Jermey Clement has summer on his mind.

On Aug. 19, Clement will ride in the third annual Baroudeur, Wayne State University’s cycling event to raise money for student scholarships. Clement, who earned an M.B.A. from the Mike Ilitch School of Business in 2005, will ride the 62-mile course.

Clement, pictured on the left with fellow rider Nigel Wu,  was the first rider to register for this year’s event.

Although he has participated in the Baroudeur since its inaugural ride in 2015, Clement, 37, doesn’t consider himself a serious cyclist. This will be his second year riding the 62-mile course; in 2015, he rode the 50-mile course.

“I thought the first year was going to be a real challenge for me, but I trained for it. Last year, I challenged myself further and I was really proud when I completed the 62-mile course,” Clement said. “When people are intimidated by the number, I tell them they’re capable of more than they think — they just have to be really committed and focused during training.”

To prepare for this year’s ride, Clement will begin riding around his Warren subdivision with the goal of completing two 20-mile rides per week through the spring. As the weather improves, he plans to add rides on the Macomb Orchard Trail, which totals 48 miles per round trip.

“It’s kind of amazing just how many miles you can get in not that far from your own home,” he said. “Cycling is an exercise I actually enjoy, because rather than staring at the same wall from an elliptical, you’re out in the neighborhood seeing new things.”

The Baroudeur offers riders the opportunity to see plenty of new things, with 20, 62 and 100-mile routes going from Detroit all the way through Downriver. The event will conclude with a post-ride celebration on campus with music, food and beer.

“As a returning rider, you get to know people and there’s this great sense of community,” Clement said. “Once the ride is done, there’s kind of a euphoric feeling at the party, because you’ve all accomplished something and you’ve shared the experience.”

As an alumnus, Clement appreciates the opportunity to give back through the Baroudeur. Participation in the event helps support students in need by raising money for scholarships and for the university’s HIGH program, which supports financially stressed students.

“I think the fact that this ride directly supports Wayne State students really sets it apart from other events,” he said. “For the registration fee, you get a lot — from the ride itself to the police support and the after-party — and you know that your money is going to a worthy cause.”

Cyclists of all fitness and experience levels are invited to register for the event and join WSU for its free training sessions, which begin May 2.

“We want all of our riders to have a good time whatever distance they choose to ride,” said Rob MacGregor, WSU’s senior director of planned gifts, who coordinates and leads the training sessions. “Being prepared for the ride by being in shape is the best way to have fun. Our Tuesday evening group rides combine fun and conditioning. They're designed to get riders together on campus, create comradery and provide a chance to ride some nice routes in the city." 

To further support WSU students in need, a Crowdrise page has been launched to allow riders — as well as faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the campus community — to donate or raise money in support of student scholarships and the HIGH program.

To learn more, visit baroudeur.wayne.edu.