ELORA – On May 26, cyclists of all ages and abilities will ride local road and trail routes in the 9th annual Food Cycle Ride benefitting the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
With $100,000 raised in its first eight years, the Food Cycle Ride organizing team is hoping to grow its contribution to the food bank by expanding the number of participants, both riders and volunteers.
To date, funds raised have helped the Centre Wellington Food Bank feed hundreds of local families, including 304 in 2018 alone.
While the Food Cycle Ride is not a competition, organizers note some families, teams and individual riders strive to acquire multiple pledges to become top fundraisers in their categories, with trophies awarded for the most pledges.
Riders not seeking pledges can opt to simply pay an entry fee.
Anyone wanting to register or donate to an individual, team or family can visit www.foodcycleride.ca.
Those who register online, other than youth riders, will pay a reduced entry fee. Fees are waved for participants whose pledges meet certain levels indicated on the website.
Volunteers will greet riders at Elora Public School for registration at 8am with the first group of riders departing at 9:20am.
Upon completion of the 20 or 40km Elora Cataract Trail course or the 40 or 75km road course, music and a free lunch will be provided for all at the school.
The Food Cycle Ride has become a popular community event attracting an array of local and regional sponsors, volunteers and riders.
Last year’s ride netted more than $18,000.
“Spring is here and May 26 is approaching,” officials say. “This event is a great way to kick off the summer and help some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
All riders are invited to take part.
Those interested in volunteering are also encouraged to sign up through the website.
