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.  

Each event is uniquely local, planned by Pelotonia community members 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. 

Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington was one of the original community rides that inspired the official launch of the Pelotonia Kids program in 2024. This ride is organized by longtime Pelotonia supporters Sarah Jane Germain and Paul Germain, a 12-year Rider.  

The idea of hosting a kids ride began in the Germain family’s backyard years ago. Leigh Germain, then a playful two-year-old, adored the Pelotonia experience after watching her father and relatives participate. Leigh would often ask her parents to “play” Pelotonia, and the family created a scooter course in the backyard, complete with a Pelotonia-style finish line. Each time she crossed, Leigh would proudly wear one of Paul’s Rider medals to celebrate her finish. 

Around this same time, Sarah Jane’s mother and Leigh’s grandmother, Joanie Dugger, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Germain family was already involved with Pelotonia, but Joanie’s diagnosis deepened their commitment. Joanie believed so deeply in the Pelotonia mission, and she loved how much her granddaughter was already invested in the experience that was driving such a meaningful impact. Prior to her passing from cancer in 2019, Joanie had often suggested that Leigh’s birthday party theme should be Pelotonia. That idea ultimately planted the seed for Sarah Jane and Paul to start the kids ride in Upper Arlington. 

Leigh is joined by her siblings Lucy and Gordy as Pelotonia Kids Riders. The Germains are proud to see how their children, extended family, and community have embraced Pelotonia’s mission and are excited that Pelotonia Kids will continue to grow through stories like theirs. 

Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington held its first official ride in 2022. Since then, Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington has raised more than $74,000. The Germains are hoping this year’s fundraising will help the annual event cross $85,000 in total dollars raised since inception. Each year, roughly 200-275 kids have participated.  

Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington 2025 will take place on Saturday, August 23. Now in its fourth year, the ride is held annually at the Jones Middle School track. Check-in will begin at 8:30am with the ride kicking off at 9:00am. 

The ride is open to children 12 and younger — with big kids on bikes, toddlers on scooters, and even babies in strollers joining the fun. Children ages 5 and older will ride the “around the block” course with police supervision: beginning on Coventry, turning left on Waltham, left on Barrington, left on Andover, left on Guilford, and returning to Coventry. Younger riders on trikes, scooters, and strollers will ride laps around the Jones Middle School track. 

There is no registration fee, but donations of any amount are encouraged. Families are invited to challenge their kids to raise funds in support of their ride and to show how even the smallest Riders can make a big impact. 

After Riders cross the finish line they will receive a Lion’s Cub cookie, a backpack filled with Pelotonia swag, including a medal, and plenty of snacks to celebrate their accomplishment. 

Follow updates on the Pelotonia social media channels and on Instagram @pelotoniakidsupperarlington. Read more about the Pelotonia Kids program and upcoming rides at pelotoniakids.com or donate to Pelotonia Kids Upper Arlington ride to support pediatric cancer research.