The UPAF Ride for the Arts has chosen to honor local cycling legend Chris Kegel by creating an annual award in his name.
Beginning this year, the Chris Kegel Award will be given annually to the top fundraising UPAF Ride team.
Kegel, who was the owner of the Wheel & Sprocket bicycle stores and a national bicycling advocate, passed away on Feb. 7.
Since he was diagnosed with a fast-acting cancer in September, several organizations have honored his impact in Milwaukee and on the cycling community.
This year’s UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, will be held on Sunday, June 4, beginning and ending at Henry Maier Festival Park on the lakefront. The annual cycling event includes 70-mile, 45-mile, 25-mile, 12-mile and 5-mile youth routes. It raises money for the United Performing Arts Fund. Both individual and team registration are now open for the UPAF Ride.
The Chris Kegel Award will be presented on June 14 at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino during the UPAF Campaign Finale.
“Chris and the entire Wheel and Sprocket team have always embraced and supported the UPAF Ride for the Arts,” said Amelia Kegel, Chris’ daughter. “UPAF’s Ride for the Arts is an opportunity to introduce a wide range of people to the joys of cycling, while raising money for the performing arts. We’ve been a part of the Ride for so many years, and we’re so pleased that Chris will be honored with this award.”
“Chris Kegel left a lasting legacy on the UPAF Ride for the Arts,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president and chief executive officer. “His thoughtfulness, counsel and determination to work with UPAF to produce a safe and fun Ride that has raised millions of dollars through the years to support the performing arts.”
