Chuck Mannix’s first BellRinger experience began quietly — almost anonymously. A new face in a sea of Riders, he was the only representative of Team Washington Gas during BellRinger’s Inaugural Ride in 2022. “In our first year, I was a team of one,” Chuck recalled with a humble smile. “I didn’t really know anyone. I just showed up and rode because I wanted to do something good.”
That first Ride left a lasting impression on him—not only because of the challenge and sense of accomplishment, but because of the palpable energy and collective spirit of every Rider there. “I knew right away that BellRinger was special. There was something different about this Ride,” he shared. “The energy and dedication in the air, it just pulls you in.” While his solitary start could have been discouraging, for Chuck, it was just the beginning of a much larger story — one that would bring his company together and deepen his own connection to the cause.
After moving from Columbus, Ohio to the DC area in 2019, Chuck was committed to engaging with his new community and coworkers. He found out about BellRinger, and as a past Rider in Pelotonia, a ride raising money for cancer research in Ohio, he knew this would be his new activity. “Cancer affects everyone. We’ve all had loved ones who’ve battled it, and you can’t help but want to do something in honor of them,” he said. That desire to make a difference, paired with his love for cycling, solidified his participation in BellRinger. “I love that feeling of people coming together to do something good. It’s uplifting,” he said. After riding in year one, he knew it wouldn’t stay a one-man effort for long and was committed to engaging Washington Gas and growing their team.
The next year, Chuck’s enthusiasm was infectious. Despite still being new to the area and juggling the complexities of managing a team in a hybrid workplace, he rallied eight other colleagues to join him in BellRinger. “Everyone who participated really got the fever, got excited, and enjoyed it,” he shared. With a proud smile, he added, “And they became better ambassadors than just me.”
Now for year three, the Washington Gas team has grown to 15 Riders, with a solid foundation of support. “It’s been a lot of work, but I’m thrilled with what we’ve built so far,” Chuck said. For him, it’s not just about growing the team — it’s about planting the seeds for a long-term commitment to BellRinger and to the community. “I want to build something sustainable, something that will keep going long after I’m no longer the team captain.”
Chuck’s motivation to expand Washington Gas’s participation stems from his belief that this isn’t just a “charity event” — it’s a powerful statement about what the company stands for. “We’re pretty lucky because Blue Jenkins, the President of Washington Gas, is so supportive of Georgetown, Lombardi, and BellRinger,” he explained. That support from leadership has been critical in helping the team succeed year after year. “Blue provides a generous donation to the team, and from there, we build up the rest to meet our commitments.” But for Chuck, the real value of Washington Gas’s involvement goes beyond the numbers. “It’s about being visible. We’re out there wearing the company’s logo, being ambassadors, and showing up for something that matters. It’s a two-for-one for the company—the money helps cancer research, and we’re out there representing our company’s values.”
What makes Chuck’s leadership so compelling is his deeply personal connection to the mission. Riding for the sake of the company is one thing, but Chuck’s drive is rooted in the lives touched by cancer. Every year, he dedicates his ride to three people—someone who has passed away from cancer, someone who has survived, and someone who is still in the fight. “That’s what keeps me going. When I see other Riders with a survivor jersey, it just makes me feel fantastic. It’s a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reminder of how much work we still have to do.”
For Chuck, every ride has its challenges, but also has unexpected moments of joy. In his first BellRinger, when he showed up alone, he ended up riding alongside a young Rider from North Carolina named Isaac. “We seemed to be moving at about the same pace, so we stuck together for the rest of the ride,” he recalled. “Crossing the finish line together—two strangers who’d found each other out there on the road—was something really special.” That moment of camaraderie stuck with him, and when Chuck returned the following year, he was shocked and delighted to see Isaac again. “I didn’t see him at the start, but around mile 20, there he was. We rode the rest of the way together, just like we had before. That’s the kind of connection BellRinger creates.” Now, Chuck hopes he’ll see Isaac out there again this year—one more familiar face in a crowd of Riders united by a shared goal.
Training for BellRinger takes commitment, and Chuck doesn’t take it lightly! “I try to get to CycleBar four or five times a week—it’s a good, safe routine for me to stay in shape,” he shared. While indoor cycling keeps him fit, it’s no substitute for being out on the road. So, when he can, he takes to the trails around Arlington. His favorite is a challenging loop known as the Arlington Triangle, which weaves together three of Northern Virginia’s most scenic trails—the WO&D, the Mount Vernon Trail, and the Custis Trail. “My favorite part is the big hill coming up to Ballston from down at the river. That’s where I push myself the hardest.”
Looking forward, Chuck dreams of growing Washington Gas’s presence at BellRinger and making it a cornerstone of the company’s community engagement efforts. “I’d like to build a team larger next year and make this sustainable for well into the future,” he said thoughtfully. “I want Washington Gas to be there every year that the event is held, long after I’ve stepped down.”
His vision doesn’t stop at just building the team, though. He sees BellRinger evolving into something that’s impossible to ignore — a movement that unites the DC community in the fight against cancer. “I’d like to see BellRinger grow so big, so impactful, that it becomes a part of the fabric of this city. When you get to that point, it’s not just about the Riders — it’s about everyone being involved in their own way.”
From a team of one to the captain of a growing, passionate squad, Chuck has become a cornerstone of Washington Gas’s involvement in BellRinger. His leadership is defined by his deep personal commitment, his ability to rally his colleagues, and his unwavering belief that every mile, every dollar, and every Rider makes a difference.
