Describe it however you want: The renowned “Southie time” not only raises money in support of countless people and worthy causes, it also becomes a marvelously enjoyable event in the process. The “Southie time” is a true social phenomenon.
This particular “Southie time” is called “A Bike Ride for Mark’s New Ride” and is happening right now. The story began tragically in 2013, when Mark Delamere was only 14 years old. He was in a horrible car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Despite being wheelchair bound, Mark was not one to hang back. He enrolled in Motivated Fitness (315 West Broadway), where he has worked out at least twice a week ever since his accident. Thomas Regan, the son of Ultimate Fitness owner Tom Regan, is Mark’s trainer.
That’s not all. A year after his accident, while still in rehab, Mark organized a street hockey tournament, “The Kevin Cellucci Classic,” to raise money for the Cellucci family, who were in the other car. Kevin Cellucci was left with a traumatic brain injury. Thinking of others before himself, Mark (aided by his friends), raised $20,000 for Kevin.
A “Southie time” gathering at Regan’s Motivated Fitness – Thomas Reagan (trainer), Tom Regan (rider), Mark Delamere (father), Mark Delamere (son), and Michael Kineavy (rider). The third rider, not shown, is Tim Connolly. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
So there is a reason – a worthy cause – to aim for: Mark is now an active 17-year-old and needs a car to get to Journey Forward for his ongoing therapy/rehab and to Motivated Fitness for his workouts. This car requires special fitting so he can drive it, which will cost $50,000 or more. This is “Mark’s New Ride” in this “Southie time’s” title.
A “Southie time” usually includes a major social event, which not only raises money, but is also hugely enjoyable. In this case, the social event was a Derby Day blowout on Saturday, May 7. Steve Mulrey generously set aside Amrhein’s, his landmark restaurant, for the Derby Day party. Amrhein’s was packed shoulder to shoulder with enthusiastic partiers. There’s nothing like a “Southie time” for enjoyment.
Michael Kineavy, Tom Regan and Tim Connolly began a 1,400-mile bike ride from South Boston to Florida on May 12. They started at Saunder’s Stadium. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Finally, a real, true “Southie time” frequently includes something involving sports. Boston is a sports-mad city; Southie is perhaps Boston’s most sports-mad neighborhood. “A Bike Ride for Mark’s New Ride” is no exception to this rule. The ride is actually a 1,400 mile odyssey by three bicyclists, all the way from South Boston’s Saunders Stadium to Jacksonville, Fla. The cyclists – Tom Regan, Michael Kineavy and Tim Connolly – began their epic ride at sunrise on Thursday morning, May 12. They expect to complete their ride before the end of May and then return by van.
And that’s how “Southie Times” go. Impressive, aren’t they?
South Boston Online will keep you posted on the 1,400 mile ride’s progress; we’ll include some background on the three riders and other people involved in this effort. In the meantime, you can help this particular “Southie time” by making a donation for Mark Delamere’s “new ride.” Contact Thomas Regan at 857-272-3675 or tregan.rmf@gmail.com. (A blog at regansmotivatedfitness.com is also chronicling the ride.)
Mark Delamere enjoying his “Southie time” at Amrhein’s on Saturday, May 7. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Michael Kineavy, one of the cyclists riding to Florida, in Amrhein’s at the Derby Day “Southie time” for Mark Delamere. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
A jam-packed sellout at Amrhein’s for the Mark Delamere fundraising “Southie time” on May 7. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Andrea and Tom Regan at the Derby Day “Southie time” on May 7 at Amrhein’s for Mark Delamere. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
The three cyclists – Michael Kineavy, Tom Regan and Tim Connolly – surrounded by their starting line fans. Mark Delamere, his family (Sheila and Mark, Sr.), and team van driver Joe Ackinson are at the far left. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
Those saying goodbye to the bicycling trio on Thursday, May 12, included Thomas Regan, Eileen Fenton, Mark Delamere, young Mark Delamere, Sheila Delamere, and Joe Atkinson. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
The cyclists ride on Columbia Road in South Boston as they start their ride to Florida on Thursday, May 12. (Photo by Rick Winterson)
