GORE BAY—On a beautiful day for bicycling, the Gore Bay Rotary Club held a very successful third annual Bay to Bay bicycle ride this past Saturday.
“We want to thank all of you for being here today,” said Rotarian Dave Rogalsky in greeting the first riders who took part in the 200 kilometre ride early Saturday morning. “We certainly couldn’t do this without you and all your support.”
A total of 18 riders took part in the 200-kilometre century ride while there were 47 participants in the half century ride-100 kilometres. As well, five children and two parents took part in the family fun/children’s ride of six kilometres.
Dieter Trodel, who lives in Toronto but had previously lived in Sudbury, took part in the ride again this year. He and Evansville rider Jeff Gilmore, who took part (and completed) his first 100 kilometre ride, helped each other prepare for this year’s ride over the winter. “I was here for the ride last year, and Jeff wanted to take part in this year’s ride. He took part in a 65 kilometre ride in June and managed that very well.”
“Anyway, during the winter we would text each other every day and make sure we had both done our situps, pushups and planks every day, to stay in shape and prepare for this years ride,” said Mr. Trodel.
Ben Quackenbush of Little Current, who took part in the 200 kilometre ride said, “we love riding and getting out to ride and seeing different parts of the Island we don’t normally see.”
Split Rail Brewing Co was one of the sponsors of this year’s ride. “We have been a sponsor of this ride for the past couple of years. Originally (Rotarian) Peter Carter had approached us about being a sponsor of the ride. We are definitely happy that he and the club did this,” said acting manager Barb Erskine
“The Rotary Club does so much good work, and the funds they raise go to many good projects on the Island,” said Ms. Erskine. “And personally, I admire the determination of the cyclists in their preparation and taking part in this ride.”
“Split Rail supports biking on the Island and many cyclists like to visit our patio deck in Gore Bay when they visit the town and the Island,” said Ms. Erskine. “We love their visits and accommodating them.”
Proceeds from this year’s ride will help fight food insecurity and will be going to local food banks.
Riders also had the opportunity to win gift certificate prizes from Breakaway Sports and Cycle ($500, $250 and $150) as rewards for being one of the three people raising the most through donations.
