Cyclists ride for Children's Hospital

Iowa City-Cycling in November for a cause.  A thousand people will ride in Iowa City this weekend to raise money for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.  It's all a part of the three-day Jingle Cross Rock.  Over the past several years, the event's raised about $100,000. 

"I'm going to try and do my best on this frozen course,” said cyclists Mia Moore. 

It's a physical course.  Not just riding on a trail, you must be ready to endure miles of obstacles. 

"You have to get off your bike pick it up and go over barriers,” said Moore. 

It's a choice to cycle this weekend over the ever-popular holiday shopping. 

"It's a great holiday weekend and I think some people might have had enough shopping so why not do it cross-style,” said Jingle Cross Rock executive race promoter John Meehan. 

"If I don't have to be with a pack of people unless they're going 30 miles per hour I'm happy,” said Cyclists Jim Linehan. 

But more than just cycling... 

"It's a great group of people here with a lot of positive energy,” said Linehan. 

...these riders are raising funds for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.   A place Jingle Cross Rock executive race promoter John Meehan used to work as a pediatric surgeon. 

"I have a bond with this hospital and this is my way to give back to the hospital that got me started in my career,” said Meehan. 

It's a place where children go to feel better instead of just being kids. 

"I'm really grateful for my ability to be out here today and if we can benefit a greater cause, even better,” said Moore. 

Jingle Cross Rock cyclists have raised more than $100,000 for the hospital over the past several years. That money will help kids get out of the hospital and back on their own bikes. 

"We just hand it over and say here it is do with it what you will,” said Meehan. 

Sunday features a kids bike race and a holiday "Grinch" race starting at 8am.  You can donate to the University of Iowa Children's Hospital and learn more about the Jingle Cross Rock by

clicking here.