Penny Rides

Luke Espe • January 27, 2021
A black and white drawing of abraham lincoln on a penny.

Who doesn’t like a friendly competition?

12 Labours CrossFit is excited to present Penny Rides, a fundraising initiative where both districts will raise money for a local non-profit organization during a 3 week period. We will announce our non-profit organization soon! Each district will have a bucket for collecting loose coins, but dollar bills and checks may also be accepted.

At the end of the 3 week collection period, the donations will be tallied the week after and the total amount of money raised will become the penalty for the opposing district. For every 5 cents raised, one calorie will need to be performed on the Assault Bike (i.e. $500 = 10,000 calories).

Members will come together on Saturday, March 13th during normal class times to accumulate max calories in 30 minute slots to contribute to their team’s total calories. Coaches from the home district will be responsible for completing any Assault Bike calories not completed on the designated event date.


But wait…there’s more!


The district that holds the the highest average cals within 30 minutes will be deemed the winner. Athletes from the winning district will have a chance to win a FREE Assault Air Bike through a random raffle drawing. Members must participate on the event date to be eligible for the raffle drawing.


A logo for 12 labours x back on my feet

We use the power of running as a catalyst to empower our members to reach self-sufficiency.

12 Labours CrossFit will be partnering up with Back on My Feet (@backonmyfeet) Baltimore for our upcoming fundraising initiative. Donations raised for Penny Rides will support a national organization in 13 major cities across the US working to combat homelessness through running, community support and essential employment and housing resources. To date, over 5,500 individuals in the program have been supported from homelessness to independence.


12 Labours CrossFit will positively impact a group of individuals to help with educational/professional certificate costs in addition to security deposits for future housing. Members in the BoMF program commit to running at least 3x/week at 5:45am for an entire month prior to gaining access for the Next Steps program. 

The Workforce Development training begins: each member attends financial literacy classes and job skills training provided through partnerships with corporate partners, better preparing them for the jobs and lives ahead of them.

To read more about BoMF and our non-profit involvement, click here.

Video Credit: @backonmyfeet x @pitmixproductions


Donation Impact

$25- Can provide an individual interview material

$50- Can provide an individual fitness gear

$75- Can provide an individual transportation (i.e. bus pass)

$100- Can provide an individual work clothes and supplies

$250- Can supply individuals with basic furnishings ie a bed

$500- Can supply an individual with enrollment fees & suppliers for school

$1,000- Can cover the cost of most professional certifications

$2,500- Can help provide a security deposit and first months of rent

$5,000 Can help members go through computer and financial literacy courses

donation period

Monday, February 1st - Friday, February 19th

Event Details

When: Saturday, March 13th

Location: 12L Annapolis or 12L Columbia

*Each district will provide 10-12 Assault Bikes in 30 minute blocks, depending on participation. Members will accumulate max calories within the designated time period.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I reserve my 30 minute spot?

A: Members can reserve their spot via Wodify Class Schedule during normal class hours.

Q: Are checks acceptable?

A: Yes, please email wilson@the12labours.com

Q: Can I reserve more than 1 - 30 minute spot?

A: Yes, athletes may choose to take another spot if there are remaining bikes that need to be filled. 

MORE RECENT POSTS

June 20, 2025
About three years ago, a group of about 8 athletes kicked off the Annapolis Special Olympics small group CrossFit program. Within the first year, the program quickly gained momentum, expanding to include a second class of new athletes eager to join in. Since then, the small group training program has grown into something much more — a bond forged through movement, sweat, and shared triumphs. Thanks to the support of volunteer coaches and a belief in what’s possible, this program continues to inspire, challenge, and uplift everyone involved. It’s a class full of laughter, determination, and milestones that often go far beyond the physical. These athletes show up with heart and teach all of us — coaches, gym members, and each other — what it means to enjoy exercise and celebrate every small win. It’s impossible to leave without a smile. As a coach, the rewards are profound. Volunteering for this program isn’t just about teaching movements and foundations. It’s about showing up, being present, and believing in someone else’s potential — sometimes before they believe in it themselves. You get to witness growth not just in athletic ability, but in self-esteem, independence, and social connection. It’s a reminder of why we all fell in love with fitness in the first place: because it empowers. This program is a space where ability is redefined, where effort is everything, and where community truly shines. If you’re looking for purpose, or just someone who wants to be part of something bigger — this is it. The athletes will change your life, just by being exactly who they are. Shelby A. Bentley, M.S. CCC-SLP
By Mel McCamley June 19, 2025
We’re excited to spotlight Ariana, a committed and inspiring member of our 12 Labours CrossFit community! From early morning workouts to passion-driven work outside the gym, Ariana brings the same level of dedication and energy to every part of life. A quick Google search was all it took to discover 12 Labours after moving to Annapolis in June 2021. Already familiar with CrossFit, Ariana quickly felt at home thanks to the welcoming staff and strong community vibe. Getting started was seamless—and the rest is history. You’ll often catch her crushing it at either the 6:30 AM or 3:30 PM class, proving that discipline and routine make all the difference. A big fan of power cleans and kipping pull-ups, Ariana thrives on dynamic movements that combine power and technique. And the next goal? Knocking a bar muscle-up (BMU) off the bucket list! Since joining, she has built up strength and now confidently knocks out strict pull-ups and regular push-ups—major wins that speak to her hard work and perseverance. “The people, the coaches, and the programming,” Ariana says without hesitation. “12 Labours constantly reminds me of my limits—and then pushes me to break them.” It’s that kind of mindset that keeps this community strong and motivated. “CrossFit isn’t about being perfect. You don’t need to be fit to start—you start to get fit,” Ariana adds. “Everyone is at their own level, and the community is super supportive. They’ll help you find your pace.” When Ariana isn’t working out, life stays full and adventurous. A physical therapist at a senior living community by profession, she also enjoys traveling, crabbing and fishing with her husband, running a side business donating eggs, and caring for a small farm of animals. Congratulations, Ariana! Your dedication, positive energy, and commitment to growth embody everything we strive for at 12 Labours. Keep crushing your goals—we can’t wait to celebrate that first BMU with you!
12 Labours Athlete of the Month
By Chelsea Espe June 12, 2025
Congrats to Jill Stinson for receiving AOTM for May! Jill joined 12 Labours after having multiple pregnancy losses and needed something to get back into an exercising routine to feel strong again. Jill had considered joining CrossFit and found 12 Labours closest to her, once she took the first class it helped her realize truly how strong she was! "It was intimidating initially walking in the doors, but the coaches are so kind, knowledgeable and helpful in finding the right option for you and where YOU are at. This allowed me to focus on myself and my goals, while also supporting others." Jill is a physical therapist full-time and regularly attends the 5:30pm class. Her biggest goal right now is to do a strict pull-up and is improving on headstands (thanks for Erin and Sunday yoga). Her favorite 12 Labours memory is Resolution Games 2025, and enjoys the friendships built and daily laughs. Jill thrives off of the community at 12 Labours and encouragement from the coaching staff and other athletes. "That’s what makes it so wonderful. Even on your hardest day everyone is cheering you on, and pushing you to be your best self. This place is truly a community I never had before!" Jills advice to anyone hesitant to start is to do the hard thing, because it will 100% be worth it. Don’t compare yourself to others, you are on your own journey and showing up each day is a win. Congrats Jill!
More Posts

you can ACHIEVE your goals with us

CrossFit is meant for all levels of fitness, and our universally scalable model is built for you.