Bike ride fundraiser event memorializes Buffalo Township teen and what he loved
A memorial bicycle ride for Dylan Tarbi, who died May 24, 2024, at 13 years old, is not only a way for his family to celebrate Dylan with an activity he loved, it’s a chance for them to contribute to other programs Dylan enjoyed.
The second annual Dylan Tarbi Memorial Bike Ride is Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Buffalo Creek Nature Center. The event raises money for agencies including the Freeport Community Library, Freeport school student activity fund and the Deer Lake Backpack Initiative.
Robin Tarbi, Dylan’s mom, said her son would be happy to know money from the Dylan Tarbi Foundation was going to these organizations. He frequented the library, and he was in the ski club at Freeport Middle School.
The bike ride is also a reminder of Dylan. Tarbi said she hopes it helps people who knew him remember that he was adventurous in life.
“He loved to be outside. He loved the trail. He loved to ride his bike,” she said. “That’s always what’s first and foremost, to remember him, but also to be adventurous.”
The bike ride will feature music by DJ Ann, the Hard Heads Helmet Program by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Touch a Sarver fire truck, a bake sale, basket raffles and a 50/50. It will also feature a table from C.O.R.E., because Dylan was an organ donor, according to Tarbi.
But mainly, the event invites people to ride the Butler Freeport Community Trail and enjoy nature, like Dylan did.
Tarbi said her family has had a few events to remember Dylan since he died in 2024, including a dodge ball tournament in February, which was attended by many of Dylan’s friends.
She said forming a foundation, which is on its way to becoming a certified nonprofit, and running events in his memory have helped her and her family through the grief they have felt since losing him. The memorial ride was a positive force last year, she said, and she hopes to see it grow this year.
“From my perspective and our family’s perspective, it gives us something to focus on in our grief and focus on the community,” Tarbi said. “We just have a special day celebrating and focus on the good with our church family and everyone.”
The Dylan Tarbi Memorial Bike Ride event begins at 2 p.m. at 154 Monroe Road in Buffalo Township.
The ride starts at the Monroe Trailhead, then turns around at Sarver Road — a nearly 6-mile round trip. Registration costs $25.
The registration deadline is Aug. 25. Register at https://bit.ly/4gqZzw2, which will link to the Google Doc form.
