We might be biased, but here at Concord Direct, we don’t think there’s much that’s more meaningful than partnering with nonprofits to make the world a little bit brighter and a little bit better. One of our partners is No Kid Hungry, whose mission to end childhood hunger inspires people to get involved in powerful ways.
Chefs Cycle is one of No Kid Hungry’s signature fundraising events—a two-day, 200-mile cycling ride that rallies the food service community around the shared goal of ending childhood hunger. This year, our very own Steve Rudman, our former Senior Vice President of Agency Services and now retiree, joined in on the action! Here’s what he had to say about the experience.
For Years, Chefs Cycle Had Been on His Radar
Through working with No Kid Hungry as a client, Steve has been familiar with this event for a long time. But earlier this year, he made the decision to participate: “I like to set big goals so that I can work towards them,” he said.
Chefs Cycle isn’t a casual weekend ride. When participants agree to join the race, they agree to fundraising for No Kid Hungry while training for an endurance ride that spans across 200 miles. “I started training in January and was basically on my bike every day until June,” he shared. “I was also in the gym twice a week. Physically, it was very demanding.”
Additionally, all participants are asked to raise a minimum of $4,500 before they begin in June. Despite the substantial commitment, the challenge was a major part of the appeal for Steve! In fact, his “team” exceeded that goal with $6,300 toward the $1,307,296 No Kid Hungry raised.
The event took place in Bend, Oregon, known for its scenic roads and steep downhills. And although this was Steve’s first Chefs Cycle, he didn’t feel like a stranger in the community. “The event itself was so well organized—you just felt like there was somebody supporting you at every turn.”
The course challenged riders with steep descents and changing terrain. Hailing from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where the landscape is relatively flat, long mountain descents were unfamiliar territory for Steve. Yet by the end of the ride, overcoming that fear became one of his proudest accomplishments.
“I think conquering my fear of the downhill was probably the most significant thing, aside from just getting it done.”
The challenge wasn’t only physical. Spending hours on the bike required focus and mental discipline as well.
“You are on the bike for several hours thinking about whatever is going on in your head. You have to find things to stay focused on and not think about it as being seven hours.” For Steve, success came from staying present and taking the ride one moment at a time. When asked what he took away from Chefs Cycle, he reflected on the power of pushing beyond limits.
”Sometimes, you can surprise yourself in terms of what you’re capable of doing.”
It’s part of what makes Chefs Cycle such a unique experience. While participants are riding to support No Kid Hungry’s mission to end childhood hunger, they’re also discovering their own strength along the way. “As a human, I am capable of doing a lot more than I think I probably am. And this event will push you to try and achieve that,” Steve said.
While he initially viewed Chefs Cycle as a one-time accomplishment, the experience left a lasting impression. In fact, he’s already planning ahead.
“It was an awesome experience,” he said. “ I’m planning on doing it again next year.”
Two-hundred miles, countless hills, one incredible cause—it’s not surprising that Steve’s first Chefs Cycle was as rewarding as it was demanding. Along the way, not only did Steve raise funds to help end childhood hunger, but he proved that big goals are always worth chasing. We proudly celebrate his accomplishment and we are grateful to partner with organizations like No Kid Hungry that inspire people to make a difference one meal (and one mile) at a time.