Georgia High School senior JT Withers, son of DIRT member Brian Withers, has been awarded $1,000 to help him achieve his dream of becoming a radiology physician.
DIRT’s strong sense of community and generosity often touches active Air Force member and DIRTy WattZ Drafters rider Brian Withers. When he heard the scholarship announcement, he saw it as an invaluable opportunity for his son JT to pursue his aspirations.
Brian is exceptionally proud of his son JT and for a good reason. JT is a 4.0 student, a member of the Student Council, and a Varsity Baseball and Football student-athlete. JT’s community service includes membership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, volunteer work at the Phoenix assisted living facility near his home, and reading books to children at a local elementary school.
JT has his sights set on the University of Georgia, where he plans to follow a pre-med track while studying genetics. His ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a radiologist.
The question was posed to JT, “How do your educational goals and career aspirations embody ‘The DIRT Effect’ in benefiting the community and future generations?”
His essay response encapsulated his vision, and it’s safe to say he’s a worthwhile recipient of the first annual DIRT Dad Fund scholarship.
In the words of JT Withers...
The DIRT Effect embodies a strong sense of comradery and selfless service. This is what I aspire to in my pursuit of a medical career where I can help those in need. I’ve been inspired by my dad, who serves in the military and rides with the Air Force Cycling Team. Service before self and a commitment to others are important to me and something that I want to pass on to future generations.
I enjoy helping others and pride myself on that. In school, I was a member of the BETA club, where we were very active in the community and helping those in need. As a member of the Student Council, I would help organize events and provide a positive impact to the school community.
Research has always been an interest of mine, and in June 2023, I attended the Future Doctors Medical Congress in Boston, Mass. This event was for high school and college-age students to gain insight into the medical field and research in various areas of medicine and the positive impact that research can have on patients. I was inspired and completed my Laureate Certification in Advanced Scientific Research Writing. Hopefully, one day, my research will help save lives!
In 2015, we adopted my brother, Marcus. He was seven at the time, and I was 10. He came from a broken family where alcoholism and drug use were an everyday occurrence. I felt terrible that he went through that time period and was determined to help be a positive role model in his life. Something that he never had. I worked with him and helped with his schoolwork as a tutor and mentor. I involved him in many of the safe activities I did with my friends and made him feel welcome as part of the group. He’s done very well and doing great in school, and I’m thankful that he came into our lives.
I am very much looking forward to the next chapter in my life. From high school to college is a big transition, but I am looking forward to meeting new people and facing new challenges. Faith is very important to my family and me, and I know God has a path already set for me. I’m excited about these challenges and ready to meet them head-on. I’m ready to start a pre-med track and help those in need along the way! Thank you for this opportunity.
Very Respectfully, JT
Good luck, JT!
Our Mission and Young History
The DIRT Dad Fund was founded on January 26, 2021, to assist the DIRT Zwift team and virtual cycling community. The DIRT Dad Fund received 501(c)3 recognition on May 18, 2021.
Mission Statement: To harness the power of “#TheDIRTEffect” in assisting to ‘take care of our own’ proud, less fortunate DADs experiencing life challenges that have caused financial hardship.
By allocating the proceeds of exclusive limited-edition DIRT merchandise sales to DIRT Dads and Moms in need, the DIRT Dad Fund has impacted the lives of the virtual cycling family.
First Zwift Grant Awarded to The DIRT Dad Fund
The inaugural Zwift Microgrant Program highlights the online cycling platform’s commitment to supporting its global community. Zwift’s People, Growth, and Impact team awarded five grants to worthy charitable organizations aligned with its social impact mission.
Recognizing its commitment to the virtual cycling community, the DIRT Zwift team-inspired organization received $5,000 and 20 complimentary Zwift accounts to further its mission.
Empowering Mobility: DIRT Dad Fund and Zwift Grant Team Up to Gift Adaptive Cycle to 4-Year-Old Battling Rare Disease
United for a Cause—DIRT Zwift Team Rallies to Raise $6,000 in 24 Hours to Create a Lasting Impact for a Member’s Family.
The bike has given Lucy a sense of independence and brought our family a new level of unity and shared experiences,” shares Lucy’s Dad and DIRT member Colin Kipping-Ruane.
Learn more about the overwhelming generosity of the virtual cycling community and read Colin’s inspiring speech here.
Highlights of 2022
Through the generous support of the DIRT community, the DIRT Dad Fund distributed $7,429 in financial aid in 2022 and a total of $11,409 since inception.
In the summer of 2022, the fund partnered with Pedal Industries to create a DIRT Dad Fund Store.
Pedal Industries is a US-based cycling outfitter offering a wide range of custom-designed kit and accessories. Pedal Industries fabricates everything in their California-based factory, allowing a zero minimum order on every item but socks and gloves. Item will ship to your door in 4 to 5 weeks, and the store never closes.
A significant portion of the sales goes directly to the DIRT Dad Fund, ensuring future stability, financial solvency, and a pathway to future legacy initiatives.
Your Generosity Has a Tremendous Impact, and This is only a small example!
- In May 2021, the fund helped the wife of DIRT Terrel Brown receive experimental ovarian cancer immunotherapy out of the country.
- In June 2021, the fund contributed to the memorial fund to support the family of DIRT Steven Pieper, who passed away when a motorist struck and killed him while riding his bike.
- In May 2022, the fund helped DIRT member Alex Johnson and his extraordinary son Zeke. Ezekiel was born with a rare congenital condition and required surgery to remove a mass in his lung.
- Also, in May 2022, the fund assisted Previvor MIRT Elise Mathieu in receiving diagnostic tests and preventative treatment to fight cancer proactively.
- Later that month, the fund assisted DIRT Kirk Hawks in paying for life-changing nerve graft surgery after a traumatic chainsaw accident.
- In June 2022, when DIRT Johnathan Freter‘s medical bills mounted following the tragic loss of their unborn child while vacationing out of the country, the fund helped provide financial support.
- In addition to sending countless Get Well care packages and Celebratory gifts to lift and enhance the community’s well-being!
Support The DIRT Dad Fund by visiting our store for high quality exclusive merchandise!
On behalf of The DIRT Dad Fund Committee, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude for the community’s generosity and support. The DIRT Dad Fund is nothing without you!
Semi-retired after more than 20 years as the owner and director of a private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice, Chris now enjoys the freedom to dedicate himself to his passions—virtual cycling and writing.
Driven to give back to the sport that has enriched his life with countless experiences and relationships, he founded a non-profit organization, TheDIRTDadFund. In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to his “Gain Cave” on Long Island, New York, raising support for his charity.
His passion for cycling shines through in his writing, which has been featured in prominent publications like Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. In 2024, he was on-site in Abu Dhabi, covering the first live, in-person UCI Cycling Esports World Championship.
His contributions to cycling esports have not gone unnoticed, with his work cited in multiple research papers exploring this evolving discipline. He sits alongside esteemed esports scientists as a member of the Virtual Sports Research Network and contributes to groundbreaking research exploring the new frontier of virtual physical sport. Chris co-hosts The Virtual Velo Podcast, too.
