Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Plans Cycling Event
Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club president Don Holm has a relaxed attitude toward the organization's annual fundraising ride. "We like to attract as many riders as we can and just have a good time," said Holm of the ride, which raises funds for a number of community organizations - enough for club members to give away $50,000 in scholarships; $25,000 in district grants; and $109,500 in community fund grants in the last five years.
This year's Ride for the Community will be held rain or shine at the Manheim Township Community Park, 209 Petersburg Road, Neffsville, on Saturday, June 4, with rolling starts beginning at 7 a.m. Riders must register and check in between 7 and 9 a.m.
The ride is designed to appeal to bicycle enthusiasts by offering four routes - a 10-mile family ride; a 21-mile ride through scenic countryside; a 43-mile ride showcasing farms, schoolhouses, and covered bridges; and a metric century ride of 100 kilometers, equivalent to approximately 62 miles. Metric century riders must depart by 8 a.m. On this course, an optional hill stage called the Cat's Back challenge will be offered. Ride participants will find water and rest stops located along each of the marked routes.
For many years, the event was called the Literacy Ride, but a few years ago, it was renamed. "(The new) name is more indicative of what we're trying to do," said Holm, who noted that this year, Rotary Club members are each sponsoring a rider from Lifecycles. Lifecycles, based in Wrightsville, is an organization that is open to boys and girls ages 12 to 18. Lifecycles offers participants a chance to enjoy friendship, mentoring, and bike riding with a faith focus. Thirty Lifecycles participants will take part in the ride. In addition, the club has partnered with The Common Wheel to accept quality, gently used bikes from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. the day of the ride. More information about the organization may be found at http://www.thecommonwheel.com.
Holm pointed out that funds have been used locally to aid high school students with continuing education. He noted that district grants allow a club president to choose a project to fund and that in 2021, that project was the Lancaster-Lebanon Education Fund to support IU13 students who needed learning materials to use at home. Other local organizations that have benefited include Aaron's Acres, Byrnes Health Education Center, Love INC of Lancaster County, and Off the Streets Lancaster.
At a March meeting of the club, a special grant was awarded to aid victims of the war in Ukraine. "We are doing a $5,000 grant to an organization in Budapest, Hungary, to help get money to Ukrainian humanitarian relief," said Holm.
The 2021 event attracted nearly 100 riders. Those who would like to take part this year may register online by Wednesday, June 1, by searching for "Rotary Ride for the Community 2022" at http://www.active.com. Registration will also be open the day of the event. Questions may be directed to Steve Bareuther at sbareuther@msn.com. Sunrise Rotary welcomes new members. Readers who would like to learn more about the organization may visit http://www.lancastersunriserotaryofpa.com.
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