In 2017 and 2018, the dates the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary chose for the organization's annual Literacy Ride did not present with the best weather, but in 2019, the sun returned. "The weather in 2019 was great," reported organizer Steve Bareuther. "It was great seeing the bikers arrive throughout the morning ready to support the ride." Bareuther noted that the club's goal was 150 riders last year, and about 130 took part.
As in the past, this year's race is scheduled to be held at the Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Neffsville. The 2020 Literacy Ride will be held rain or shine on Saturday, July 25, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. and rolling starts from 7 to 9 a.m.
To make the Literacy Ride appealing to bicycle enthusiasts at a variety of riding levels, the event will offer four routes with names that correspond to types of literature. The 10-mile family ride is called the Short Story. The Novel will travel through 21 miles of Lancaster countryside, and the Trilogy will span 43 miles of area scenery, showcasing farms, schoolhouses, and covered bridges. The Epic, a metric century ride of 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles), will be available to challenge the most adventurous riders. On this course, an optional hill stage called the Cat's Back challenge will be offered near Fairmount in Ephrata.
Ride participants will find water and rest stops located along each of the marked routes. Cue sheets, SAG support, sports beverages, snacks, and comfort stations will also be provided to registered riders. A lunch will be available at the park for riders.
In 2018, the Rotary Club began partnering with The Common Wheel, an organization that works to provide bikes for people and encourage a culture of biking for transportation as well as recreation. The park became a drop-off location, with club members accepting quality, gently used bikes throughout the ride. This year, the partnership will continue, and riders and nonriders are invited to donate bikes from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the park. One of the organization's programs works to empower youths through hands-on skills they learn by repairing their own bicycles after school and in the summer. The organization also works with social service agencies to provide bikes for those in need. More information about the organization may be found at http://www.thecommonwheel.com.
The club has long partnered with the Literary Council of Lancaster-Lebanon, and a portion of what is raised by the ride will be donated to that organization. The club also supports other local community organizations and helps fund international missions, such as sending eye doctors to the Dominican Republic, Nepal, and parts of Africa. The club sends area students to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards at Messiah College.
Sunrise Rotary has also formed a relationship with Carter and MacRae Elementary School in the School District of Lancaster, and the club donates books to the school. "We also tutor third grade students at the school in reading and life skills," said Bareuther. "We throw them a great Christmas party with Santa and gifts and food too."
Beginning in 2019, the club offered a more inclusive sponsorship package for local businesses and individuals involving both the club's Literacy Ride and the car show members hold in the Neffsville Park each September.
Riders who would like to register to take part may do so at http://www.active.com/lititz-pa/cycling/races/ride-for-literacy-2020. Questions may be directed to Bareuther at sbareuther@msn.com.
Sunrise Rotary, which has more than 60 members, typically meets on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. at the Bent Creek Country Club, 620 Bent Creek Drive, Lititz. The club welcomes new members. Individuals who are interested in joining may email Bareuther. Readers who would like to learn more about the organization may visit http://www.lancastersunriserotaryofpa.com.
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