Cyclists Get a KC Welcome With a Jersey Twist

On a cross-country journey that began May 19 in San Francisco and is scheduled to conclude July 23 in Virginia Beach, Va., five bicyclists (and two support people) from Western Kentucky University made a stop in Kansas City June 26-27 before continuing their ride to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

During their brief local layover, the Bike4ALZ team (all students and Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brothers) visited Starlight Theatre to meet the “Jersey Boys” and see their show. The four leads in the national touring company of Jersey Boys – Matthew Dailey, Aaron de Jesus, Keith Hines and Cory Jeacoma – joined the college cyclists for a quick photo opportunity before sound check on opening night.

When the Jersey boys headed to the stage, the Kentucky boys moved to Starlight’s entry gates to greet patrons attending opening night and to provide information about Alzheimer’s and their cause. At curtain time, the Bike4ALZ team settled into Starlight seats to enjoy the musical.

After a breakfast gathering with leaders of the Heart of America Alzheimer’s Association on June 27, the students will set off on the second half of their 3,600-mile journey. As they trek along the Katy Trail, they will surely share memories of their encounter with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and other highlights of their visit, including Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Union Station, the Kauffman Center and a reception at Burns & McDonnell headquarters.

Bike4ALZ was founded in 2010 by WKU student Tyler Jury after he experienced the pain of losing his grandfather to Alzheimer’s. The coast-to-coast ride has raised more than $200,000 for research to find a cure for the disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions.

Starlight sends best wishes to the riders as they continue their philanthropic journey and to the Jersey Boys as they continue their North American tour! To learn more, visit www.bike4ALZ.org. To see the Jersey Boys through Sunday, July 2, visit www.kcstarlight.com/jerseyboys.