GORE BAY—While a downpour of rain for a short period of time made for a more difficult ride, the annual Bay to Bay Ride hosted by the Gore Bay Rotary Club was a huge success.
Over 60 cyclists took part in the event held last Saturday, with eight riders taking part in the 200-kilometre ride, 38 participating in a 100-kilometre ride and 20 in the 50-kilometre ride.
“I would like to thank all of you so much for coming out and taking part in our fifth annual Bay to Bay Ride,” stated Rotary club member Peter Carter, the main organizer of the event. “I’m astounded by the continuous support we receive from riders from Sudbury and from around Manitoulin Island.”
“We couldn’t do any of this without our sponsors, Manitoulin Transport, Split Rail Brewing, Breakaway Sports, and our new supporter this year, Noble Lumber,” said Mr. Carter.
Once again, the annual ride will benefit the community with the majority of the proceeds from the ride going to the Lyons Memorial United Church food cupboard. “Jeff Hietkamp is here on behalf of the church and food cupboard, where the majority of the proceeds raised from the ride will be going. They do a very good job of providing food sustainability for the community and area.”
“Food sustainability has become a new reality here in the community and area,” said Mr. Hietkamp. “We created the food cupboard program about 3-4 years ago, and we have seen an increase in the need for this. We are spending approximately $2,000 a month on groceries for the food cupboard.”
“The church is pretty pleased that the Rotary Club and everyone participating is doing this today,” said Mr. Hietkamp. “We are very grateful for all of your support.”
Dave Rogalsky, president of the Rotary Club, greeted the riders at the start of the ride. “We would like to thank all of you for coming out again to participate this year. It will be a great day for you,” he said noting, “we can’t do any of this without all of you, the riders who take part every year.”
This year’s ride included a resident of Sarnia. Chris Henrickson rode his bicycle from Sarnia to Port Elgin on Thursday, a distance of about 223 kilometres. Then he and a friend drove to the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun ferry on Friday from Tobermory to South Baymouth.
“I was here at the ride last year with my girlfriend,” Mr. Henrickson explained. He previously met Peter Carter on the Seven Days in May Ride and was encouraged to participate in the Bay to Bay Ride. I’m very happy to be here,” he said, noting he is a member of the Husky Hustle Riding Club of Sarnia.
This year’s ride on Western Manitoulin and the area around Gore Bay included different routes this year, such as one highlighting Barrie Island. “Enjoy the ride and take in the enjoyment and scenery of Barrie Island and what Manitoulin Island has to offer.”
The Gore Bay Western Manitoulin Lions Club hosted a light dinner after the ride at the town of Gore Bay Harbour Pavilion.
