. Ride formats vary by location, with routes designed to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities. 

Founded in 2016 by Nathaniel Hopping, who was just five years old at the time, SpokesKIDS Jr. was created to bring the Pelotonia experience to younger kids.  

Nathaniel is still at the helm of SpokesKIDS Jr. as its lead organizer. He is also riding the 50-mile route this year in his second Pelotonia Ride Weekend. 

SpokesKids will take place at Wildwood Park (785 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023) with check-in beginning at 9:15am, and the ride starting at 10:00am. New this year, the start time has been moved up by half an hour to accommodate families who may have riders participating in both SpokesKids Jr. and SpokesKIDS (for ages 8–14), which also takes place on the 26^th in Granville. 

Riders are staged into groups with volunteer escorts and roll out by route distance. The Granville Police and Fire Departments assist with traffic management to keep the course safe. Both routes follow the T.J. Evans Trail, and riders are cheered on by supporters as they approach the finish line at the College Town House, where they’re welcomed to celebrate with music, games, and pizza donated by Donatos. 

SpokesKIDS Jr. has had hundreds of Riders participate during the past eight years and has raised nearly $11,000 for pediatric cancer research. Thanks to generous sponsors like Crock Orthodontics, Newark Animal Hospital, and Park National Bank, each participant receives a ride T-shirt featuring a custom design by a Granville Elementary student, along with a swag bag to commemorate the day. 

Last year, the ride took on extra meaning when a young girl who had beaten cancer rode alongside her parents. “I got the opportunity to talk with them after the ride,” Nathaniel said. “It was a really inspiring experience.” 

SpokesKIDS Jr. is more than just a bike ride—it’s a celebration of community, courage, and kids coming together to make a difference. “Pelotonia Kids is an incredible part of Pelotonia,” Nathaniel added, “and we are thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this event and help save lives through important pediatric cancer research. I hope that we can raise as much money for pediatric cancer research as possible and give the kids that participate in the ride an amazing experience.” 

Follow updates on the Pelotonia social media channels and on Instagram at @spokeskidsjr. Read more about the Pelotonia Kids program and upcoming rides at pelotoniakids.com, or donate to SpokesKids Jr. to support pediatric cancer research. 

Please note: Two Pelotonia Kids rides will take place on July 26 in Granville: SpokesKIDS Jr. for pre-K to 3rd grade, and SpokesKIDS for ages 8 to14.