Tim Jordan (right, with his son Tommy) is riding the 2018 Cycle for Shelter bike ride to benefit Emmaus. (Courtesy photograph)
Editor’s Note: The annual Cycle for Shelter bike ride benefitting Emmaus takes place on Sunday, July 22 at Northern Essex Community College. Ahead of the event, WHAV is profiling several riders and sharing why they ride. Here, WHAV gets to know rider Tim Jordan.
Haverhill City Councilor Tim Jordan participated in his first Cycle for Shelter ride eight years ago after being forced out of triathlons due to a back injury—and never looked back. Named a “Community Hero” by Emmaus in 2016, Jordan can’t help but tout the good done by the Haverhill-based organization.
“It’s a cause I care about a lot. I love what the organization does in helping some of the most vulnerable people in society,” he told WHAV. “They don’t just do the emergency shelter—which is also important—but they have temporary-to-permanent housing, GED classes and job training. It’s about getting people back on track to where they’re self-sufficient.”
This year, Jordan plans to pedal the 100-mile route with his 3 Flat Tires team. However, the team will be missing a key player: Jordan’s 16-year-old son Tommy, who is away at summer camp. To make good on his promise to donors and to Emmaus, Tommy will log his miles at a later date, his dad said.
Together, the Jordan family has raised more than $30,000 for the nonprofit. Tommy was also heralded by Emmaus with a community service award last month in memory of late local cyclist Joey Towers.
“It is nice father-son bonding doing some rides together. I’m proud of him,” Jordan said. “My parents did that for me—when I was a kid they were involved in charitable stuff—and it’s nice to have it come full circle.”
To donate to Tim Jordan’s Cycle for Shelter ride, visit Emmausinc.org.
MEET OTHER CYCLE FOR SHELTER RIDERS
Darien Terrile – click here for his story
Sue Cullen – click here for her story