Ride The Light

Last fall, Downingtown PICL rider Amelia set a goal to ride from sunrise to sunset. What started as a personal endurance challenge quickly became something bigger.

She created Ride the Light, a fundraiser benefiting Kate Courtney's She Sends Foundation, which empowers girls through cycling, builds confidence, and fosters connection through sport.

Planning the event began in December 2025. "In the beginning it was a lot," Amelia said. "People gave me great ideas, but I realized it didn't have to be perfect. I wanted to create something I could build on each year."

Just weeks before the ride, Amelia broke her kneecap, forcing her to postpone the event from March to June. She stayed focused, adjusted her training, and on ride day completed 67 miles, 5,235 feet of climbing, and eight hours in the saddle.

"I was worried about the mileage," she said. "I learned that endurance is one of my strengths."

Her proudest moment came near the finish.

“There was one last two-mile climb, and I was completely exhausted. When I reached the top, I knew it was all downhill from there.”

To date, the event has raised more than $4,200 for the She Sends Foundation while inspiring younger riders on her own team.

"It's a male-dominated sport, and riding with faster, bigger riders can feel intimidating at first," Amelia said. "I hope that by seeing what I did, other girls realize they can do something similar."

Ride the Light is just getting started. Amelia hopes to make it an annual tradition with more riders, more miles, and even greater impact.

Her advice for anyone with a big idea?

"Write it down. Once it's written down, it becomes real."