In October, Dr. Tsering Norbu, Dr. Tarun Patel and Murry Ford represented Kettering Health during the Americana 250 Cycling Classic, a community cycling event presented by United Way of Greater Dayton.

Kettering Health served as a sponsor of the event and was represented in the 40-mile ride through Greene County by Norbu and Patel, both hospitalists with South Dayton Acute Care Consultants and Soin Medical Center; and Ford, vice president of Revenue Cycle.

In addition to rider participation, Kettering Health team members supported Mayor Dan Kirkpatrick’s rest stop at Calamityville in Fairborn, providing water, snacks and pickle juice to cyclists along the route.

The three participants rode together for much of the 40-mile route, which included stops throughout Greene County. It was led by Ethan Reynolds, Mayor of Xenia, who served as the event’s Grand Marshal.

For Norbu, the event provided an opportunity to represent Kettering Health outside the hospital setting.

“It felt more community-based,” Norbu said. “We were there representing Kettering as opposed to just an individual signing up.”

Norbu said he enjoyed the route and the opportunity to visit communities throughout the county.

“The course was beautiful,” he said. “Each point had the mayor waiting, and so we got to meet with the mayor, have some snacks, take a break, bike and enjoy it. It was really well hosted.”

Patel said participating in the event allowed riders to promote Kettering Health while taking part in an activity they enjoy.

“We’re happy to do whatever we need to do to try to promote our organization,” Patel said. “Doing that through fitness and recreation like that would be most beneficial.”

Ford, an avid cyclist, said the event highlighted the communities that make up the region while bringing together civic and community leaders.

“It was a great opportunity for folks who may not live in Greene County or know much about Greene County to learn more about that community,” Ford said.

The ride included informational stops throughout the county and welcomed participation from local officials and community partners.

“It was great to see all the different community leaders,” Ford said. “The sheriff came out, so that I think was pretty neat as well.”

Norbu said he would welcome the opportunity to participate again.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat,” he said.