Cycle for the Cause Rider Spotlight: Lewis Strange

I was immediately intrigued when I heard that Blackstone was looking for cyclists to participate in the Cycle for the Cause challenge. Combining my love of cycling with charity work is something I’ve done throughout my life, supporting causes like the American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and the MLS rides. As an Englishman, cycling is in my DNA. I started riding early in life, and one of my favorite gifts from my parents was a Scott mountain bike when I was 15. Some of my fondest memories are of riding with my dad during our summer RV trips across Europe. Though he passed away when I was 19, cycling still makes me feel close to him. Riding for charities is a way I honor his memory, and I know it’s something that would make him proud.

I’m an avid cyclist, often found on solo rides or participating in organized group rides. I average between 3,000 and 5,000 miles a year, using cycling to stay fit and manage my time. Cycling has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, mental health, muscle strength, joint mobility, and brain health. Not to mention, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly ways to get around.

Hi, my name is Lewis Strange, and I’m an HR Director with Pavion. I’ve spent the past 16 years in the Fire and Security space, building incredible relationships along the way. As an HR professional, I find nothing more rewarding than watching people develop and grow into leadership roles. It’s been a privilege to witness many of our current leaders at Pavion rise to the challenges of their roles, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.

Cycling also gives me a sense of freedom as I ride across the country and beyond. I’m gearing up for my 11th “Hotter than Hell” event at the end of the month—a 100-mile ride through the West Texas desert. Another highlight of my cycling journey was participating in last year’s 50th anniversary of the Ragbrai event in Iowa, a 500-mile, six-day ride that took us across the state. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The Blackstone ride, however, is a new challenge. Day two will cover 118 miles—a distance I’ve never attempted in one day. But I’m confident in our team’s ability to conquer this epic ride. Together, the Pavion team and the other 400 riders will raise funds to support the fight to end AIDS. We’ll depart from Boston on September 20th and arrive at the AIDS Center in New York on September 22nd, covering nearly 275 miles. I plan to capture the journey on my GoPro and share daily blogs with the Pavion team. We hope to have even more riders join us next year for what will undoubtedly be another memorable experience.

Donating to this cause is easy, and I would be incredibly grateful for your support. Click here to contribute, and know that all proceeds go directly to the Center’s efforts to find a cure for AIDS. I look forward to sharing my journey with you.