We are Padyak Lakad—a brotherhood that started not on bikes, but on foot.
In the beginning, we were just a group of friends in our 40s—family men, professionals, weekend warriors—carving out time from busy lives to hike, talk, and reconnect with each other. Life moved fast, but on the trail, we slowed it down. Step by step, story by story, we built something stronger than just fitness—we built camaraderie.
Then one autumn morning, curiosity led us to try something new.
Our first ride together was a simple 10-mile spin along the Monarch Levee Trail. It wasn’t about speed or distance. It was about the experience—the crisp air, the quiet rhythm of pedaling, the shared laughs. That ride changed everything.
Since then, Padyak Lakad has evolved.
From hikers, we became cyclists—riding nearly every weekend across the beautiful trails of the St. Louis area. You’ll find us rolling through the long stretches of the Katy Trail, cruising the paved paths of Grant’s Trail, exploring the network of Madison County Transit Trails, and tackling the gravel and grit of the Hamburg Trail and Pork Chop Loop.
What started as 10 miles has grown into 30-mile rides—sometimes more—shared almost every weekend. The miles got longer, but so did our bond.
Along the way, some of us took on bigger challenges. Two of our riders tested themselves at the Dirty South Roubaix, discovering not just the challenge of gravel racing, but the joy in pushing limits together. Inspired and hungry for more, we’re now setting our sights on the legendary Mid South Gravel Race next year.
But beyond the miles, beyond the races, beyond the finish lines—there’s a deeper purpose.
We ride for something bigger than ourselves.
As part of Pedal the Cause, Padyak Lakad is committed to helping advance cancer research. Like many, we have seen how cancer touches lives—friends, family, communities. And while we may not wear lab coats, we ride with intention. Every mile we pedal is a small step toward hope. Every ride is a reminder that together, we can make a difference.
We are not elite athletes.
We are not professionals on the bike.
We are fathers.
We are friends.
We are everyday people choosing to show up—for each other and for a cause that matters.
We are Padyak Lakad.
And we ride with purpose.
Join us by registering for our team or making a donation today.
